How Long Do Concrete Tile Roofs Last?

Knowing how long does concrete tiled roofs requires that we look into the construction of the roof and the type of underlayment that is set beneath them.

Honestly, any concrete tiled roof will last for as long as 50 years or five decades. This is dependent on various different factors, including maintenance, the underlayment quality, inspection checks consistently, and many other components that we will talk about in this article. At the end of the day, it’s essential to understand that most may replace their roof system before since they want to make their roof look fresh since, after years of sunshine, the roof won’t look the best.

Roof made of concrete tiled will either last long or have a brief moment on your structure and give way; it all boils down to how well built and installed the concrete tiles are.

Getting to Know the Concrete Tile Roofs

Typically, concrete tile roofs have an incredible reputation for durability and long lifespan, thanks to their capacity to hold out against the elements, including weather, wind, storm, rain, and snow. They’re usually composed of three ingredients, namely, sand, cement, and water.  Depending on the manufacturers, other extra components could vary.

Features of Concrete Tiled Roofs

Weight Differences

In terms of weight, concrete tiles can either be lightweight or standard weight, and each of these comes with their merit and demerits. Although concrete tiles with lightweight don’t add an extra pound to your house to carry, they’re not the best when it comes to longevity.

Going for the standard weight concrete tiles is the best option because they tend to be strong and can comfortably resist damage that results from the hit from harsh weather conditions, heavy rain, or snowfall.

Variety of Patterns

Roofs made with concrete tiles come in three different models: the flat or no-curve profile tiles, the low or small-curve profile tiles, and the high or big-curve profile tiles. And depending on the homeowner’s preference or roofer, you can choose between rough and smooth concrete tile roofs.

Cost-Effective

Usually, concrete tiled roofs are cost-effective. The lightweight concrete tiled roof is offered at a relatively higher price than the standard concrete tiles.

How Long Does Concrete Tile Roof Last?

It is not always easy to second guess how long a concrete tiled roof will last if you don’t know the standard lifespan.

Typically, a concrete tiled roof can last for as long as 50 years. Making this work depends on several factors, including adequate maintenance, regular inspection, using good-quality underlayment, and getting the right contractor or professional roofer.

But do you have to wait until after ten decades before replacing the roof? I do not think so. By the time your roof is 30 or 35 years, it’d have lost its first glittery look and elegant color. You may not even love the shape it puts on by the time it clocks 40 years. You could find a replacement before your roof reaches that amount of time, even if all other maintenance procedures are routinely and constantly carried out.

While the tile may last for up to 50 years, the felt or paper underlayment wears out too quickly and will require replacing it 20 to 30 years after the roof is installed. Some come sooner than that.

If you find out that the materials used to make the roofs are substandard, you’ll be forced to replace it far sooner than ten years. Some roofs that are not correctly installed may take just a few years before it’s uninstalled and then reinstalled.

Increasing the Longevity of Concrete Tiled Roofs

There are steps to extend your concrete tiled roofs’ lifespan and make them last longer. Usually, like you would do to maintain your home items, gadgets, and furniture, keeping roofs made with concrete tiles isn’t precisely rocket science.

Insulate the Roof

One of the roof’s essential functions is to keep the inside of the house warm, cold, and comfortable. So, insulating, it becomes necessary to the overall comfort. It enhances the resilience of your roof by preventing excessive heat loss due to direct exposure to the sun.

To keep the house warm and reduce the cost maintenance, there’s the need to insulate it with the right material. Using airtight spray foam insulation is the perfect option. It is easy to install and offers breathable features and resistance to condensation and moisture.

Choose a Reliable Roofer

Never settle for a roofer or roof contractor who is skilled in making and installing concrete tiles. Contract the job to a professional who would deliver top-quality installation. If your roof is not installed correctly, it will rip at the wind or snow hit.

Ensure Quality Material

The materials used in making the concrete tiles are the basis, and once the foundation is shaky, there’s little, or nothing installation will offer. That’s why mixing the cement with water and sand at the very primary stage combines the materials in the right proportion. The same rule applies to the making of tiles. Materials with the highest quality must be used.

Use Quality Underlayment

Before the shingles are installed, ensure your concrete tiled roofs have been properly and adequately underlaid with top-quality material. Standard underlayment is essential to protect the roof from the penetration by moisture and snow. It also helps in preventing the roof from ripping off after a wind hit.

Have a Routine Check

Carrying out a regular inspection on the roof is very important. Make sure you get your roofer to inspect the roof at the end of any heavy wind, rainfall, or snowfall.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to Replace my Concrete Tiled Roof? Apart from your personal preference, once you find out that your roof has started to lose its shape, texture, and color, replacing it becomes necessary.
Leakages could also necessitate the replacement of roofs. By this time, you may start to notice water coming down through the ceiling.
However, it’s not all the time you carry out a complete replacement. If the roof is not installed correctly, you’ll only need to uninstall and reinstall.

Which is more durable: Concrete Tile Roofs or Clay Tile Roofs? In terms of durability, the clay-tiled roofs are better off, even though both options are better than other materials and types of roofs. A clay tile roof’s lifespan stands at 100 years, unlike a concrete tiled roof that’s a maximum of 50 years.

Conclusion

For several reasons and to ensure maximum safety, the concrete tiled roofs, like every other roof, must be handled carefully. Due to its natural flexibility to water and moisture penetration resulting from snow, wind, and rain, the concrete tiles roofs must be underlaid appropriately with the best materials and installed.