Concrete roofing tiles are the most widely used and long-lasting roofing material. Cement, concrete, terracotta, slate stones, and fiber-reinforced synthetic tiles are all referred to as tile. While tile roofing installations are the most expensive solution, their incredible benefits outweigh the added costs. Concrete tile roofs may endure up to 50 years or more if properly maintained and with preventative precautions. While concrete is a long-lasting and resilient roofing material, several factors may influence the tile's roofing longevity. Let’s begin!
Factors Affecting The Concrete Tiles
Weight:
Concrete roofs endure a weight between 600 and 1,100 Ibs per square, making it one of the heaviest roof tiles, along with slate and clay. Thus, if you're considering concrete roofing, your house's structure and framework must be properly strengthened to withstand the concrete roof's weight. Before finalizing the decision, employ the best roofing companies in Pasadena to inspect your roof.
Weatherproofing:
Concrete tiles must be maintained to reduce water absorption as much as possible to ensure optimal functioning. Furthermore, these tiles are weak and absorb moisture when exposed to them. However, the sealant may help extend their life by avoiding moisture accumulation, which can trigger mold, mildew, and even degradation of the underlayment and roof deck, if water penetrates the roof's lower levels.
Underlayment:
Generally, roof underlayment lasts around 20 years, which is a shorter time than the concrete tiles, implying that the concrete tiles will have to be removed and replaced to change the underlayment. Owing to the weight and installation method of concrete tiles, it's a tedious and complex task.
Efflorescence:
It's a natural process that develops when free lime in concrete is exposed to water and calcium hydroxide, resulting in white formation, a chalky coating when exposed to carbon dioxide in the air. While it doesn't affect the roof's integrity or longevity and will eventually fade over time, it provides the roof an awful aspect, making it appear older and more weathered than usual. You might need to call an experienced roof contractor in Long Beach for the concrete tile’s appropriate inspection.
Maintenance:
To ensure the concrete tile's longevity and pristine shape, they must be carefully maintained by utilizing sealant to guarantee water resistance, cleaning moss, mold, or mildew from the surface and between the tiles, and repairing broken and cracked tiles. Consider employing a professional for maintenance, and don't try to climb the roof yourself, as concrete tiles shouldn't be stepped on. Furthermore, they must be repainted regularly to preclude color fading, making finding the matching new tiles challenging and providing the roof with an ugly effect.
Wrapping Up
You may be contemplating this high-quality roofing option for your home due to a better understanding of how long concrete tiles survive. Also, before finalizing the decision, consider exploring an exquisite variety of concrete roof tiles if you're looking for long-lasting concrete tiles from a reliable provider. While tile can endure for decades, felt underlayment often breaks out sooner (20-40 years), necessitating replacement from certified and experienced roofers to keep your roof system in good condition.