Choosing Your Roof Tiles
Roof tiles are the most common choice of roof covering in most parts of the world, and like many common items, they are available in a range of style, colour, and material. No matter what type of roof tile will best suit you, any reputable roofing company will be able to offer you the full range. Read on to find out more about the various types of roof tiles available, to help you choose roofing tiles that are right for you.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete has become one of the popular substances when it comes to the manufacture of roof tiles. They are available in several styles, including the traditional roman roof tiles, and are prized for their high quality, lightweight and sturdy construction. The concrete roof tile is considered so durable in fact, that many roof tile manufacturers offer guarantees of up to 50 years on some types of concrete roof tile.
Marley roof tiles, for example, (which are all made from concrete), have expected lifespan that is greater than the design life of the building on which they have been installed.
Slate Roof Tiles
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock which has frequently been used as roofing tiles in many countries. One of the major advantages of slate as a roof tile is its low absorption of water, and its resistance to damage by low temperatures. As resistance to below freezing temperatures is not a common requirement in South Africa, slate roof tiles are not as common in our sunny climate as they are in colder countries.
However, it is sometimes chosen for its aesthetic appeal, and slate roofs are certainly not unheard of here. In addition to its water and cold resistant properties, it has the advantage of being able to be broken (or cut) into smaller, non-standard sizes if necessary, making roofing of decorative elements easier. Slate tiles are also used for flooring in some cases, and can be found in a variety of shades.
Clay Roof Tiles
Clay roof tiles were traditional in many parts of the world, almost since the advent of tiling itself. In fact, the word tile is derived from the French word tuile, which is, in turn, from the Latin word tegula, meaning a roof tile composed of baked clay. The very first of what we would recognise as modern roof tiles were made from clay.
As more modern materials became available, the once distinctive clay tiles gave way to other alternatives over time. However, clay tiles (and glazed ceramic tiles) are still in use, and are easily available from many a supplier in South Africa.
Frequently found in a range of terracotta colours even today, the first roof tiles ever discovered were themselves made of terracotta, a baked, unglazed type of clay. Today, they’re popular on houses which are styled in the Mediterranean fashion.
Roof Tile Installation & Repair
Regardless of which type of tile roof you choose, it’s important that you choose a roofing company that offers experienced, and quality roof tiling services. Most roofing companies will be able to quote you on roof tile prices from their manufacturer, or will have their own roof tiles for sale.
Contact Visable Improvements to find out more about roof tiles, and request a free on-site inspection today.
