4 Ways Clay Tile Roofs Benefit California Homeowners

Read on to learn about four ways clay tile roofs benefit California homeowners. 

While clay tile roofs can cost a bit more than some other roof types, once you invest in a clay tile roof, you can expect it to stay in good shape for up to 100 years or even longer. In fact, clay tile roofs have one of the longest life expectancy rates of any roof material on the market today and can increase the value of your home.

Clay tiles are strong, corrosion-resistant, impact-resistant, and termite-resistant, which is why they can last so long before replacement is needed. 

While clay tile roofs require no regular maintenance, occasional preventative maintenance, including biannual roof inspections and cleanings, should be performed to spot any problems before they worsen and to maintain your roof's attractive appearance. 

Having a fire-resistant roof is extremely important in wildfire-prone California. If the wind blows just a small wildfire ember onto a roof that is not rated for maximum fire resistance, the roof could catch fire, and the flames could spread downward throughout the entire house. 

Clay tiles are considered one of the most fire-resistant roof materials on the market, and when properly installed, clay tiles have a Class A fire rating. Roof materials with a Class A fire rating are considered one of the most fire-resistant roof substrates available.

All clay tiles are resistant to damage from the sun's hot UV rays due to the heatproof nature of these tiles. However, if you live in an area where winter temperatures often drop below the freezing point, then choose your tiles wisely to ensure you choose a clay tile grade that is resistant to winter weather damage. 

Grade I clay tiles non-porous, Grade II tiles are slightly porous, and Grade III tiles are porous. Since more porous tiles absorb water that can then freeze and thaw in the winter, potentially damaging the tile as the water within the tile expands and contracts, only Grade I tiles should be used in areas of the state where winter temperatures drop below the freezing point.

However, if you live in an area of the state that rarely experiences freezing temperatures, then you can choose more economical porous tiles with little worry of winter damage.

Since natural terracotta-colored clay tile roofs are so popular, many homeowners do not realize that clay tile roofs are available in a wide variety of colors. While you can choose to display the natural orange, brown, white, or yellow tone of the clay used to create your tiles, clay tiles can also be covered with a color coating before you add them to your home.

To color clay tiles, a professional will add special color enamel to them before they are baked in a hot kiln. This baking process bonds the color enamel to your tiles permanently, so you never have to worry about the color fading, chipping, or peeling off. 

Clay tiles also come in many shapes, including curved shapes, like the popular S-tile, and flat tiles of various widths. A professional can also emboss the tiles with special patterns to create a unique, one-of-a-kind look that increases the curb appeal of your home. 

If you live in California and plan to replace your roof soon, then keep these four clay tile benefits in mind as you choose your new roof material. Contact the roofing experts at All American Roofing to discuss new residential roof installation today.