Concrete roof tiles have been used for decades as an alternative to more traditional materials, such as clay and slate. Concrete tiles are not always as you would expect, with many beautiful period houses having replicas made from concrete that are near indistinguishable from the classic versions.
Concrete tiles are highly versatile – they are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, shapes, and colours to suit all kinds of property. Concrete has been around since as far back as the Roman Empire, and is still one of the most popular construction materials in the world today.
If you need to fix an existing roof, or you’re creating a new building from scratch, concrete is a great option for lots of reasons – but, as with any choice of construction material, it’s also not without its drawbacks.
Want to know more about the pros and cons of this roofing option? Here is a guide to the advantages and disadvantages of concrete roof tiles…
Advantages of Concrete Roof Tiles
There are many good reasons for installing concrete tiles on your property, including the following:
Easy to Maintain
Concrete is renowned for its strength and durability. This means that it’s very easy to maintain, without the need for protective treatments or regular upkeep. The most you’ll have to do to maintain a concrete roof is the occasional bit of cleaning.
Concrete is one of the more environmentally friendly choices of construction materials, as none of the elements contained within a concrete formula are extracted using environmentally-damaging manufacturing techniques and materials
Durable
Concrete roof tiles last a long time – as long as they’re installed correctly and have enough attention.
Concrete tiles can last for decades, if not 100 years, if they’re of a high quality.
Resistant to Fire
Concrete is dense and strong, and intrinsically fire-resistant. This is a great safety feature for any home to have and means that your property’s structure will be preserved in case of a fire.
Customisable
Concrete’s versatility lends it well to a wide selection of different styles and colours: whatever period your property is from, or which looks suits your own personal style, you can customise your roof to get the exact aesthetic you desire.
Sustainability Factor
Concrete is one of the more environmentally friendly choices of construction materials, as none of the elements contained within a concrete formula are extracted using environmentally-damaging manufacturing techniques and materials.
Concrete can also be made using recycled materials – another environmentally-conscious choice for your property.
Concrete may be strong, but it is made of a composite material. This means that if a concrete roof tile is dropped, stood on, or falls off the roof, it is more likely to smash and be broken beyond repair
Disadvantages of Concrete Roof Tiles
They Weigh a Lot
Concrete is one of the heaviest choices of material, which means it’s not always easy to install them. The roof first needs to be reinforced in order to support the weight of the heavy concrete slabs. Compared to more lightweight choices, like fibreglass or felt, it takes more time and effort to transport the tiles too.
They’re Easily Smashed
Concrete may be strong, but it is made of a composite material. This means that if a concrete roof tile is dropped, stood on, or falls off the roof, it is more likely to smash and be broken beyond repair.
Poor Weather Resistance
Concrete is known for losing its aesthetic appeal rather quickly. Weathering affects concrete faster than comparable products, and can become stained and cracked faster than, for example, slate or clay tiles. This tendency can also encourage the growth of lichen and moss, which can cause long term damage to your roof if left unchecked.
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Le Fong: Resilient Roofing At the Touch of a Button
Le Fong is your number one stop for all things home improvement-related. We have a host of services including insulation and boiler installation, triple-glazed windows, roofing, and resin driveways, as well as providing expert tips on how best to save money on your energy bills.
Want to hear more? Take a look at some of the awesome reviews that our loyal customers have left for us by visiting the Le Fong Trust Pilot page. You’ll find hundreds of reviews like the one below – a testament to our commitment to customer service:
‘The contact was initially by a unrequested phone call so I was unsure whether to continue with their approach. I need not have worried. The initial survey and subsequent installation of the insulation was faultless. I would highly recommend Homelogic to anyone considering having the work undertaken.’
