Jacksonville Beach Tile Roof Company

Complete Tile Roofing Service

One of the most specialized, durable and long-lasting roofing materials available on the market today is what is known as a tile roofing system. Tile roofs are probably the most beautiful to look at depending on the style of house or building they are on. These tile roofs can be made of many different materials including clay, concrete, metal, natural slate, manufactured light-weight tiles and of course roman, double style tiles. Their appeal besides aesthetics is their resistant nature to weather damage from excessive heat and rain, humidity, high winds, hail, even falling debris, they are fireproof and are energy efficient. Though they are the most expensive roofing material available they will significantly increase the value of any building, home or commercial property. Their value besides curb appeal is their extraordinary durability lasting up to 50 for concrete and 100 + years for clay if properly installed and maintained.

Sunrise Roofing Co. is one of the select few roofing contractors knowledgeable and experienced enough to install, repair and maintain every kind of tile roof material used on residential and commercial properties. We even specialize in tile roof repairs performed to extend the life of a current tile roof which many roofing companies won’t even touch.  If you are in need of a tile roof estimate, repair or have questions about tile roofing in general we are here to help. For most houses, installing a tile roof is actually taking your home to the next level over and above asphalt or even metal roof installation.

The value of adding a tile roof to your home far exceeds the cost involved which can be considerable depending on the size of the structure. Tile roofs come in many sizes, shapes, colors, material, strengths, price, warranties, and certain technical considerations like water absorption rates, fire ratings and life expectancy. Give us a call today for a free, no-obligation roofing estimate or consultation at 904-323-1929 and discover how a tile roof installation will enhance any home, business or commercial property.

Types of Tile Roofing

We think it is important for our customers to be familiar with the different types of tile roofs available in this market able to withstand Florida’s blazing sun, heat, temperature variations, salty air and in climate weather.

Clay Tile Roofing

The oldest and certainly the most widely used and popular type of tile roofing material used today on Florida’s homes and commercial buildings are clay tiles. These clay tile roofs if well-maintained can last up to 100 years or more. Clay or heat fired mud tiles originated in China over 10,000 years ago and appeared in the Mediterranean a few centuries later. Clay Roofing Tiles used in this part of Florida can be traced back to the Spanish especially in St. Augustine as early as the 1600’s.

Because of their durability, rigidness (they do not contract or expand) and their ability to conduct water efficiently make these clay tiles the right choice. Clay tiles are very strong and are not susceptible to mold or rot from the humid, wet conditions we experience here in North Florida and along the coast. They are however susceptible to cracking if excessive weigh is put on them like inexperienced service personnel walking on the roof.

The molded clay is baked at a high temperature and the tiles range in colors and density/thickness with shades of yellow, orange, white and brown that will not fade or peel. The most commonly used color in Florida is what is referred to as Terra-cotta, a reddish-brown colored tile.

Concrete Tile Roofing

This type of tile roof is almost as common as clay tile in some areas of the country and for good reason. First, Concrete tile products are considered the most durable of all tile materials in extremely cold weather. They have been around for a number of centuries in use in Europe as well as the U.S. Concrete tile is extremely strong and can withstand all types of weather conditions without sustaining damage just as clay tiles can. Concrete tile can be painted to give a homeowner a personalized look. Concrete tiles can also mimic the look of other types of tile including slate, wood shake, stone and even clay.

There are some distinct drawbacks using concrete tiles in Florida because they absorb water at a much higher rate than clay tiles. They are however pieced together with mortar so very little water can penetrate the roof surface and leak. But there are distinct differences between clay and concrete tiles so we have included the following descriptions.

Clay Verses Concrete Roof Tiles

Water Absorption

Clay roof tiles have a water absorption rate of about 6% verses concrete tiles which is more than doubled at 13%Concrete tiles are heavier than clay tiles and in wet climates with water absorption, become much heavier adding more weight to the entire roof structure.

Weight Issues

There is a considerable difference in the amount of weight concrete tiles weigh as compared to clay tiles. Concrete can weigh as much as 40% more that clay tiles do. This can add significant weight to any roof structure with concrete tiles weighing 820 to over 1000 pounds per 100 square feet as compared to clay tiles weighing only 600-650 pounds for the same square footage.

Cost

Concrete tiles are far more affordable with cost anywhere from $400 to $900 per the same 100 square feet. Clay tile prices are from roughly$700 to over $1000 per 100 square feet. There are even some high-end clay tiles that can cost as much as $2500-$3000 for the same roofing measurements.

Appearance and Color Longevity

Clay tiles have a ceramic finish which creates a non-porous film that withstands color deterioration and staining. Concrete tile on the other hand is porous and will stain and the color will fade overtime.

Cracks and Tile Shattering

Clay tiles are prone to cracking and can shatter if too much weight is put upon them. They are susceptible to issues in freezing climates as concrete tiles can withstand more weight and are more durable where temperatures reach freezing points.

Maintenance and Durability

Water absorption is an issue causing mold and decay of concrete roofing tiles if not properly inspected and maintained. On the issue of durability, both types of tile are very durable and will outlast asphalt tiles by many years. Clay tiles on the other hand will outlast concrete tiles by as much as 50 years if properly installed and maintained. Concrete tiles life expectancy is between 35-70 years and clay tiles can last as much as 100+ years on a Florida roof.

Types of Concrete and Clay Tile Roofing

If you are looking to upgrade an existing asphalt roof or are building a new home or commercial building, we are very experienced in handling all types of tile roof installation. The roofing contractor you choose will make the difference in both the performance and durability you should expect from a clay or concrete tile roof.

Clay tiles are manufactured in Spanish S, Barrel and Flat profiles. Concrete tiles are available in High profile S-tiles, Medium profile double-S and Flat profiles.

An Excellent Choice for Florida Homes

At Sunrise Roofing we excel at installing and repairing all types of tile roofs. We believe a tile roof is an excellent choice for Florida homes because of the value they add and the amount of time they last in the hot southern climate. Yes, they are a larger initial investment but if you weigh the cost of re-roofing every 25 -30 years a tile roof which will out last most of us will never need replacing in the most of our lifetimes. Additionally, if you ever decide to sell your home, commercial property or other structure with a tile roof on it you will get your money back. These roof systems are energy-efficient, attractive and will add beauty and security from the elements for many years to come. Give us a call at 904-323-1929 for a free estimate or inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tile Roofs