Having a home that looks eye-catching is important, and homeowners are focusing now more than ever on finding a house with a roof that matches their lifestyle.
Clay roof shingles are a popular choice due to their old-fashioned look that has become part of modern design. But just what are the advantages or disadvantages of using clay shingles instead of more modern options?
The Use of Clay Shingle Roofs
Clay roof shingles combine many of the advantages of clay tiles with the architectural style of roof shingles to provide any home with a rustic touch. They come in various styles, including the commonly known S-shaped Spanish tiles, but clay roof shingles today are usually flat or nearly flat.
Modern clay tile roofs are typically found in warm climates, but you can use them in colder ones if you buy tiles made to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle. Today, you can also purchase concrete shingles made to look like clay shingles.
Benefits of Clay Shingles
Manufacturers produce clay shingles in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any architectural style. You can purchase clay shingles that look like slate, wood, or the traditional red color.
Due to their high level of durability and Class-A fire resistance, they also increase your home's appraisal value more than asphalt shingles.
While you can install interlocking clay tiles to your roof without additional fasteners, modern installers recommend using nails to attach the shingles and provide additional wind resistance.
Disadvantages of Clay Shingles
Clay shingles are much heavier than asphalt shingles or metal roofs. This extra weight means that your roof's existing structural members may not be able to accommodate any type of clay tile.
Clay shingles have a higher initial cost than most other types of roofing materials. In addition, clay shingles are also more likely to suffer damage as a result of a hail storm which could increase the cost of repair for homes in areas where storms are frequent.
No matter what type of shingle you have on your roof, it's important to keep it in good repair. Cracked shingles can lead to leaks and can damage the underlying structure of your roof. If your roof needs repair, contact Cloud Roofing today and rest easy knowing you're covered.