Concrete tiles are widely used for roofing, as they have many advantages over other materials. In the early period, concrete was only considered as structural material used in the walls and roofs, but due to continuous experiments, concrete tiles were developed using fiber reinforced cement. There is a big variety of concrete roofing products including tiles and panels, but one thing is common among them, which is their strength, and durability.
(Concrete Roof Tiles)
Advantages:
- You can easily renovate damaged concrete roofing tile.
- They are not affected by insects and rots.
- Some designs of concrete roofing tiles are made as replica of wood tiles.
- Latest concrete roof tiles have a big color range.
- New developments are lighter in weight, as the manufacturing involves cement with additives.
Disadvantages:
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Concrete roof tiles are more expensive than other finishing materials being used for roofs.
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Old concrete tiles had many defects including color fading, breakage and curling.
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Old types are heavier than new concrete types; besides moisture protection is less as well.
Types of Concrete Roof Tiles:
- Flat interlocking roof tiles
- Flat shingle roof tiles
- Spanish roof tiles.
- Curved form roof tiles.
(Types of Concrete Roof Tiles)
(This Picture is Contributed By "Ajay Dua")
Cost:
The cost of concrete tile is very low, which is almost half the clay tile cost. Some of them are made as replica of wood shingles or slates, which have more cost. Besides, if small tiles are used they cost much than the large tiles including both labor, and material cost.
Life span:
If the tiles are of high quality, they can last up to 50 years where the climate is arid; otherwise, this time will reduce in hot climates, which can be 30 years. But, new development has been made and now concrete tiles can bear very cold weather, but make sure that the warranty in terms of freeze-thaw durability is available.
Color:
There was not a big variety of colors in old concrete tiles as only various tones of browns, blue, and grey were available. But, new innovations have many colors including seegreen, various tones of orange as golden, vintage, bright red, antique red, antique blue, and antique grey, and all are very striking colors.
(Concrete Roofing)
Installation method and Tools:
Installation method of concrete tiles involves nailing the tiles to battens, which are laid along the roof. These battens should have voids so that water could be easily drained through tiles without damaging them. Waterproof membrane is provided under the battens.
Various nails are used to secure the tiles to concrete roof, and roof deck. In hurricane areas the experts use clips, which are fastened to roof using various fasteners, and the clips are attached to the concrete roof tile edges.