Posts Tagged clay tile
Clay Roofing Advantages
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on November 22nd, 2010
Clay tile is one of the most durable and environmentally sustainable roofing options available. You can see how durable and long-lasting clay tile roofs are by looking at the Coliseum in Rome; the original clay roofing tiles are still in place over 2,000 years after being installed. The main market for tile roofs in the US is in the west; mainly California, Arizona, and Texas where Italian and Spanish architecture is prevalent. Recently there has been an increasing demand for clay tile roofs in the Northeast.
When a clay roof is designed and installed properly, it is considered permanent and is expected to last 100 years or more. Other roofing products such as asphalt or wood have to be replaced up to five times as often as clay tile. Clay tile roofs have a higher initial cost, but when you average replacement costs over the lifetime of a roof, they are actually less expensive. They also offer a safety advantage because they are virtually fireproof.
Clay roofing tiles are also energy efficient. Having clay as the material on your roof creates a thermal barrier. It lowers temperatures on the roof and prevents heat transfer into the living areas of the house in the summer. It also keeps heat from escaping in the winter. Lighter colored clay tiles reflect the sun, which keeps heat from absorbing into the interior of the house in summer. As a result of this, energy costs are reduced for both cooling and heating.
Clay tiles are one of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials. Because clay is a naturally occurring material it does not deplete natural resources such as wood. There are no harmful chemicals or preservatives used in the manufacturing of clay tiles. It is also recyclable. Removed clay tiles can be salvaged and used on other roofs, or it can be crushed for other purposed such as sub-layers for roads.
Another advantage of clay tiles is appearance. They bring character and warmth to the appearance of a building and enhance curb appeal. There are a large variety of colors, glazes and finishes available. Two methods are used for achieving color on clay tiles. One is to mix the color in with the clay itself, which provides a slight variation in color from tile to tile. Another method is to apply a surface glaze, which will result in more uniform-looking color. There are also methods to artificially age the tiles so they can blend in to restoration projects or historic buildings.
Overall, clay tile is a good choice if you are considering environmental issues, energy costs, safety or appearance. It will not deplete natural resources or take up space in landfills. It is a natural product with lower costs when calculated over the lifetime of the roof.
Average Cost of a Shingle Repair Job
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 19th, 2009
Sometimes you don’t need a new roof, but you do need some repairs. Shingles get torn off or damaged from rain an wind. Ice or even high heat and beating sunshine can damage roofs. Letting your roof go without maintenance is dangerous for your home, but it’s also dangerous for your wallet. Ignore repairs long enough, and you’ll need a full roof replacement much sooner that you would otherwise.
The average cost of shingle repair job is around $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage. Shingles are sold by the square, which is 100 square feet. Shingles generally cost between $100 and $300 per square. Of course you’ll want to use the same shingles you already have, so the more expensive your roof, the more expensive the repair will be.
With a shingle repair, you’re paying for the materials as well as the labor cost. The greater the area that needs repair, the higher the cost will be. In general, you’re looking at an average repair cost of $1,500, give or take a few hundred dollars. Different contractors can have very different prices, so it’s best to shop around to find the best price. Be sure to get estimates from a handful of companies before you decide on one.
Why Southern California Homeowners get Away with More Low Cost Roof Repairs and Less Replacements
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 17th, 2009
In sunny Southern California, homeowners can get away with more low cost roof repairs and less roof replacements. The reason? It’s the weather. Southern California is home to some of the most mild weather in the country. Sunny skies and 80 degree temperatures nearly year-round means little damage to your roof. A popular roofing choice in Southern California is tile. Tile roofs usually cost $6-8 a square foot and can last indefinitely under proper conditions. In a wetter and colder climate, tile might break and leak due to ice and storms. In Southern California, the warm weather and lack of ice means a tile roof can last a lifetime without being completely replaced. Different things can cause tiles to break or other problems to occur with a roof, so repairs may be necessary at times. On the whole, however, homeowners in Southern California can have roofs that last much longer than in the rest of the country.
While asphalt shingles are cheaper than tile, they need to be replaced more often. In Southern California it makes more sense to invest in tile, that way the roof will last much longer. In the rest of the country, tile roofs tend to need replacing after 20 or 30 years, but in warm and dry regions like Southern California, they can last much longer. This is why homeowners in Southern California get away with more low cost roof repairs and less roof replacements.
Roofing Trends in the Northeast
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on May 19th, 2009
Roofing Trends in the Northeast
Northeast slate was once a traditional roofing material for homes and civic buildings. While it’s beautiful, long-lasting and great for ice and snow, slate is also extremely expensive — as much as $1,000 per hundred square feet. Roofing in Massachusetts and Connecticut roofing used to see much of this.
Today composite asphalt shingles are king when it comes to replacement roofing materials. About 90 percent of homes nationwide use composite shingles. They come in a wide range of colors, styles and with different levels of quality and types of warranties.
But composite roofing is far from the only choice. And because it is so common, you can easily set your home apart by using a different, more unique roofing choice.
Wood Shake and Wood Shingles
Decay resistant cedar is a common choice for wood shake and wood shingle roofing. You can count on wood roofing to last 20 to 25 years (however, you’ll find those who say cedar can last much longer); cedar roofing costs between $70 and $170 per hundred square feet.
Clay Tile
Clay or ceramic tiles, like slate, are heavy and durable, with roofs lasting 100 years or more. However, such a heavy roof requires reinforcement to support all the weight, meaning installation will likely be pricey. Clay and concrete tile roofs cost about $300 to $500 per hundred square feet.
But keep in mind that they are virtually maintenance free. If you plan to live in your house for the rest of your life, a ceramic tile roof might make sense.
Consider installation and maintenance costs as you weigh your roofing choices — and how long you plan to live in your home. According to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value” report, a new composite roof averages just less than $19,000 and has a 65 percent return on investment.