If there’s a roofing method that can add a vintage as well as artistic look to your residence, it is tile roofing. Tile roofing has a long history that runs up to 10,000 B.C. At present, tile roofs are mostly installed for their classical look that authentically beautifies buildings. If you are planning to get a tile roof in Singapore, it’s important that you have adequate knowledge about its pros and cons.
Pros of Tile Roofs
With a history that runs over centuries, tile roofing is still practiced by the current generation of homeowners due to a number of positive insights that it presents. It is no secret that tile roofs are,
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Long-lasting
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Resistant to rot and insect damage
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Environmentally friendly
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Sustainable
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Energy efficient
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Low maintenance
Being an eco-friendly roofing material, roof tiles last more than 100 years. The best advantage of a tiled roof is that it does not decay over time. In general, roofing companies issue a 50-year warranty on tiled roofs, hence, the hassle of frequent maintenance can be easily cut off. As roof tiles are made of breathable natural materials like clay and earth minerals, they have a great ability to regulate indoor temperature on warm days.
Cons of Tile Roofs
Like all other types of roofing methods, tile roofing also has a
few cons along with its pros. Tile roofs are ideal for roofs with small areas and they often cause trouble when installed In comparatively large areas. Tile roofs are commonly known to be,
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Costly
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Difficult to install
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Heavyweight
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Brittle
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Unsuitable for steep roof slopes
Installation of tile roofs requires highly experienced
roofing professionals and the procedure is much more complicated than an average asphalt roofing procedure. Another issue that tags along with tile roofing is its weight. Roof tiles are typically heavy, which is why they do not suit large roof areas. It is a fact that tile roofs are long-lasting. However, when taken individually, roof tiles made of certain materials such as clay are brittle. Therefore, tile roofs can be easily damaged by unforeseen circumstances like the falling of heavyweights. Even though regular maintenance is not mandatory, cracked roof tiles must be immediately replaced to avoid roof leakage.
Types of Tile Roofs
Roof tiles and their installing methods are versatile.
Traditionally, roof tiles are made of slate, fired clay, or terracotta, but at present, they can be found in modern materials like concrete as well. They are seen in the market in various shapes and sizes, and according to the installation, tile roofs are categorized into several types.
1. Spanish Tiles
Spanish tiles are the classic resembling rows of overlapping waves with troughs in between to carry water away. They are available in any material such as clay, concrete, slate, or terracotta, and are ideal for areas that have frequent rainfalls.
2. Double Roman Tiles
Double Roman tiles resemble Spanish tiles, but there are visible ribs on the rows. The water troughs are smaller and more frequent.
3. Flat Shake Tiles
These tiles are typically made of concrete or slate to resemble the texture of asphalt shingles. They fit on relatively flat roofs and they can withstand only mild showers. Therefore, need not mention that they are not the best option for areas that get frequent heavy showers.
4. Pantile Roofs
Pantile roofs are made of clay tiles structured in a flattened “S” shape. These roofs give a ripple appearance and are lighter than the other types of tile roofs.
5. Barrel Tiles
They also take a semi-cylindrical shape like Spanish and Roman tiles, but they are wider at the end as they are slightly tapered. Barrel tiles are ideal for curved roofs.
How to Pick the Best Tile Roof?
Are you looking to install a tile roof in Singapore? If so, it is always wise to know how to choose the ideal tile roofing style for your building. When selecting a style, the first two factors you should pay attention to are the location of your building and the climate of the particular area. Once you have several options that comply with those factors, you need to estimate the budget and decide whether it is affordable. If things fall into place smoothly, you may then proceed with the construction. However, if you come across any confusion making decisions, you may contact a reliable roofing contractor to provide you with a consultation.
