Concrete roof shingles have appealing features, including durability and a distinctive look. They also come with their fair share of problems. Here are some of the most common issues with concrete roof shingles and why you should contact Elite Remodeling Services in St Augustine, FL, to fix them.

The Weight

It should come as no surprise, but concrete shingles are heavy. A single bundle weighs approximately 640 pounds. It outweighs other roofing materials on a per bundle basis, with alternatives tipping the scales at:

• Cedar shingles: 40 to 80 pounds
• Three-tab asphalt shingles: 50 to 80 pounds
• Architectural asphalt shingles: 65 to 80 pounds
• Metal shingles: 150 to 240 pounds
• Slate shingles: 300 pounds

All of that weight goes directly on top of your roof. It can tax your structural supports and cause integrity issues if you do not have a solid foundation. For some homes, the use of concrete roof shingles is prohibitive because of the material’s weight.

The Maintenance

Concrete roof shingles require an above-average amount of maintenance, despite a Class A fire rating and resistance to lightning. Concrete can break under a modest impact, such as a fallen tree branch or hail. The vulnerability makes it challenging to repair tiles because a repair person will need to walk on the roof, which increases the likelihood of more damage.

Concrete shingle owners should keep an eye open for mold and mildew. Concrete has a porous, absorbtive, which creates an ideal spawning ground for unwanted fungus. Water absorption also makes already heavy tiles even heavier.

You can make your concrete shingles waterproof before installation. Spray a waterproof coating on the tiles so they can’t retain moisture from rain, snow, and other precipitation. Get in touch with our professional roofers at Elite Remodeling Services to learn more about protecting your concrete shingles.

The Cost

According to Modernize.com, the average concrete roof costs $20,000 to $40,000. Each bundle costs $75 to $125, making them cheaper than clay or terra cotta tiles. The problem is that concrete roofs come with more long-term costs, which drive up the total price.

Imagine buying Roof A for $10,000. Roof A is affordable, stylish, and practical. Your other option, Roof B, cost $20,000 but has superior durability, weather-resistance, and energy efficiency.

Roof A will cost you more to repair (especially to replace missing shingles) because it is lower quality. You’ll have higher energy bills because Roof A has a lower thermal insulation capacity. You’ll also need to replace Roof A more frequently than Roof B because of its shortened life span.

While the upfront cost of Roof A may seem appealing, it doesn’t make sense as an investment if you will need to replace and repair it twice as often as Roof B. Concrete roof owners face this problem since their inexpensive roofs lead to problems later. Even though the material comes with a reasonable upfront price tag, the long-term costs may outweigh the short-term savings.

The Technical Flaws

Concrete shingles have small technical flaws that can reduce the longevity of your roof. These flaws deviate from the local, state, and manufacturer best practices. While they do not constitute a pressing issue, they can lead to more problems, such as leaks and cracks.

Two of the most common problems include head-lap issues and transition flashing issues. Head-lap problems occur when the tiles don’t overlap with each other enough. The small gaps give water a pathway under your tiles and into your home. Flashing problems happen when you lack flashing for your roofing components.

Upgrade your roof with a call to Elite Remodeling Services in St. Augustine, Fl. Our knowledgeable and friendly experts understand what it takes to replace your roof on time and budget. Contact us at (904) 657-8383 to set up your consultation today.