Concrete roof tiles come with a lot of problems you might not expect. Even though they’ve been very popular in Florida and other parts of the U.S. for more than 70 years, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their drawbacks.

Here are just a few of the disadvantages of concrete roof tiles, as well as information on the best alternative for your roofing needs.

They’re Expensive

While it doesn’t cost that much to install concrete roof tiles, there are hidden costs that surprise many homeowners. Faded or cracked tiles need to be replaced – and replacement costs can add up over time. The material the tiles sit on, known as underlayment, often needs to be replaced as well.

Underlayment is something you’ll need to think about if you’re considering concrete roof tiles. It acts as a barrier between the tiles and the decking of the roof. The tiles themselves are built to last for 50 years or more. The underlayment? Not so much. It only lasts about 20 years.

They’re Heavy

Another big problem with concrete roof tiles is their weight. They’re much heavier than other types of roofing materials, and that can damage your roof’s structural integrity if your home isn’t built to handle the load. Improper installation can exasperate this issue.

They Are High Maintenance

As attractive as concrete roof tiles can be, they require a lot of work to keep them looking – and functioning, their best. Things like falling tree branches or even a stray baseball can crack concrete tiles, as well as hail, though that’s not a major concern here in Florida.

While they stand up well to rain and UV exposure structurally, they fade quickly and require frequent repainting.

However, of all the problems with concrete roof tiles, water absorption is one of the worst. Concrete tiles are porous, meaning they have a bunch of tiny little holes. Unless the tiles are treated with a special sealant, these holes trap water. That can lead to the accumulation of mold and mildew, which must be removed through pressure washing.

When to Replace a Concrete Tile Roof

Take a good look at your roof – carefully, of course. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to replace your concrete tile roof with something else.

• Water damage – Do you see any exposed eaves, or are you seeing water stains streaking down the eaves? That means that water has penetrated not only the tiles but also the underlayment, which can rot your home’s framing over time.
• Maintenance costs – If it feels that you’re spending too much to repair, clean, or do any other work to your roof, it might be time for a new one.
• Your home has experienced powerful winds – Hurricanes and severe thunderstorms can lead to wind damage that might not be readily apparent. Winds can partially lift roofing tiles without entirely ripping them off, leaving them appearing as if nothing ever happened. But this movement can damage the underlayment and weaken the seals between the tiles. Have an inspector check your roof if a storm has recently passed through.

If you notice cracked tiles on one portion of your roof, you might think all you need to do is replace that specific section. That might be the case, but it might not – it depends on their location. All roof tiles interlock with mortar holding them together. It’s possible that several other tiles nearby will also need to be replaced.

Once that happens, the mortar needs to be replaced as well – and it needs to match the original mortar. As you can see, that could be extremely difficult. You might be better off with a completely new roof.

Brava Roof Tile – The Superior Alternative

Brava Roof Tile can make problems with concrete roof tiles a thing of the past. Brava synthetic tiles are made of durable polymers that are not only strong but they’re also made of recycled materials. They require little to no maintenance and look amazing.

Elite Remodeling Services is proud to be a preferred installer of Brava Roof Tile in Florida. We have been in business since 1997 and have earned the trust of thousands of clients. We welcome the opportunity to earn yours as well. Contact us online or call (904) 201-2689 to learn more or schedule an appointment and say goodbye to problems with concrete roof tiles for good.