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Roofing Tiles

Exploring Roof Tile Varieties: Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Type

November , 2023 | 7 min. read

By Cassie Findley

beautiful Florida style home with a synthetic tile roof

Is the thought of choosing the right roof tiles for your home makeover giving you decision fatigue? Wondering which tile style will crown your home with both elegance and durability?

You're not alone on this roof-revamping journey. Roof tiles have evolved into an array of tempting choices in 2024, making them a go-to option for discerning homeowners.

Facing a sea of roofing materials, settling on the ideal one for your abode can feel like navigating a labyrinth. For over 30 years, RoofCrafters has helped homeowners learn about different roofing choices. Our expertise is all about making your tile roofing selection seamless and well-informed.

Selecting the perfect tile roofing involves more than picking a color or style. It's about understanding the unique characteristics and benefits each type offers. That's why we've crafted this guide. Here, we'll introduce you to the top 5 roofing tile types that are ruling the roost in 2024. Each with its distinct charm and functionality. By the end of this exploration, you'll be equipped to pick tiles that compliment and protect it for years to come. Let's embark on this roof transformation journey together!

Diverse Roofing Tile Materials: Customizing Your Home's Look and Durability

 

When it comes to personalizing your home's exterior, roofing tiles play a pivotal role. Tiles come in different materials with different looks, strengths, and weight options. They suit different architectural preferences and budgets. Choosing the right roofing tile can make your home look different. It can match classic or modern styles.

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The different types of roofing tiles available to you are:

Concrete Roof Tiles: Sturdy and Versatile

 

Concrete roofing tiles are manufactured and processed by molding a mixture of sand, cement, and water under heat and high pressure. After the initial “baking”, an application of a paint-like material to the exposed surface gives it a finished, more polished look. Concrete? On a roof? If you’re thinking it may be heavy, almost too heavy, you’d be correct.

dark tile roofing on a stucco home

Although concrete tiles have grown in popularity over the past few decades, and are one of the most sought-after roofing materials on the market due to their versatility in color and style options, their weight can make things tricky. If you’re interested in a concrete tile roof, it’s important to make sure that your home’s structure can bare the material, and has been reinforced if not.

Old tile roof with a dead valley in the middle of hips

Another important factor to consider when choosing a concrete tile roof is the roofing company you choose to install the tiles. Just as the tiles need a specific sort of home to rest themselves upon, they also need a specific type of crew to install them. This material requires specific tools and skill sets in order to be installed properly, so choose wisely when vetting roofing companies to install your new hefty investment.

Clay Roof Tiles: Timeless Elegance and Reliability

 

Clay tiles rank as one of the most popular roofing materials in the Southeast. Their durability and strength against the extreme heat and weather conditions prevalent in this region of the United States can’t be beaten. On top of these great qualities, clay roofing tiles are rot-resistant, so their lifespan is significantly longer than other roofing materials. 

Upper hip roof and a small lean-to with Spanish tiles

Clay roofing tiles have been around for centuries, so manufacturers have a knack for curating them to the highest quality. Just like concrete tiles, clay tiles are pretty heavy and are prone to breaking if not installed with skill and care. Your roof will need substantial reinforcement to support the extra weight of the clay, so be sure to keep these factors in mind when choosing the best tile roof for your home.

Slate Roof Tiles: Classic Beauty with Enduring Strength

 

Slate roofing tiles come from a naturally formed stone. Its striking and unique appearance makes these tiles a very popular choice amongst homeowners. This material also provides different color variations all on its own, so the aesthetic options are never-ending.

up close shot of a valley of a real slate roof

Slate is fire-resistant and durable, which makes it a great choice for homeowners living in regions of high heat and extreme weather conditions. Just like concrete and clay tiles, though, slate is heavy. You know the drill by now: if you want a slate roof, make sure your home can bear the weight. 

Metal Roof Tiles: Combining Durability with Versatility

 

A beautiful metal roof will never go out of style. Metal roof tiles come in wood shake, slate, or tile. They come in a variety of colors and finishes to match any architectural style. 

blue-gray metal shingles on a 2-story hip and gable-style roof up close

The most commonly used materials used for metal tiles are:

  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Steel
  • Zinc

Winning the popularity contest out of these options are steel and aluminum. All of these metal tiles are available in different patterns, colors, and shapes. In fact, metal tiles specifically can be shaped to imitate other roofing products and styles, such as wooden shakes, slates, and basic shingles. 

decra metal tile

Metal roofs have become increasingly popular over the past few years because of their easy installation and lightweight. That's right, don’t have to worry about reinforcing the structural integrity of our home for this one, people! With every pro comes its con, though.

Decra Tile roof in the color Garnet

Some homeowners find metal roofs to be noisy, and extreme weather can create dents pretty easily, calling for frequent repairs. Also, metal is a conductor of outside temperature and does not provide much insulation value.

Composite Roof Tiles: The Modern Blend of Style and Substance

 

Composite roofing tiles are a newer type of roofing material available on the market and are becoming more popular each year. These tiles are multi-layered with acrylic, metal, and stone, providing homeowners with a more “natural” aesthetic. Their look is comparable to slate, giving a crisp look to the homes they're installed upon. 

beautiful brick home with Ecostar synthetic slate roof and copper bay window

Composite tiles are light in weight, however, they have limited style and color options. Although they are a beautiful material within themselves if you’re someone who needs choices, be sure to consider the other tile options listed within this article.

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Deciphering the Ideal Tile for Your Roofing Needs

 

When choosing a roofing tile, consider design, structure, climate resilience, and your budget. This guide will help you understand the different tile options, so you can make a confident decision.

Remember, selecting the ideal roofing tile isn't a journey you have to embark on alone. With many options and technicalities, it's understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed. That's where professional guidance steps in. Consulting with a seasoned roofing contractor can be a game-changer. They can offer tailored advice, taking into account your home's specific needs and your personal preferences.

At RoofCrafters, we're committed to easing this decision-making process for you. Whether you're estimating costs or exploring tile varieties, we're here to provide support every step of the way. Dive deeper into our learning center for expansive resources on roofing materials. Our article “Which Type of Roof Is Best for My Home?” is an excellent next read to broaden your understanding. And don't forget to visit our pricing page for detailed cost insights on the materials we've discussed. Your journey to a beautiful, durable roof starts here.

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Cassie Findley

My name is Cassie, and I’m the Content Manager here at RoofCrafters. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and made my way out to Florida post-college graduation. I’m incredibly passionate about writing and creating valuable content that helps others with the collaboration of my marketing team. When I’m not working, I enjoy shopping (a little too much), spending time at the beach, and reading!