CONCRETE ROOF TILES
Concrete roof tiles are available in a variety of colours, shapes and architectural styles. These tiles are fabricated with a combination of sand, cement and iron oxide pigments. Some concrete roof applications have lasted over 100 years in parts of Europe. In addition to their durability, concrete roof tiles have reflective properties that can keep buildings somewhat warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The empty air space under concrete tile helps create an added insulation barrier against heat and cold air extremes.
Concrete roof tiles can also be extruded into a variety of shapes to simulate different appearances – including clay barrel tiles and cedar shakes. Many different colours and finishes are also available to choose from. Concrete Roofing StylesConcrete roofing tiles come in two basic styles:
Flat Tile – Ribbed (Slate Shaped or Shake) Roll Tile - Spanish S ( S Shape) Concrete roof tiles are either manufactured with colour diffused through the tile or applied to the surface of the tile. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Colour diffused tiles normally retain their look more readily in a severe freeze-thaw climate like we have in southern Alberta. While surfaced coloured tiles have a greater resistance to discoloration from pollution, mildews and moss. Traditional concrete roof tiles are substantially heavier than metal and asphalt roofing. The added weight, which can be up to 10 times heavier than metal roofing and five times the weight of asphalt shingles, may require a custom designed engineered truss to sustain the increased mass of the roof.
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Lightweight Concrete Roof Tiles
Developments in concrete roofing technology have produced new roofing tiles that are substantially lighter than in the past. Almost half the weight of standard weight concrete tiles - these products are making it possible to forgo the additional truss reinforcement required in the past. Manufactured with a lightweight aggregate instead of sand has substantially reduced the weight. Lightweight concrete roofing is available in wide array of designer colours with simulated slate, cedar shake and clay tile profiles.
Maintenance of concrete tile roofs is minimal, but many manufactures recommend power washing the roof every couple of years to preserve the tile’s appearance.
Maintenance of concrete tile roofs is minimal, but many manufactures recommend power washing the roof every couple of years to preserve the tile’s appearance.
Fire Resistant
Carbonate aggregates and lightweight aggregates keep much of their compressive properties up to temperatures as high as 1200F or 650C. The increased insulating properties of lightweight concrete roofing transmits heat at much lower rate than traditional weight concrete of the same thickness. This helps to increase its fire resistance. These increased fire ratings may also reduce your insurance premiums
While concrete roof tiles are fire resistant, they still need to be inspected occasionally for cracked or broken tiles that need to be replaced. Oddly enough, most of the damage to concrete tiles is the result of people walking on the roof during an inspection. It is always important to have your concrete roof inspected by a professional rather than attempting this yourself.
While concrete roof tiles are fire resistant, they still need to be inspected occasionally for cracked or broken tiles that need to be replaced. Oddly enough, most of the damage to concrete tiles is the result of people walking on the roof during an inspection. It is always important to have your concrete roof inspected by a professional rather than attempting this yourself.