Roof Tiles

'Nothing lasts these days' and 'you get what you pay for' are just two sayings that we are all too familiar with. However, although we are inclined to agree with the latter statement, we can easily debunk the former.

Obviously cheaply made roof tiles manufactured from any material are not going to stand the test of time or resist the elements for very long, so the 'you get what you pay for' comment is certainly true.

As for the 'nothing lasts these days' comment, well, read on to see why we know that our roof tiles will last and serve their intended purpose for many years to come.

How long do roof tiles last?

With the proper care, clay roof tiles can last for well over one hundred years. This is why clay roof tiles are such a popular choice for builders and homeowners alike. In fact, no other viable alternative exists that can offer such durability and longevity.

Clay roof tiles from the Midlands to the coast

No matter where you live, roof tiles manufactured from natural clay will serve you well. They can be manufactured from local materials, giving them an appearance and texture that could be unique to your specific area and will really stand the test of time.

Roof tiles made from clay will withstand all the dirt and grime that will be thrown at them in an industrialised Midland town, right through to the salt laden air and generally higher winds that batter the roofs of coastal properties.

Roof tiles made from clay are generally the best roofing material for properties in coastal areas for some very good reasons. Salty air and high winds can both cause a great deal of damage to other roofing materials such as asphalt flat roofs and shingles.

Salt is a natural product that is in a much higher concentration in coastal areas than it is inland. Clay is also a natural material and just happens to be resistant to damage from salty air, so roof tiles manufactured from clay is a far superior building material when it comes to roofing your coastal property.

Roof tiles manufactured from clay can also withsatnd much harsher wind than sheets of roofing felt and felt shingles. As coastal areas generally are subjected to higher wind speeds than inland areas, this is a major consideration when selecting roof tiles. In fact, roof tiles made from clay are known to be durable enough to withstand winds of hurricane force.

Because clay is energy efficient because of its high thermal mass, it regulates the temperature of your property much better than other types of roofing materials. Now although the average temperatures in the United Kingdom are rarely as high as in other parts of the world, we are starting to experience higher seasonal temperatures than we have in the past, so roof tiles from clay are certainly a sensible choice over alternative roofing materials.

Some benefits of roof tiles made from clay

On top of the benefits of clay roof tiles already mentioned, there are some other reasons to choose them. Clay roof tiles are often designed to look like other roofing types, such as wood shakes and slate roofing. Slate roofing is prohibitively expensive and wood shakes or shingles has never really taken off in the United Kingdom, so it's nice to know you can replicate the wooden shingle look from a durable roof tile made from clay.

The longevity of clay roof tiles is unsurpassed by alternative roofing materials. Properties that have a new roof made up from clay roof tiles, will be safe in the knowledge that they will probably never need to have another roof fitted during their lifetime, as the average life of roof tiles made from clay is over one hundred years.

Roof tiles from clay are extremely durable in all kinds of weather. We have seen huge boulders of some types of stone and various garden pots fracture during the cycle of freezing and thawing, but not clay roof tiles. Extended periods of heavy snowfall, and heavy rain are known to be the enemy of many building materials, but roof tiles of clay cope very well under these harsh weather conditions. Clay is resistant to damage from fire, which is why it is the perfect material to make roof tiles from and it will never be affected with woodworm or other such problems.

Perhaps the most obvious reason why roof tiles manufactured from clay are so popular is the fact that they come in so many wonderful colours and textures. Complimenting and enhancing the beauty and individuality of the property.

Retro fitting clay roof tiles

Many properties with alternative roof coverings can easily be fitted with replacement roof tiles of clay as long as the supporting roofing structure below can handle the extra weight.

A roof that was designed for roofing felt sheeting or shingles would need to be strengthened to support proper roof tiles, but when you consider the benefits, many people are happy to upgrade their roof to accept them.

Maintenance of clay roof tiles

Roof tiles should be inspected seasonally to check the flashings and any slippage or other damage. Any damaged roof tiles should be replaced to ensure that the roof remains watertight and in a good state of repair. The replacement of the odd tile here and there over the years is a simple and cost effective way of keeping your property safe from water ingress.

A build up of certain debris on roof tiles can actually add to the natural look of the roof tile. However, serious build up of moss or seeds dropped by birds that begin to grow in the roof tiles should be removed to prevent any damage further down the line.

Roof tiles made from clay should never be walked on as they may crack. Roof tiles that require cleaning can be carefully brushed down if accessible by the homeowner, or a roofing specialist if not. There are even chemical sprays that will continue to kill moss, algae and lichen from roof tiles the longer you leave it on and you don't even need to rinse it off.

In short, a visual inspection of the roof from the garden may be enough to identify any potential problems, for areas that cannot be easily seen or accessed from the ground, it is worth employing a professional to give the roof tiles a quick check over periodically.

One thing the homeowner can easily do is to check inside the property for any leaks, wet patches or moisture. The loft area is the first place to experience problems such as this and by identifying the problem and rectifying it quickly will save you a considerable amount of money from water damage. Try to conduct this sort of check during a period of heavy rainfall as any leaks will be more easily identified and distinguished from a leaking item of plumbing

Pest and rot under roof tiles

Not all problems with roof tiles are actually the fault of broken roof tiles. Sometimes the supporting timbers may have been attacked by wood boring pests or wet rot in the timber itself. This would most likely result in a sgging roof and that would require immediate remediation work.

Talk to Heritage Clay Tiles Ltd about our extensive range of roof tiles. With so many years of expertise in the roofing industry, we are confident that we will be able to help you choose the perfect roof tiles for your next building project.

Further Information

If you would like to know more or are interested in a quote we would be happy to help. Phone us on 01634 471 344, email us at sales@heritagetiles.co.uk and we will be in touch as soon as possible.