Concrete roof tiles have been used for centuries as a durable roofing solution. What began as thin concrete planks has evolved into concrete tiles that can mimic the look of other roofing styles—namely clay barrel tiles.
Concrete tile roofs, on the other hand, can last up to 50 years and sometimes longer when they are property maintained with preventative measures.
Concrete Tile Roof Lifespan: 5 Considerations
While concrete is a long-lasting and durable roofing material, there are a number of considerations that can impact the lifespan of a concrete tile roof:
Weight
Concrete roofs can weigh between 600 and 1,100 lbs per square (100 square feet), which, along with slate and clay, makes it one of the heaviest roof tiles available. To support the weight of a concrete roof, the structure and framing of the building must be adequately reinforced.
Weatherproofing
In order to perform at their best, concrete tiles must be treated to prevent water absorption as best as possible. Concrete is porous and, when exposed to moisture, will absorb water. Treating concrete tiles with sealant can help extend the life of the tiles by preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew and even deterioration of the underlayment and roof deck if water permeates to the lower layers of the roof.
Underlayment
The underlayment on a roof will typically last for about 20 years less time than the concrete tiles that cover it. This means that to replace the underlayment, the concrete tiles will have to be removed and replaced. This is a time-consuming and difficult process considering the weight and installation process of concrete tiles.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a natural process that occurs when the free lime present in concrete is exposed to water and calcium hydroxide which causes a white, chalky deposit to form when it’s exposed to carbon dioxide in the air. While this doesn’t affect the integrity or lifespan of the roof and it will eventually disappear on its own, it can give the roof an unsightly appearance and make it look older and more worn than it actually is.
Maintenance
Concrete roof tiles need to be properly maintained to ensure they last and remain in good condition. Maintenance includes applying sealant to ensure water resistance, removing moss, mold, or mildew from the surface and between the tiles, and replacing broken or cracked tiles. Because concrete tiles shouldn’t be walked on, it’s important to avoid it as much as possible and to hire a professional when maintenance is needed.
In order to prevent the color from fading, which makes it difficult to match replacement tiles and gives the roof an unsightly appearance, concrete tile roof should be repainted periodically.
Composite Tiles Are a Better Alternative to Concrete Tiles
Composite tiles and concrete roof tile lifespans are relatively similar. However, maintenance-free and lightweight composite tiles offer a better alternative to concrete tiles. Here's why:
Easy installation - Composite tiles can be installed with common household tools, no specialty tools are required. Concrete tiles require special tools to cut them to size and attach them to the roof.
Get the look without the weight - Concrete tiles can mimic the look of slate and clay barrel tiles, but they are just as heavy and don’t offer many benefits over the original material. Composite tiles provide the look of both slate and clay barrel tiles, but without the extreme weight that comes with them.
No maintenance - Composite tiles don’t require any maintenance over their life which spans at least 50 years — Brava tiles have a 50-year warranty.
Sustainable - Made from 100% post-consumer material, composite roof tiles divert waste from landfills and recycle it into building materials.
Protects underlayment - The roof underlayment may not last as long as the composite tiles that protect it, but the durability of composite tiles can reduce the impact of moisture and impact which lessens the need for replacement. Additionally, Brava has an underlayment with a 50-year warranty which can line up with the lifespan of our composite roof tiles.
Versatile designs - Our composite roof tiles are available in Old World Slate and Spanish Barrel Tile, and they are also available in Cedar Shake, and all of our tiles come in a variety of high quality, variegated colors. This gives you even more options to create a beautiful tile roof that fits the aesthetic of your home. (Imagine your home using our visualizer, or view or photos, videos, or Brava Excellence Awards.)
Beautiful Brava Tiles Rival Concrete Roof Tile Lifespan
When it’s time to choose the tile for your roof, look no further than Brava Roof Tile. Our composite roof tiles come in three distinct and beautiful designs in a range of Nature-inspired hues. Our tiles mimic the variegated coloration found in natural materials but without the downsides. They have a 50-year warranty that rivals the lifespan of concrete roof tile, but with none of the maintenance that concrete tiles require.
Contact the experts at Brava today to discover Cedar Shakes, Old World Slate, and Spanish Barrel Tiles that will complete the look of your home.
For more homeowner information, please visit the links below:
