Clay tile roofs aren't just a simple shelter from the sun and rain — they're a charming, durable and environmentally-friendly roofing option. Before buying a house with a clay roof, however, you should be prepared for the costs and labor it may require.
Here are some important questions to ask when considering a home with a tile roofing:
Knowing where your tiles came from can give you a good idea of their quality and suitability for the climate of your region.
One important characteristic of the tiles is the grade. Clay tiles are produced in various grades, and each one provides a different level of resistance to weather-related issues like frosting. The tiles you have should be based on the most severe climatic conditions that can occur in your area rather than the typical climate.
There are three grades of tile, laid out in the ASTM C1167 Standards for Clay Tile Roofs. Each grade defines a degree of weather resistance.
What level of moisture absorption a tile may have is one of the main criteria in determining the tile’s grade. The more moisture the tile absorbs, the less likely to perform on harsh climates. One of the worst effects is when water soaks into the tile and then freezes. The tile begins to break down and simply isn’t resistant to freezing temperatures. Only grade 1 clay roof tiles should be used in extreme freeze thaw climates.
ASTM 1167 also categorizes clay roof tiles by shape:
Flat Tiles: Small and rectangular with a smooth surface finish
Roman Tiles: Flat in the middle with a concave curve on one end and a convex curve on the other
Interlocking Tiles: Interlocks with adjacent tiles, which improves protection against wind and rain
These shapes effect testing for another important aspect of the tile’s quality: break strength.
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