Choosing the Best Roofing Tiles
We can’t deny the fact that choosing the best roofing tiles for your property isn’t as simple as a walk in the park. In fact, it has become more daunting thanks to the many types in the market, intense competition, and improved technologies. What may have been the best option a few years ago may have become obsolete and not reliable anymore. Also, what may be a good choice in one building may not be ideal in another setting. We also can’t forget that consumer preferences are as varied as the designs, sizes, shapes and colors. You shouldn’t be surprised that someone out there loves pink tiles while you find them “girly”. To help you in making the right decision easily, quickly and conveniently, we have summarized the key points to mull over when choosing the best roofing tiles.
1. Material
Tiles are made of different materials with the common ones being clay, ceramic, slate, concrete, cement, terracotta and also plastic. The suitability of each will be influenced by home design, market trends, region, weight, personal preference, price and much more. Slate and ceramic are long-lasting and corrosion-resistant but are heavy and also more costly. Concrete, clay, and cement are more affordable and easy to work with but are not as durable as ceramic or slate. Plastic although versatile and easy to use isn’t very long-lasting and is also not very eco-friendly.
2. Weight
Although they may appear similar, tiles come in varied weight and this is determined by the material of construction as well as size. Clay, ceramic and slate are among the heavy types whereas plastic and cement are lighter. Larger tiles will also weigh more compared to smaller ones. Before purchasing the tiles, you need to be sure that the truss and batten can support the weight of the tiles. A light structure will crumble due to the heavy weight or may make it more susceptible to leaks. A good roofer will help you determine the right weight to minimise such problems.
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3. Shape/ Design
If you have closely looked at tiles, you will have noticed that they come in many shapes. The type of shape influences how functional, elegant, or valuable your home will be.
– Plain: they are rectangular or square shaped and measure about 165 x 265 mm. They are easy to fit as they only need to be overlapped with the other.
– Pantiles: This tile is believed to have originated in Belgium and Holland and is common in Scotland and the eastern region of England. They are defined by their “S’ profile that makes them among the most elegant tiles.
– Interlocking: Appears similar to Pantiles but all four sides interlock for a better protection against wind or water.
– Roman: Commonly found in England’s South West region, this tile is symbolic with a flat surface with one or both sides featuring a rolled edge.
– Thin Leading Edge (TLE): it’s a fairly thin tile that brings out a slate-like appearance courtesy of the interlock design.
– Barrel tiles: Also called mission tiles, this type comes in a cylindrical (concave and convex) design. They can be made of clay, concrete, cement, plastic. Installation is done by alternating the columns (concave, convex, concave, and convex and so on).
4. Colour
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to choosing tiles has to be colour. Unlike the early days when people were limited to a few colours; orange, brown, tan, and red, nowadays, you have many color choices. Although appearing basic, the colour of the tile determines the insulation in the home and durability of the roof. Light-coloured tiles reflect away heat and keep the property cooler in hot days. Darker-coloured tiles absorb heat and will make the home warm in cold weather. Are you aware than darker hues such as black or dark brown make a house look smaller and lighter colours bigger? Before choosing the colour, it pays to interact with a reputable roofing company as they will give you a preview of what your home will look like before spending lot money or your “luminous green or pink tiles.”
5. Durability/ Strength
The lifespan of tiles is as varied as the tiles themselves. While most roofs in the UK last for between 10 and 25 years before needing a major overhaul or replacement, you can still come across tiles that can last for as many as 50 years. However, you should be prepared to pay a higher price for this type compared to another type that lasts for 20 years. It’s better to dig deeper in your pocket for quality tiles rather than going for cheaper options that come with a 10-year warranty. Slate and ceramic are among the strongest and durable tile materials.
Conclusion
You should give lots of attention to selecting roofing tiles. In fact, the same importance you give to buying a house or renovating a building should apply to the roofing tiles. This is a long-term investment that also costs a lot. And the last thing you can imagine is a roof that starts to leak sooner than later, the value of your property dipping because of poor or wrong selection or having to replace the entire roofing because it wasn’t very appealing or functional.
Fortunately, you don’t have to keep scratching your head when it comes to choosing the right tiles. You also shouldn’t toss and turn in bed worrying whether the tiles you are about to purchase are worth the money or time. Simply talk to Roofers Bristol and let them help you choose, install, or even repair a damaged section.
We are a family-owned roofing company based in Bristol, UK and have been in service for more than 20 years. We pride ourselves on being a leader in regards to roofing tiles and related services. Our team of highly-trained and certified contractors will not only help you select the best product but will also offer a guarantee on the items and insurance on installation or repair service.
How about visiting our offices from 8.30 am-6.00pm Monday to Saturday or viewing the services at https://roofersbristoluk.co.uk/. You can also interact with us by email via bristolroofersuk@gmail.com or call us at 01172 900264 to get a free service quote. Talk to us today and get the best roofing tiles money can buy.
