Differences between Asphalt Tile and Clay Tile

The roof is the most important part of the exterior of a house. It's what protects your home and belongings from the elements, while increasing your appearance and appeal.

Two of the most widely used roofing materials are Clay Shingles and Asphalt Shingles throughout North America. Both provide an attractive and durable roof that will cover and protect your home. But they look and are made in very different ways.

The asphalt shingle are more popular in the United States and Canada for its benefits and advantages being 80% of the roofs thatched with it. We describe the differences between the two materials so that you can make a more informed decision about what will be the right finish for your home.

Appearance

The shingles are flexible sheets that are installed overlapping each other. Thicker asphalt shingles have been developed over the years that add more dimension and structure to the roof and mimic the effects of materials such as slate, cedar shingles, or stone. They come in a wide range of colors and can have some variation or texture depending on the exact style you choose. They can be adapted to modern, country, traditional styles, among others, since given the variety of colors, they give a very versatile finish.

Clay tiles are produced in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any architectural style. They give a more traditional look and look great in homes.

Durability

In terms of durability, a well-maintained clay tile roof can last for many years. Manufacturers grant a 50-year warranty on the product. However, it is advisable to waterproof below the clay tile in case any tile breaks and prevent leaks from forming on the roof. In this way to achieve the duration of many years and protection to the roof.

The asphalt shingles provide guarantee durability and waterproofing 25 to 50 years, depending on the thickness, type and style. In addition to the warranty, they can last many more years.

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Maintenance

Clay tile roofs can be more difficult and more expensive to maintain. Round barrel-style tiles can allow small animals, plants, and mold to hide in the gaps. You cannot walk on this type of roof, since the tiles could break and in the event of rain, water can easily seep into your home if the sealing process is not done correctly, thus damaging your home. If you find a broken shingle, replace it as soon as possible to avoid more widespread roof damage.

The asphalt shingle roof is easy to clean and maintain. The asphalt seals the shingles to the roof, leaving no room for moisture. It does not break if you walk over them, they do not have space to nest animals and algae does not form on the roof. They do not require much maintenance over time.

Weather

Different climates come with distinctive weather patterns, temperature ranges, and seasonal variations, which can affect roofing materials.

Asphalt shingle roofs are common throughout the United States and have been shown to handle all types of climates. Thanks to the fact that they are composed of asphalt and fiberglass, it makes them resistant to water, which means that they work perfectly as a waterproofing agent, being able to choose these tiles in areas of heavy rain. In hot regions, they do a great job of reflecting sunlight, keeping the home interior cooler and reducing home cooling costs. They also do well in snowy weather, and snowfall slides easily.

Clay tile roofs are more commonly installed in warmer parts of the country because they are unable to handle freeze / thaw conditions.

Weight

The shingles are fairly light and can be installed in almost any type of roof and forms as they adapt to the surface (including domes, curved ceilings and even walls).

The clay tile is heavier and by absorbing rainwater it becomes 25% even heavier.

If your home cannot support a heavy roof or cannot reinforce it, then an asphalt shingle roof is the best option.

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Installation

Installation varies between clay tile roofs and asphalt shingles , as well as the style of tile you choose. The shingles are fairly simple and quick to install. Most have tabs that overlap each other and are nailed and sealed. A layer of asphalt felt or synthetic felt is all that is needed underneath on wood or fiber cement roofs as long as the roof deck is in good condition and has the proper slope . In concrete ceilings, the tile is installed on a mortar, it can be nailed or glued with asphalt cement in areas where there are no strong winds.

Clay tiles require a certain degree of roof reinforcement. This is due to the weight gain involved, not taking into account that when wet in the rain, the shingles absorb a large amount of water, increasing their weight even more. The roof also needs to be waterproofed before shingling and the installation process is much slower and more complicated. To ensure proper installation, clay tiles must not only be tied, but must also be cemented in place one at a time, which can take several days to complete depending on the size of the roof.

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