You may be constructing a new roof, remodeling your home, have a roof that has achieved its life expectancy, or be experiencing roofing problems. No matter the reason, it's important to take the time needed to research the products available.

Roofing tiles can be ceramic (clay) or fabricated from cement concrete. Some of the lighter types use fibers (e.g., cellulose) added for strength. The color of a tile may be dispersed throughout, or it may be applied in the form of a coating.

Concrete tiles are made of Portland cement, sand and water in varying proportions. The material is mixed and extruded on molds under high pressure. The exposed surface of a tile may be finished with cementitious material colored with synthetic oxide additives. The tiles are cured to reach the required strength. They generally have lugs on their undersides for anchoring to batten strips. There are additional water locks or interlocking ribs on the longitudinal edges that impede movement and prevent water infiltration.

Clay tile is produced by baking molded clay into tile. The density of the clay is determined by the length of time and temperature at which it is heated. Tiles may be glazed and also may have surface texture treatments applied. As a result, there are a wide variety of tile profiles, styles, finishes and colors available. In addition, each tile may have separate field, ridge, hip, gable and terminal tiles of various shapes. Installation methods depend on the nature of the tile being installed; that is, whether it is two piece, one piece, interlocking or flat. Perhaps the most venerable type of roof tile is the Spanish style red barrel tile made from fired clay. The modern version of this tile is sometimes a cement tile with a suitable coating. In either case, the red color is due to the ubiquitous iron oxide material, hematite. Tiles are available in a wide range of colors.

Advantages of tile roofing

• They are fire-resistance
• They are durable and non-combustible
• Roof tiles hold up extremely well in all sorts of weather conditions.
• The maintenance of tile roofs is minimal.

• Weight
• Cost

Tile roofs often have enhanced air circulation compared to other roofing types because ambient air can circulate below as well as above the tile. (Wood roofs also have provision for air circulation below the roof, to make sure they always remain dry) This enhanced air circulation helps the roof shed solar heat more readily.