If you want a tile roof, you would usually choose between concrete and clay tiles. These roofing materials are still available, and they are still very widely used. However, synthetic roofing tiles have also become more popular and are claiming a portion of the tile roofing market. What advantages do synthetic tiles have over other materials? Take a look.
Synthetic tiles are lighter
One of the common drawbacks of concrete or clay roof tiles is their heavy weight. They can be too heavy for some roofs to support, at least without reinforcements being added to the roof and attic area. Synthetic roofing tiles are significantly lighter than those made from clay or concrete. This makes them an option for homes that can't support tile. It also allows homeowners to avoid making the upgrades they would need to make to support concrete or clay tiles, which saves money and time.
Synthetic tiles are made from recycled materials
Today, there is a push towards using more sustainable roof materials. Synthetic tiles certainly qualify. They are made from recycled materials. Most contain rubber and plastics, perhaps sourced from old tires or plastic containers.
Synthetic tiles can be walked on
Working on a clay or concrete tile roof is difficult and requires a careful approach. If a roofer steps the wrong way, they can crack a tile. There are also concerns about wearing the right shoes. With synthetic tiles, this is far less of a concern. Synthetic tiles bend and stretch a little and are far less fragile. So, you or your roofer can step on them without worrying that they'll crack. This makes the roof installation and roof repair process a lot simpler.
Synthetic tiles are less prone to tree damage
A tree hanging over your tile roof is not a good idea. If a tree branch falls on the roof, it is likely to crack the clay or concrete tiles, even if the branch is relatively small. This is far less likely to happen with a synthetic tile roof. Since synthetic tile bends a little, it will not crack or break easily if a branch falls on it.
Synthetic tile has become a more common roof material over the past few years. If you like the advantages above, it could be a good roofing material for you. Talk to a roofing company in your area, such as 20/20 Exteriors, to learn more about synthetic roofing.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.