HOW LONG DO CONCRETE ROOF TILES LAST?
With the rising threat of bushfires, if you’re in one of those areas, you’re going to want to pay attention If not, concrete roof tiles may still be one of the best home roofing solutions on the marke
If you’ve already made the investment or are looking to make the investment, you don’t want to waste your time and money–especially with an increase in climate-related events. Are these concrete tiles worth the effort?
Let’s talk about what concrete roof tiles are; why they’re one of the best roofing tiles on the market; and how long they’re designed to last.
What Are Concrete Roof Tiles?
Concrete is a man-made composite of sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, and other recycled concrete mixed with a cement paste to harden.
In its rawest form concrete is porous which can lead to more water absorption and thus poor maintainability. This isn’t a factor to worry over. Modern concrete roofing tiles are now treated in a way that increases durability, and the technology is only getting better.
The concrete roofing material you’ll find on the market is:
- Highly resistant to fire.
- Waterproof.
- Insect and animal proof.
Concrete roofing is one of the most popular choices in Australia–durable, long-lasting, reliable, and can add significant value to your property. Similarly to other concrete constructions, concrete roof tiles tend to get stronger with age as they will harden when being baked in the sun.
Just because it’s popular, does that mean it’s the right solution for you though?
You’re looking for longevity here, but however many years concrete roof tiles last means nothing without competitors to compare it to. Let’s take a look at a popular alternative to concrete roof tiles then everything will make a lot more sense.
Terracotta Roof Tiles
Terracotta roof tiles are a clay-based, fine-grained natural soil material that gets their durability from being baked.
In its rawest form terracotta can be very porous and, once wet, hold a lot of water; when dry it can also become very hard and brittle. There’s nothing to worry about though. With an added glaze, clay roofing tile durability approaches that of slate roofing tiles.
However, it should be warned that terracotta roof tiles can be fragile when compared to concrete roof tiles. The terracotta roofing material you’ll find on the market is:
- Waterproof.
- Corrosion-resistant.
- Heat resistant.
Terracotta roof tiles are a very low maintenance roofing material option that lasts from 50-100 years.
And this is key 50 to 100 years.
How Long Do Concrete Roof Tiles Last?
30 to 50 years, If you haven’t yet already made the investment, and a primary concern of yours is longevity, you might want to consider terracotta, slate, or metal roofing alternatives. Be warned though: those options come with their own drawbacks. Mainly price.
Concrete roof tiles relative to their price are the best bang for your buck. They require very little maintenance, are reliable, and will provide exceptional roofing for an extended period of time. Concrete as a material is very embracing of all the elements and will not rust or corrode near saltwater like metal roofs. For those properties in high-risk bushfire areas, concrete roof tiles will also be a great fire-safe roofing option.
Like anything in life, the better you take care of it, the longer it lasts.
How to Install Concrete Roof Tiles
This job should almost always be exclusively handled by professionals.
Professional roof contractors are trained, licensed, and insured to make sure the installation of any home construction is thorough, safe, and future-proof.
We are the best providers of roofing and gutter cleaning services throughout New South Wales. Please don’t hesitate to call our trusted team of roof and gutter experts for any and all advice related to your roofing needs.
How to Clean Concrete Roof Tiles
There are a few key factors that determine the shelf life of concrete roof tiles:
1. Roofing Materials
The roofing contractor you may hire will take a look at the type of roof you have and use that to determine a quote. Metal and concrete roofing materials are relatively easy and less expensive to clean than say, terracotta or clay tiles.
2. Roof Design
Roofs with more complicated sloping and design will cost more than simple flat roofs. Additionally, larger roofs will also naturally cost more to clean than smaller single-level roofs.
3. Scope of Project
The scope of the project means considerations like how accessible the roof is, the current condition the roof is in, and how much labour is required.
Professional Roof Cleaning Services
There are two main ways to clean a roof. One method relies on chemical or natural, high-quality roof cleaning products to give a roof a “soft wash” and chemically remove the bacteria build-up on the roof. The alternative method is using a high-pressure cleaner to clean the roofing materials.
Most roofing materials will benefit more from a soft wash, as high-pressure cleaning can often be too harsh for older or vulnerable roofs. However, a professional roofing company offering high-pressure cleaning services will have the skills and experience to use just the right amount of pressure on any type of roof, to avoid the machine damaging the roofing materials.
How Much to Clean a Roof?
There is no set price for roof cleaning, as a roof with a simple design and in good condition will be easier to clean than a roof with a more complex design that has suffered years of neglect. Generally, the more labour required, the more it will cost to have your roof cleaned.
Always call for accurate, market-competitive quotes, but in general roof cleaning prices vary by state. The least expensive is Western Australia, with rates of $38 per hour. In Queensland, expect to pay $50 per hour. In Sydney and New South Wales costs can be as high as $80 per hour.
Cement Roof Tile Replacement
If cleaning your cement roof isn’t an option, you might be looking at a complete or partial replacement job.
Cement roof tiles don’t often require replacement, as concrete roof tiles are very durable and long-lasting; but if you do need replacement know that it can be especially challenging. The materials are sturdy but require careful handling
While there may be plenty of DIY information on “how to replace cement roof tiles” online, you really need the job done by a professional roof contractor. A professional will not only know how to replace your broken or defective tiles but also be able to spot any other roof problems you have or may have in the future.
We are the best providers of roofing and gutter cleaning services throughout New South Wales so please don’t hesitate to call our trusted team of roof and gutter experts. We’re here to help.