Things to Consider When Buying a House With Terracotta Clay Roof Tiles

 If you're in the market for a new home, you may come across houses with terracotta clay tile roofs. Known for their warm, earthy appearance and durability, terracotta tiles can add a lot of curb appeal and character to a home. However, there are some important factors to weigh if you're considering buying a home with this type of roof. In this blog post, we’ll cover the key things you want to consider.

The Durability of Terracotta Tiles

One of the main benefits of terracotta clay roof tiles is their exceptional durability. Made from naturally weather-resistant clay that has been fired at high temperatures, they stand up very well to wind, rain, and storms. Properly maintained terracotta roofs can last over 100 years! With just periodic inspections and minor repairs when needed, you may never need to replace the roof during your time living in the home.

The Repair and Replacement Costs

If tiles do get damaged or wear out over a long period of time, they can be fairly expensive to replace. The tiles themselves aren’t too pricey, but the labor involved in removing broken ones and installing new tiles adds significantly to the overall job cost. Since the tiles are brittle and often break during removal, replacements usually need to be done in sections rather than individual tiles here and there.

Finding Matching Replacement Tiles

Matching replacement terracotta clay roof tiles can be tricky. Over decades, the sun slowly weathers the tiles, adding variation in color and texture that can be difficult to duplicate in new tiles. There also tends to be subtle natural color variation from tile to tile right out of the box. So, replacements may stand out upon installation.

Ask the sellers if they have any spare or leftover tiles that could be used for future repairs. Also, find out where the tiles originally came from - the manufacturer and tile name/color, if available. This will increase the chances of getting the closest possible match when repairs are needed down the road.

Climate Considerations

Terracotta clay tiles perform best in warmer, drier climates. Hot temperatures pose no issue for properly kiln-fired tiles, and some periodic rainfall can actually help clean dust and debris off the roof. However, freezing winters and substantial snowfall can damage tiles and lead to leaks as tiles expand and contract. If you live in a cold winter climate, look closely for any existing signs of damage from snow and ice. Also, consider heating cables along the roofline to melt snow and prevent ice dams.

Salt spray can prematurely erode and degrade terracotta clay roof tiles in coastal areas, sometimes in as little as 10-15 years. So carefully examine the roof of any home you’re considering near the ocean. Make sure the tiles look in good current condition, and ask how long the existing roof has been in place.

Added Fire Resistance

In fire-prone areas, terracotta clay roof tiles provide an added level of protection. The tiles themselves are non-combustible. Combined with non-wood decking materials, they can significantly reduce the chances of a roof fire. 

Several terracotta manufacturers point to intact tile roofs surviving major wildfires while neighboring houses with other roofing types sustained heavy damage. A terracotta tile roof is a big advantage if you’re looking to build or buy in an area at high risk for brush fires.

The Weight Load

One downside to clay tiles is their weight. They are much heavier than other common roofing materials like asphalt, metal, and wood shingles. When fully installed, the weight load ranges from about 850 to 1500 pounds per square foot. This requires substantial roof framing and often additional support within the walls as well to bear the load.

If you plan to add solar panels or other equipment on the roof down the line, you’ll need to consider the combined weight load on the structure carefully. The expense of reinforcing the framing is also something to keep in mind. Being realistic about future needs will help avoid issues.

Appearance and Design Options

Terracotta clay roof tiles lend gorgeous visual appeal to both traditional and contemporary home designs. The rich reddish-brown earth tones and gently weathered texture add a warm, inviting personality on the outside. The tiles are shaped like waves, flat shingles, interlocking pieces, and Mediterranean barrel rounds. A wide variety of styles are available to suit your home’s architectural character.

Finding Terracotta Tiles and Roofers Near Me

If you decide to purchase a home with existing terracotta tiles or want them for a new home build, finding sources nearby is key for easier long-term maintenance. Search for “terracotta tiles near me” or “terracotta roofing near me” to locate manufacturers and distributors in your region.

Be sure also to research qualified local roofers experienced in properly installing and repairing terracotta tiles. They will know all the intricacies of working with these roofs to avoid any pitfalls. 

Conclusion

Terracotta clay roof tiles can add striking visual beauty and character to a home. Their natural earth tones and texture bring charming curb appeal, while their durability promises decades of charm with proper care. However, the vulnerabilities of tile breakage, costs of repairs, and considerations around climate, weight loads, and energy efficiency call for careful evaluation before investing in a home with this roofing material.

So, if you are looking for terracotta clay roof tiles, Jindal Mechno Bricks is here to help. They have the top quality bricks and manufacturing materials to help you in making your home strong and appealing. Book your order today to know more.