Concrete Tile and Clay Tile – How They Differ and How to Maintain Them

Everyone recognizes a tile roof. It’s a classic, and for good reason: in addition to its handsome appearance, a well-maintained tile roof is a long-lasting and durable roofing material. However, there are options when it comes to tile types. Clay tile and concrete tile differ somewhat in their manufacturing process and maintenance requirements, and now we’ll lay it all out on the table.

Concrete Tile and Its Maintenance

Concrete tiles are manufactured by pressing concrete. The result is a roofing material that withstands various weather conditions, time, and seasons. A concrete tile roof can last up to 70 years. It’s a durable solution when properly maintained. A maintained and coated concrete tile roof also gives the house the appearance it deserves. Per unit, concrete tile is more affordable than clay tile, and they became popular in Finland in the 1950s.

Concrete tiles are manufactured by pressing concrete.

A concrete tile roof should be cleaned of debris, branches, and needles in spring and fall. At that time, it’s worth checking the condition of the tiles: Are there any broken tiles or is a tile missing completely? What does the surface of the tiles look like? Broken and missing tiles should be replaced with intact ones immediately. When the tile surface starts to look porous and moss begins to grow on it, it’s probably time for coating.

As a maintenance measure, a concrete tile roof requires coating. This typically becomes necessary about every 15 years.

Over time, the original coating on concrete tile wears away, exposing the porous surface of the tile. Water and moss thrive on porous surfaces. When the temperature drops below freezing and rises again, the water in the tile’s pores alternately freezes and thaws. Because water expands when it freezes, it crumbles and weakens the tile. This is called frost weathering. Eventually, it causes the entire tile to crack, putting the house’s structures at risk.

Over time, the original coating on concrete tile wears away

By coating a concrete tile roof, you ensure that water and damp moss don’t thrive on the roof. For coating concrete tile, Tikkurila’s Kilpi Tile Roof Paint works well, for example. During coating, you can also change the color of the tile roof, but you need to be careful here, as the old color tends to show through easily. Read more about coating tile roofs here.

Clay Tile and Its Maintenance

Clay tile has been used on roofs since ancient times, and in favorable conditions it can last on a roof for even hundreds of years. Here in the north, however, varying conditions and frost weathering take their toll on clay tile’s condition, but even here a well-maintained clay tile roof can last up to 100 years. So it’s a very durable material.

In Finland, the first clay tile roofs were built about five hundred years ago, so it has a long history in our country. Of course, initially only the most valuable buildings got tile roofs, but in the 20th century they became a common sight as hats on Finnish homes.

Clay tile, manufactured by firing, is thus a durable and long-lasting roofing material. However, with the popularization of concrete tile, new clay tile roofs have become quite rare. Clay tile has given way to the more affordable concrete tile – clay tile is more expensive than concrete tile. On the other hand, the popularity of clay tile has started to rise again somewhat.

Clay tile, manufactured by firing, is thus a durable and long-lasting roofing material.

A clay tile roof needs cleaning from debris and branches just like a concrete tile roof. It’s important to replace broken and missing tiles with intact ones as soon as possible, so water can’t do its damage.

Clay tile can be maintained with a clear coating. The coating’s job is to make the tile surface unfavorable for moss, so moss and thereby water can’t settle on the tile surface. Before maintenance, broken tiles must naturally be replaced with intact ones.

Summary: Differences Between Concrete Tile and Clay Tile

Both concrete tile and clay tile are durable roofing materials. Nowadays, concrete tile is the more commonly used material of these two, and it is somewhat cheaper than clay tile in terms of purchase price. Both roof types should be cleaned of loose debris in spring and fall, and at the same time it’s worth checking the roof’s condition and replacing broken tiles. A concrete tile roof can be coated with colored coating, while clay tile is coated with clear coating.

Let’s Get Your Tile Roof in Shape!

Wondering about your tile roof’s condition? We’ll gladly come for a free estimate visit, where our skilled Väriset expert will check your roof’s condition and, if necessary, give you a quote for maintaining your roof.

Watch the video to see how smoothly our professionals handle tile roof coating:

Read also:

Tile Roof Lifespan: 3 + 1 Ways to Extend It

Wondering About the Cost of Painting a Tile Roof? Here’s How to Estimate the Project Price