Homeowners in need of a roof replacement have a wide range of materials to choose from. While many opt for standard asphalt shingles, roofing tiles made from either clay or concrete are an attractive, long-lasting option. The guide below looks closer at both materials and how they can add value to your home.

Clay Roof Tiles

Also called terracotta, clay tiles are made of clay molded into the desired shape and baked to make them waterproof. They traditionally have a natural reddish color. You can also find them in a variety of other shades—most often white, yellow, and brown.

For an especially attractive appearance, some roof companies offer glazed roof tiles, which are similar to glazed pottery dishes and artwork. They are created by coating the tiles with special enamels before baking them.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles are made of a similar sand and cement mixture to what you’d find in sidewalk pavement. This mixture is poured into a mold and heat-treated to cure it. They’re often painted to look like clay tiles, wood shake, or natural stone. Because wet cement is so malleable, concrete tiles are often molded with advanced features like grooves to keep moisture from infiltrating the roof.

Which Should You Choose for Your Roof Replacement?

Both clay tiles and concrete have a number of strengths. Both are long-lasting, attractive, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance. Concrete tiles are the more affordable of the two. They’re also more durable when hit with objects, tree branches, or hail.

Clay tiles are traditional and help when recreating an authentic Mediterranean look for your home. Clay tiles are heavier and your roof company may need to add extra support to hold them up, but their vivid appearance is worth it. Additionally, they’re less porous than concrete, so they’re more resistant to moss and mildew growth.

Whether you want clay or concrete tiles, AMCAT Roofing in Durango, CO, has what you need. Sering La Plata County, this licensed and insured roof company is an Owens Corning® Platinum Preferred Contractor. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call (970) 799-6759 to discuss your roof replacement project. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings.