Should I Install Clay or Concrete Roof on My Central FL Home?

Blog Post

Here in Central Florida, choosing the right tile for your roof installation is important. You want a building material that is well-suited to storm conditions, humidity, extreme UV, pests, and other hazards that are just part of life here in Florida!

In general, clay and concrete are two of the best options for our climate, but choosing one over the other is where things can get confusing. Here at AGU Roofing & Solar, we want homeowners here in Lake, Orange, and Seminole Counties to know the pros and cons of clay versus concrete tiling so that your roof can meet your aesthetic goals while keeping you and your family safe and sound.

Pros and Cons of Clay Roofing

Clay tile roofs are some of the most eye-catching and common here in Central Florida. You’ll see them on residential homes and throughout many commercial areas, like the entrance to Downtown Winter Garden.

And while the aesthetic appeal is a big draw for choosing clay tiles, they have a few other pros:

They’re strong enough for Central Florida. Well-made clay tiles are durable, and can withstand strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall.
They last a long time. Compared to many other building materials, clay tiles will outlast the competition. With regular maintenance and care, clay tile roofs can have a lifespan of an astounding 75 to 100 years or more, without fading in color. In fact, it’s much more likely for the roof underlay to require replacing before the clay tiles themselves.
They’re great temperature regulators. If you’re looking to lower your monthly energy bill, clay is an effective insulator.
They ward off mold growth and pests. Clay does a good job of repelling water, and it has a low water absorption rate, which lowers your likelihood for finding mold growth or water damage. Pests are also deterred by clay tiles, as long as there are no holes or cracks that would allow them to access the underlay and attic.

With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why clay tiles are such a popular option for Florida homeowners. But, there are a few cons to keep in mind, such as:

Cost. Clay tiles are a big investment up front. To be sure, that investment should give you many decades of low-maintenance, durable roof tiles, but not everyone can finance the cost.
Weight. Another consideration for clay tile roofing is weight. Clay tends to be quite heavy compared to other roof building materials, like metal or asphalt tiles, so your home structure may require reinforcement if you’re planning on a clay tile roof installation.
Installation challenges. Clay tiles must be properly installed in order for you to reap all of the benefits that we’ve listed here. And not every roofing company is skilled in laying clay tiles, which can lead to breaking and improper sealing. Here at AGU Roofing, we can offer high quality installation techniques that will ensure that your roof gives you many years of hassle-free beauty.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Roofing

Concrete roofing is one of the most popular alternatives to clay roofing, and you’ll see it used in a range of different architectural styles, like Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Eclectic, that characterize Central Florida. Let’s take a look at what’s great about concrete tiles:

They’re more budget friendly than clay. Because of differences in the manufacturing process, one of the biggest advantages that concrete tiles have over clay is the cost.

They’re also durable. When it comes to withstanding strong winds and damage from hail or flying debris, concrete tiles and clay tiles go head-to-head. They’re both very strong materials that are great for Florida.
They also offer a long lifespan. Concrete tiles are estimated to last around 50 years or longer if kept in good condition. It’s not as long as clay tiles, but it’s much longer than many other building materials.
They’re good for your monthly energy bill. Also like clay tiles, concrete does a good job of regulating the internal temperature of your home.

So far, concrete tiles and clay tiles appear to be quite similar in their advantages for Florida homes. But, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to concrete:

Water retention. Concrete has a slightly higher rate of water absorption than clay, meaning that it takes longer to dry out. If we’re hit with a very wet, humid season, then concrete roof tiles will be more prone to mold growth and water damage. In other words, you may need to invest in more maintenance to properly seal and protect your concrete roof.
Weight. We mentioned that clay tiles are quite heavy, but concrete tiles are even heavier. Again, this won’t be a problem for every home, but it will be necessary to have your roof assessed for structural integrity before moving ahead with concrete tile roof installation.
Design. Nowadays, there are many ways to elevate the look of concrete tiles. They come in a variety of different designs and can be painted to create texture and boost your curb appeal. Even so, some people prefer the look of traditional clay tiles. It’s also important to know that the color of concrete tiles will fade over time and require re-finishing.

How a professional roof installation company can help

It can feel like a lot of pressure to make a decision that you’ll end up living with for decades to come. The good news is, deciding between clay and concrete for your roof means that you’re choosing between two options that are well-suited for Central Florida.

If you’re still unsure, we’re here to help. When you call us to ask which one we would recommend for your home, our team at AGU Roofers will walk you through the following questions:

What is your design vision? We’re happy to show you different options for clay tiles versus the range of concrete tiles you can choose from.
When was your home built? Homes that are over 20 years old are likely going to need structural reinforcement for concrete tiles, but that might not be the case for clay tiles. We’ll want to learn more about your roof structure.
Is sustainability a concern for you? While the manufacturing process for both clay tiles and concrete tiles will have an environmental impact, clay tiles are generally considered to be more sustainably made. This would also be a good time to talk about whether you plan on installing solar panels and what that could mean for your overall roofing plan.
What are your budgetary needs? Do you know your financing options? Often, we see clients dismiss the idea of one option over the other because of the installation cost, alone. But, we can help you understand long-term costs, financing options, and potential increase in property value so that you can make a more informed decision.

Ultimately, the choice between clay and concrete roofing is up to you. And as we said, it’s a choice between two good options! If you’re still on the fence, don’t hesitate to give us a call at AGU Roofing & Solar so that we can help make the process easier.

We offer roof installation for concrete and clay tiles as well as a range of other building materials, repairs, solar panel installation and more. We’re centrally located in Minneola and Clermont, with a service area extending to Lake, Orange and Seminole Counties!