Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof in the United States, but they certainly aren't the only option. Many homeowners enjoy the durability and classic appearance of clay tile roofing but find themselves in sticker shock when they see the price of materials and installation. While clay tile is undoubtedly worth it to many buyers, the cost is hard to justify for others. If you are interested in the look of clay without the high price, then concrete tile may be an option worth considering for your next roof.
Is Concrete A Reasonable Substitute For Clay?
Although the word "beautiful" might not immediately leap to mind when thinking of concrete, concrete roofing tiles can be just as attractive as classic clay tiles. Concrete can be produced in a wide range of colors and shapes, mimicking traditional clay tile roofs or offering unique designs better suited to your home's region. In addition to looking great, concrete tile is highly durable and likely to last for decades with proper care. Concrete tile is so long-lasting that it's likely you will never need to replace a concrete roof that has been cared for well.
The Costs Of Concrete
Compared to traditional asphalt roofing, concrete isn't cheap. This initial cost can be a tough pill to swallow for many homeowners. The cost of installation for concrete roofing includes the materials, the higher labor cost, and possibly the reinforcement of the existing roof structure to support the extra weight. Once completed, however, your new concrete roof will last several times longer than an asphalt roof. If you intend to keep your home for the long haul, then this investment will quickly pay off as you avoid the costs of future roof replacements. More importantly, concrete is usually much cheaper than clay despite offering similar longevity.
How Can You Guarantee That Your Concrete Roof Will Last?
While concrete is a great and long-lasting option, it's not without potential pitfalls. The roofing tiles themselves are durable enough to last a lifetime, but failure often comes from within. Even if the tiles are in perfect condition, the underlayment system may begin to fail much sooner. To prevent this, it is critical to choose a skilled and qualified installer. Working with a contractor familiar with concrete can help to ensure that your roof's underlayment will be sufficient to last for the life of the tiles.
To learn more, visit a website like https://www.skerlec.com/.
When you build a home or make a large addition to the home, you will hire a general contractor to oversee the project and do the majority of the work. This individual may subcontract some small tasks to specialists, such as window installers and HVAC techs, but for the most part, it is their responsibility to ensure everything is built according to plan.
As you can imagine, general contractors have very varied jobs. No two days are alike! On this website, you will learn more about what general contractors do, which will come in handy the next time you need to hire one.