How To Choose The Right Flat Roof Tile
Choosing the right flat roof tile can be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss the different types of flat roof tiles available and how to choose the right one for your home. We’ll also provide some tips on installation and maintenance. So whether you’re renovating your home or building a new one, read on for all you need to know about flat roof tiles.
Options And Benefits of Using Flat Roof Tiles
Flat roof tiles come in a variety of appearances to give you the look you want. They are available in a variety of textures, and colors. This allows you to find the perfect flat roof tile for your home. The most common appearance in Florida is the smooth flat surface but there are others that give the appearance of a shake roof or a slate roof.
The quality and value of each type of flat roof tile is the same. The main difference is the appearance. Some homeowners may prefer the look of a concrete flat roof tile, while others may prefer the look of a wood shake flat roof tile. There are also a variety of textures available to give your home a unique look. So whether you’re looking for a modern look or a more traditional look, flat roof tiles have you covered.
When it comes to flat roof tiles, concrete is an excellent option for a number of reasons. First and foremost, concrete is incredibly durable and can withstand high winds, and hail damage. In addition, concrete roof tile is an excellent insulator, keeping your home or commercial building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, helping reduce energy costs. Which is exactly what we all need in this Florida heat.
When it comes to all the colors available, we have options that are approved by Energy Star® and the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) for reflectivity. This will take the value and quality of your roof to a whole new level.
How To choose The Right Flat Roof Tile
When it comes to choosing a tile roof, the most important factor is the underlayment. The quality of the underlayment is crucial for the overall waterproofing of your home. There are a number of different types of underlayment available, so be sure to research which one is best for your needs.
In addition, there are a number of different methods for installing tiles. Screws or foam can both be used, but foam is the better option as it is more secure and lasts longer. Unfortunately, foam may not always be available, so your options will be to replace it with screws or wait till the foam is accessable. Foam is the better system because it requires less penetrations in your roof, so less chance of leaks.
When choosing between the different styles of flat tiles, they all offer the same level of quality and durability and they all last the same amount of time. But of course be sure to choose a company that has good reviews and a proven track record, because you don’t want just anyone installing the tiles on your roof.
What Is The Installation Process Like For Flat Tile Roofs?
Inspection
Every roof replacement starts with a thorough inspection of the roof and attic. The attic being the key point here because this is a step that some roofers skip but it provides valuable information for you as the home owner.
There is always a chance that you will need to replace some wood on your house when replacing the roof. This is because of leaks or poor ventilation that cause moisture in the attic to damage your plywood. So it’s important to get an idea of how many sheets of plywood you will need before you start the project, so you can budget accordingly.
Job Staging
In general there will be permits that need to be pulled and material that will be ordered. This might take some time so be patient and ready for a slight delay. As your chosen contractor, we will take care of your roof during this time, so if you have an active leak, we can help to tarp it or patch that section till the replacement is ready to start.
Installation
When the roof is in progress, it starts with removing and disposing of the old roofing material and installing the underlayment. At this point, the inspector from the city will come out and inspect the roof. Once the roof is in stalled and we flash all the details and finish the final touches, the inspection from the city will make their final approval, and you will be all set.
How To Maintain Flat Roof Tiles So They Last Longer?
Maintenance of flat roof tiles is relatively simple. You’ll want to keep the roof free of debris and branches. Especially if you have gutters because the water can back up behind the gutter and damaged the eave of your roof.
Some options out there, which we do not recommend, would be a coating that closes the gabs in between the flat tiles. This might sound great at first, but in the long run it will trap moisture in your roof and damage the plywood. So when it comes time to replace the roof, you will have a ton of plywood to replace as well, which will dramatically increase the cost.
As a flat roof tile ages, it becomes brittle and can easily break. This is especially true if the roof is walked on regularly. So be careful when walking on your flat roof, especially if it’s been a while since it was last replaced. If you do happen to break a tile, don’t worry – they can easily be replaced by a qualified contractor.
It’s good to have an inspection of your roof after a large storm. When the roof is over 10 years old, we recommend an inspection if you haven’t had one yet. As the roof nears 20 years, you will also benefit from having an attic inspection along with a visual roof inspection. This way if you have a leak that can’t be seen from the top, you will helpfully catch sight of it before it enters your home.
Our team at Blue Dog Roofing is always available to help with any questions you may have. Contact us today for a no cost estimate of a flat tile roof.
What Are The Best Brands Of Flat Roof Tiles Available?
There are two main brands for tiles that we highly recommend. Eagle and Boral are both high quality manufactures that offer a wide veracity of colors and stiles. They are well respected brands in the roofing industry and homeowners across Florida have come to know and appreciate the long lasting tiles they provide.
You can’t go wrong with either brand, they both offer great warranties, wind resistance, longevity and options for color and design. When it comes to performance, you won’t have a difference when choosing between tiles. There are different options for underlayment which can affect the quality of the roof. Along with a few installation processes, like nailing down and sealing the plywood. All of these options can be discussed with your estimator when they inspect the roof.