Clay roof tiles can easily make anyone who has seen and experienced the houses of the 80s and 90s nostalgic. You can still find these tiles in use today in rural areas. However, the proliferation of cement and concrete has almost phased the clay tiles from modern homes.
Clay tiles have several qualities that you would love to incorporate into your modern house. For instance, clay tiles are great at providing temperature resistance to the house. However, clay tiles require higher maintenance as they are prone to chipping and breaking.
Nowadays ceramic roof tiles are posing as a more durable alternative to clay roof tiles. Let us help you understand the basic properties of ceramic and clay roof tiles before comparing the two:
What are Ceramic Roof Tiles?
Ceramic roof tiles contain natural white clay and are manufactured under extreme compression techniques. You can find these tiles in a variety of colours, including white, grey, and even darker shades.
The ceramic coating provides better resistance to heat and harsh climatic conditions. Moreover, ceramic roof tiles come in a variety of colours, so you get a wide range of options to choose from.
What are Clay Roof Tiles?
Clay Roof Tiles are made up of standard moulded clay. The density and hardness of these tiles depend on how much they are heated and at what temperature. These tiles generally come in natural and rusty colours, such as pale white, yellow, orange, brown, etc.
The colour doesn’t fade away easily, but due to harsh climatic conditions, it may lose its original brightness. Though clay roof tiles are the most popular roofing option, there are many disadvantages associated with these tiles.
Ceramic Roof Tiles vs Clay Roof Tiles
Let us understand the difference between ceramic and clay roof tiles based on various important factors:
Water Absorption
Clay tiles absorb more water as the major substance in these tiles is the standard clay itself. High water absorption can put extra weight on the roof, resulting in early damage. On the other hand, water absorption in ceramic tiles is lesser. Therefore, the chances of failure or crack are higher in the case of clay roof tiles than in ceramic tiles.
Strength & Durability
As ceramic roof tiles are manufactured under high compressions, they are mechanically stronger. The density of strength of clay tiles depends on at what temperature they are baked. But generally, ceramic tiles are stronger and more durable.
Ceramic Roof tiles can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as high temperatures, the sun’s UV rays, rainfall, humidity, etc. Clay tiles can crack under extremely cold weather conditions. Moreover, the colour of clay tiles is more likely to fade away with time due to exposure to sunlight, rainfall, etc. But the colour of ceramic tiles is comparatively less affected by these factors.
Installation
Ceramic tiles, being lighter than traditional clay roof tiles, are easier to install. These take lesser time for installation, and you can also save on labour costs. On the other hand, clay roof tiles are heavier and comparatively difficult to install.
Maintenance
Traditional Clay roof tiles are more prone to algae, fungus, and other bacteria, due to which their maintenance becomes quite difficult. Ceramic tiles resist algae and fungus-causing bacteria and hence are easier to maintain. The less water absorption in ceramic tiles also makes their maintenance easy as the chances of wear and tear are lesser.
Variety
Ceramic tiles are available in different colours and textures. From light shades like pale white and yellow to darker colours, you can find ceramic roof tiles to suit every style. Moreover, you can even find ceramic roof tiles that resemble the look of terracotta tiles. On the other hand, you have fewer colour and design options in the case of clay tiles.
Heat Resistance
Both ceramic roof tiles and clay roof tiles provide a cooling effect for your home. However, ceramic roof tiles are more durable than clay tiles. Also, ceramic roof tiles are better at handling weather conditions. So, you would not have to replace them as frequently.
Given the features and benefits of ceramic roof tiles over clay tiles you would prefer to have a ceramic tile over your roof than clay tiles. However, ceramic roof tiles usually cost more than clay tiles. Also, another disadvantage of installing these tiles on your roof is that you must have a sloped roof.
You cannot install clay or ceramic roof tiles directly onto a flat roof surface. Since most modern urban homes and commercial buildings have flat roofs, they need an alternative solution.
Cool roof or SRI tiles can provide the same temperature control and weatherproof features.
Cool Roof Tiles for Modern Homes & Buildings
Cool roof or SRI tiles are a modern solution for temperature control and insulation from the sun. These are vitrified tiles with a special glaze on top. The glaze provides an SRI effect to the tile. SRI stands for Solar Reflective Index.
SRI indicates the efficiency of the tile’s surface in reflecting the solar heat falling on it. Although all tiles and materials will reflect some amount of heat, the best SRI tiles can reflect 90% or more heat into the atmosphere. This is represented as an SRI value of 90 for the tile.
Higher the SRI in ceramic tiles, the cooler your roof. India’s leading tile manufacturer H&R Johnson offers cool roof tiles with an SRI value greater than 90.
Unlike ceramic or clay roof tiles, you can install cool roof tiles on both sloped roofs and flat rooftops. These tiles can also be used for outdoor pavements and balconies. The surface of the pavement will provide a comfortable walking temperature regardless of the sunlight.
Choose Tiles for Durable Roofing
With the above comparison, ceramic roof tiles are a better choice. Even with ceramic roof tiles, you must ensure the quality. Make sure that you are choosing roof tiles from trusted brands.
Cool roof tiles with high solar reflectivity are among the best roof tile options available in the market for modern homes. With cool roof tiles, you can maintain a roof to enjoy the outdoor seating space while maintaining a lower ambient temperature inside the house.
