Clay Tile Roofs
Clay is a good roofing material regardless of where it is located, and is resistant to insects, mold and decay, won't burn, and will often outlast the decking it is built upon. Clay roofing tile is a good choice for homes with a southwestern, Italian, or Spanish Mission design, or even for homes with a modern, clean look. This style is more prevalent in California.
Tile lasts a long time - its expected lifespan is greater than the lifespan of the material on which the roofing rests. Keep in mind that a clay roof is very heavy, and expensive to install. It requires little maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors, types, styles and brands. Tiles are fragile, so walking on them can break them. That makes it more difficult to accomplish maintenance like painting or cleaning rain gutters or fireplaces.
Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages of clay tile:
Advantage:
* non-combustible
* many colors and styles
* attractive
* fireproof
* easy to maintain
* extremely durable when maintained
Disadvantage:
* expensive
* heavy
* used primarily in new buildings because of weight and structural requirements
* installation and repairs can be tricky
* fragile; walking on roof may break tiles
