Concrete Tiles – Facts Over Fiction

Even critics of concrete roofing tiles admit to their longevity and environmental benefits. After all, those are measurable qualities, and the data exist to conclusively demonstrate both. Further, honest critics will also admit that they themselves cannot tell the difference between concrete and clay tiles; advances in the manufacturing of the former have produced superior products whose color and texture are virtually indistinguishable from the latter, often even to experienced roofers. But still critics will claim that it is not possible to walk on concrete tiles, or that they become discolored, or that they are simply too heavy, or too expensive. None of this is true. Strong to begin with, concrete tiles gain strength as they age, making them the ideal material to withstand even extreme wind and hail events. During the manufacturing process, inorganic pigments mixed into the body of the tile ensure that the color remains constant throughout the tiles’ decades in service. Nor is weight a problem. Bartile’s Ultralite tile combines both strength and durability while not overburdening a building’s rafters. As for expense, concrete roofing tile does not require the expensive and energy-intensive processes of clay tiles or asphalt shingles and, given concrete roofing tiles’ much longer lifespan and their recyclability, are the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice.