If your business is considering installing or replacing a clay tile roof system, you may be concerned about the additional costs involved. The average national cost of a new clay roof ranges from $11 to $18 per square foot or about $1000 to $1800 per square. However, these costs can vary based on market conditions, geographic location, and the scale of your project.
While the average costs are higher than a traditional shingle roof, the long-term savings pay for additional cost over time. A properly maintained clay roof can last 100 years or longer, so you likely won’t have to worry about replacing the roof again in your lifetime. At the same time, clay roof shingles are resistant to hail, snow, rain, and fire. They also provide benefits like:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Natural materials
- Recyclable
- Simplified maintenance
- Potential rebate and incentive programs
However, as with any roofing system, a clay roof project can come with hidden expenses and roadblocks.
Factors to Consider Before Deciding on a Clay Roof Replacement
- Roof Slope — If your roof slopes less than 18 degrees, water runoff along with the additional weight of clay and concrete roof tiles likely won’t provide the ideal material for your roof.
- Tile Weight — Clay and concrete roof tiles are substantially heavier than traditional shingled roofs. You have to consider whether or not your existing roofing infrastructure will be able to support this additional weight. If you’re replacing an existing roof with clay tiles, a structural engineer will need to assess your roof to determine if it can safely handle clay tile roofing materials without the need for additional support.
- Roof Underlayment — While clay roofs can last a century or longer, the roof underlayments supporting them cannot. The underlayment will need to be replaced every 20 years or so.
Clay Roof Maintenance
One of the most significant benefits of a clay roof is the minimal maintenance required. Clay and concrete roof tiles are known for exceptional durability, yet they should still be regularly inspected for chips or cracks and quickly replaced if you find any that are damaged. Beyond that, you’ll simply need to lightly rinse your roof with water about once a year to minimize buildup and debris.
Energy Efficiency
Beyond simplified maintenance, clay roof tiles offer long-term cost savings by being more energy efficient than traditional shingle or metal roofs. Clay tiles are naturally temperature resistant, meaning that the airspace around the tiles creates a thermal barrier between the inside of your facility and the outside environment. You’ll reduce the peak load on your HVAC system in both cold and warm weather to lower your overall utility costs.
If you want a more accurate estimate for how much a new clay roof installation or replacement would cost your business, contact the experts at Rainville Carlson today.
