Climate has a major impact on the performance of roofing materials, and most roofing materials are often challenged by the hot and dry climatic conditions of Arizona. Therefore, most homeowners in Arizona prefer tile roofs. There are several benefits associated with tile roofing, especially in the hot regions.
In this detailed exploration, we will cover how long tile roofs last in Arizona and several key aspects, including:
Types of Tile Roofing Materials
How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Arizona? The following are the most frequently used kinds of tile found in the homes of Arizonans:
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles have been in existence for numerous years and are preferred in regions that experience warm and dry weather conditions. They are manufactured from natural clay and hardened to make a firm material. Such tiles are usually red in nature and favoured for their heat-resistant and UV-resistant features.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are recent substitutes for conventional clay tiles. These are produced from a combination of sand, cement and water and molded into shapes to depict clay-like structures. Concrete tiles are relatively cheaper than clay types and are equally durable.
Slate Tiles
Although not as popular in Arizona, slate tiles are also used in tile roofing. Slate is a type of tile that is made from natural stone and is majorly used in homes because of its durability and visibly appealing appearance, but they are heavy and cost more than many other tile products.
Factors That Affect Tile Roof Longevity in Arizona
There are several factors that determine how long tile roofs will last in Arizona. These include:
Climate
The climate of Arizona remains hot throughout the year but is the most severe during summer, exceeding temperatures of 104° F. The heat can deteriorate some roofing materials quickly; however, tile, especially clay and concrete, are immune to these conditions. Also, Arizona has a very dry climate, and therefore, it rarely has moss or algae growth, which is known to damage the roofs in other climatic conditions.
UV Exposure
Some of the roofing materials are vulnerable to UV rays since exposure to such light can trigger the ageing process of the roofing materials and reduce the colour vibrancy of the roof. However, clay and concrete tiles are relatively immune to UV effects, so they last long in Arizona’s weather conditions.
Temperature Fluctuations
Arizona encompasses a large variation between day and night temperatures. Tiles are more resilient to changing temperatures. Tiles, when employed on rooftops, do not degrade or warp like other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Installation Quality
The performance of tile roofs depends extensively on the quality of installation. The tiles, including the underlayment and the flashing, will last longer when they are properly installed compared to the tiles that have been installed with inadequate workmanship. This means that any shortcut in installation can cause early failures, leaks and other problems.
Underlayment Quality
The underlayment, which is the layer beneath the tiles, plays a major role in avoiding water penetration. Although Arzona experiences minimal rainfall, when it does, the downpour may be quite heavy. Synthetic underlayment can protect the roof for many decades, while the often cheaper and less durable ones may require replacement in 15-20 years.
Average Lifespan of Tile Roofs in Arizona
The average lifespan of a roof in Arizona depends on the variables discussed above, however, in most cases, homeowners can anticipate the following life expectancy for their roofs:
- Clay Tiles: 50 to 100 years
Clay tiles are very strong, and most of the clay tile roofs in Arizona homes today have remained intact for more than fifty years. With proper upkeep, some clay tile roofs can last as long as 100 years.
- Concrete Tiles: 40 to 60 Years
The durability of concrete tiles is on the high side, too, but it should be noted that concrete tiles are less durable than clay tiles. A concrete tile roof is expected to last between 40-60 years.
- Slate Tiles: 75 to 150 years
Not many people use slate tiles in Arizona; still, they are the longest-lasting roof tiles ever made, with tiles lasting for as long as 75 to 140 years or more.
It’s worth adding that although the tiles themselves may last for a few decades, the underlayment and other parts may require replacement much sooner. In a number of instances, the tiles can be salvaged and reused during a re-roofing process as long as they are in satisfactory condition.
Maintenance and Care to Prolong Roof Life
Tile roofs have the ability to serve their expected lifespan if and only if they are properly maintained. Given that Arizona has a dry climate, most homeowners do not need to worry about mold growth the formation of moss or algae; however, other maintenance practices are essential:
Cleaning Debris
Leaves, dust, and twigs, amongst other materials, will, over time, settle on the roof, particularly in the valley between tiles. Removing this trapped material will assist in minimizing water backup during rainy periods and thus reduce the possibility of damage.
Inspecting for Cracked or Broken Tiles
Although tiles are quite strong, damage as a result of shocks or strains can be experienced on some specific tiles. Scheduling visual checks and replacing damaged tiles will help protect the roof.
Checking the Underlayment
Underlayment is one of the vital components of the tile’s waterproofing; it should be evaluated for 15 to 20 years. If these underlayments exhibit signs of wear, then they must be replaced, although the tiles may still be in good shape.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
There should be enough ventilation to control the build-up of heat in the attic. Excess heat can damage the underlayment and also increase energy costs. Proper ventilation also contributes to the durability of tiles.
Conclusion: Long-Term Benefits of Tile Roofs in Arizona
Tile roofs are perfect for Arizona homes because they are highly durable, resistant to heat, and long-lasting. Homeowners employing a tile roof can be sure that it will serve them for several decades; clay tiles, as well as slate ones, are the longest lasting. The upfront cost of tile roofing is higher than that of some other types of roofs; however, the benefits accrued to the homeowner justify the cost, especially in a climatic zone as challenging as that of Arizona.
Proper installation and maintenance of these roofs make tile roofing a long-lasting, energy-efficient, and beautiful roofing solution for any home in Arizona.
Protect Your Home with River City Roofing’s Expert Tile Roof Solutions
Are you looking for a strong, reliable roofing option in Arizona that will last for a long time? Tile roofs are designed for hot, dry climates such as the desert of Arizona and have an impressive life span range of 40 to 100 years. Clay or concrete tile is ideal to ward off the harmful effects of the sun and high temperatures, as well as rain. River City Roofing is an expert in tile roofing and tile roof repairs. Do not hesitate to protect your asset with a roof that endures the climate of Arizona. Call River City Roofing to get a free evaluation and quote today!