With an average moisture absorption of less than 1 percent, clay and concrete tile roofs can handle both heavy rain and dry conditions. The low absorption rate also makes tile naturally resistant to mold growth. Additionally, tile is also resistant to rot and virtually impervious to insect damage. Both concrete and clay tile roofs stand up to rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles without damage. For more detailed information about maintenance of concrete tile roofs, view this article from TRI member Eagle Roofing.

Concrete and clay tile roofing is safer than traditional roofing materials such as shingles, wood shakes or metal. By design, a tile roof allows air circulation under the tile, which reduces heat transfer to the attic during a fire. Tile roofs achieve the highest attainable fire rating for both the product and installed system. The Class A fire rating includes tests for flame spread, intermittent flame, and burning brand (simulates exposure to burning materials). Class A roofing materials provide a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position and are not expected to produce flying brands (embers).

In regions prone to tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme winds, roof tile provides one of the best defenses against wind-related property damage.

• Concrete and clay tile roofing resists hurricane-force winds.
• Natural air ventilation under the tile created by its high porosity and installation techniques used help to relieve wind stress.
• Independent testing sponsored by TRI Alliance shows that with proper attachment, clay and concrete roof tiles can sustain winds in excess of 125 miles per hour that would strip off most other roofing materials.
• Clay and concrete tile roofing has been tested in accordance with 2017 – Florida Building Code – Residential, Sixth Edition, to meet SECTION R 4402 High-Velocity Hurricane Zones – Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures, with wind speeds up to 150 miles per hour.

TRI Alliance is a member of the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI) and has participated in and sponsored wind investigation reports on hurricanes Irma, Ike, Katrina, Charley and Ivan. Each report includes information on the performance of various roofing materials during hurricane conditions, including tile.

Tile is the only roofing product in the world tested for seismic loading. Independent testing at the University of Southern California has shown that clay and concrete tile roofing systems exceed current seismic load requirements for building materials. Although earthquakes are not preventable or predictable, their impact can be reduced by choosing materials more likely to withstand them. Concrete and clay tile, when installed according to code, not only withstands the seismic load required by the Uniform Building Code for building materials but could withstand forces two to three times those generated by the Northridge, California earthquake.

Concrete and clay tiles can resist damage from hailstones that are larger than a golf ball. Both are tested according to FM4473 for hail resistance. An underlayment of asphalt roofing paper over the roof decking provides a second layer of defense.

Tiles are fired at extraordinarily high temperatures that strengthen the clay. The lower water content of tile produced by this process, combined with coatings or glazing, make clay roof tiles nearly impervious to the elements. Concrete roof tile is manufactured for superior density and durability, making it resistant to the damaging effects of high freeze-thaw weather conditions. Low porosity protects concrete tile from moisture freezing in its interior. Grade 1 tiles, rated according to ASTM C1167 industry standards, are manufactured to withstand harsh winters and freeze-thaw cycles. They are rated for use in any region, regardless of annual rainfall or cold temperatures, and provide the greatest possible resistance to water absorption and severe frost.