If you're replacing your roof and are considering switching to a tile roof, you should consider using lightweight concrete tile. Lightweight concrete tile is made using a special concrete mix that doesn't have any fine sand in it. The coarser minerals used to make the tiles have larger air gaps between them, making the tile less dense. The resulting concrete tiles are as thick as traditional concrete tiles, but the less dense concrete makes them weigh less. Below, you'll learn more about three benefits of choosing lightweight concrete tile for your new roof.

1. Lightweight Concrete Tile Is Less Likely to Require Reinforcing Your Roof

If you're switching from a metal roof or shingle roof to a tile roof, you'll need to have a structural engineer assess your home to make sure it can support the weight of the tile. If your roof can't support the weight, you may need to add reinforcing beams to your home in order to brace it. This is expensive, and it may even be impossible if there's no place to put them in your home.

Lightweight concrete tiles still require the services of a structural engineer to make sure that your roof can support them, but you're less likely to need to add reinforcement compared to other types of tile due to their light weight. You can save a substantial amount of money on installation if you're able to avoid adding supporting structures to support a tile roof by choosing lightweight concrete for your tiles.

2. Lightweight Concrete Tile Remains Durable Despite Its Light Weight

All tile roofs are very durable, and lightweight concrete tile roofs are no exception. Despite being less dense than traditional concrete tile, lightweight concrete only has a slightly lower compressive strength. A lightweight concrete tile roof is easily able to withstand high winds and heavy rain.

You should note that contractors will need to be careful if they're working on your new roof, since lightweight concrete tiles can break if someone steps on the portion of a tile that's not nailed to the roof. However, this isn't a problem that's specific to lightweight concrete — all tile roofs are susceptible to this. Ultimately, lightweight concrete is still strong enough to protect your home from the elements despite its decreased weight.

3. Lightweight Concrete Tile Is Inexpensive and Can Mimic Costlier Types of Tile

Lightweight concrete tiles cost slightly more than traditional concrete tiles since the special concrete mix used to create them is more expensive. However, they're still less expensive than clay or slate tiles, which means that you'll be able to get all of the longevity and durability of a tile roof at a low price. In addition, you can also have the concrete mix dyed to make it look like slate or clay, which means that you're able to inexpensively blend in with your neighbors if those are the types of roofs that they have.

Overall, the biggest benefit of lightweight concrete tile is that it's the easiest type of tile to switch to if your home was designed for a metal or shingle roof. The added weight is less likely to be an issue. In return, you get the same longevity as other types of tile roofs. If you need a new roof, call a residential roofing installation service in your area and ask about concrete tile — it's a great choice for homeowners who want to switch to a tile roof.

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