Concrete tile is usually the cheaper option and the heavier one. Its dense surface handles wind and debris well. Clay costs more, holds its colour longer, and has a distinct look that many heritage-style Vancouver homes were built around. Some clay profiles are lighter than concrete, though weights vary by product, so check the spec sheet before assuming. Roof structure, home style, and how you want the roof to look in twenty years will point you to one or the other. Does Tile Roofing Need Extra Structural Support? Often, yes. Installed concrete tile weighs roughly 860 to 1,100 pounds per square (100 square feet), far more than asphalt shingles. An older house may need its framing checked, and sometimes reinforced, before tile goes on. Pitch matters too, since tile generally can't go on slopes below 4:12. Skipping that step is risky. The strain shows up in the framing long before the tiles wear out. How Does Vancouver's Climate Affect Tile Roofing? Tile roofing in Vancouver has to deal with constant moisture, since fall and winter bring heavy rain. Tile is a good water-shedding material. The surrounding details, such as the edges, underlayment, and flashing, are its weak spots. No matter how good the tile is, a bad flashing detail will leak. Those details, along with any broken or slipped tiles, should be inspected regularly, especially after a storm. If you're weighing tile roofing in Vancouver, have the framing inspected before choosing between concrete and clay. GoodVans Roofing can help you work through both before installation starts.
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