The lifespan of concrete roof tiles is usually more than 50 years, with most averaging around 30-50 years.
A 25-year-old roof will still look new and a 50-year-old roof may have some visible wear but will still be performing at a high level.
While some manufacturers warranty their product for life, this typically only covers the tile itself or a limited time period. The sealer applied to the surface of the tile is generally not covered under any type of warranty by the manufacturer and therefore unlikely to be warranted for longer than 15-20 years from the installation date. If you have an older roof it's best to inspect the condition of your roof yearly and replace or reseal as needed before major damage occurs.
The colours and patterns of concrete roof tiles can fade over time depending on the amount of direct sunlight they receive. Having trees or another natural shading around your home can really help protect your roof from becoming too faded.
Concrete roofs in general do not need to be resealed every couple of years like some asphalt shingles do, however resealing is recommended if you have faded areas that need colour restoration or if you notice leaks beginning to form anywhere on your roof.Your roof does not require any type of maintenance such as cleaning but it may become dirty over time and may even accumulate mildew in humid climates. Applying a gentle cleaner with high-pressure water will remove most mildew and dirt buildup with little effort and won't cause any damage to your roof, so there is no need to avoid getting up on your roof with a broom.
Your concrete tiles do not contain any type of insulation but they are installed over felt paper pads which act as an insulator and will help keep your home more comfortable in the winter months. Removing your tiles during the summer season will strip away this layer of insulation and can cause your home to be much hotter inside than outside if you live in a climate that experiences hot summers.
Concrete roof tiles are very durable and will not deteriorate unless they become damaged. Rodents, hail, winds, falling tree branches and lightning strikes are just some of the factors that can cause concrete roof tiles to become damaged or break.
If you have any cracks in your tiles or missing pieces it's best to repair them immediately before further damage occurs. Even minor damage may lead to major leaks down the road if ignored long enough which could cost you lots of money if it is not repaired in time.
Concrete roofs are also susceptible to moss growing on the surface if water accumulates for an extended period of time between cleanings. If there is moss growth you need to properly remove it using a solvent-based cleaner before it damages your tiles and causes leaks. Applying a tough moss and algae cleaner once or twice a year will help prevent this problem from occurring and keep your roof looking like new for many years to come.The price of concrete roof tiles can vary greatly depending on the type, colour, size, shape and supplier you choose to buy from. You should expect to pay at least $8-$10 per square foot installed if you have asphalt shingle roofs currently which are an inferior product compared to concrete tiling despite being cheaper initially. If you are replacing your expensive heavy clay tiles with lighter weight concrete tiles you might be able to save some money on installation costs.
Roof tiles are designed to last for decades, but there comes a time when replacement is necessary. Most concrete roof tiles will not need replacement until the end of their 50-year lifespan, but if you live in an area prone to high winds it can push your tiles beyond their expected life expectancy. Replacing your roof is one of the most expensive home improvement jobs so it's best to prevent any problems before they occur. Once you factor in labour costs for removing old tiles and installation charges for new ones there may be little cost advantage over simply repairing what you already have installed on your roof. Before replacing any broken or cracked roof tiles it is important that all repairs are done properly first. Leaving loose nails exposed will allow water to seep into your roofing material which will eventually deteriorate the hidden nails and create even more leaks. If you are considering replacing your tiles due to fade or minor damage, there might be a better option available that will give you many years of extra life for very little cost. Cleaning, resealing or colour restoration costs much less than new tiles but can make a big difference in appearance. If you clean and reseal your entire roof with an appropriate chemical cleaner it may require resealing only once every 5-10 years depending on climate conditions. Colour restoration treatments are another great way to extend the life of existing concrete roofs without breaking the bank.
It will cost you between $50 and $70 per m2 installed for new concrete tiles, but this is usually the best option when replacing your roofing material. Replacing asphalt shingle roofs with concrete tiles can save you money on installation costs because the weight of the tiles is much lighter than clay or concrete roofing material which will require fewer nails to keep them in place. When you factor in the cost of labour for removing your old roof and installation costs for concrete tiles or clay it is usually less costly to simply replace asphalt shingle roofs with an equivalent product.