If you’re thinking about picking terracotta tiles for your home roof, you’ve come to the right place.
Our experts have put together this handy guide to choosing terracotta tiles. We go through what they are, main benefits, key considerations, and pro recommendations to help you make the best informed decision for your home.
Jump in to get all the information you need about terracotta roofing!
What Are Terracotta Roof Tiles?
Terracotta tiles are famous for their warm, rich, orange-red colour that doesn’t fade easily and instantly catches the eye. You’ll typically see these vibrant, characterful tiles on heritage-style and Mediterranean-style homes. They’re made from naturally occurring clays, which are specially shaped, dried, and then kiln-fired.
There’s a variety of terracotta clay tile styles out there, like Spanish, French, barrel, and flat (also known as plain) styles. You can also get different levels of brightness and warmth.
Fun Fact: The word terracotta itself actually means ‘baked earth’ in Italian.
Are Terracotta Tiles Worth It?
From their impressive longevity to their efficient insulation, there are loads of reasons why homeowners rave about terracotta tiles. Trying to figure out if these staple tiles are worth the investment? Here’s a rundown of all the key benefits you get with a terracotta roof:
– Terracotta can handle pretty much anything that nature throws its way, be it extreme heat, gale-force winds, or extreme rain. It can even handle splashes of seawater all thanks to its salt safe properties, making it perfect for coastal homes.
– It’s got natural fire resistance, making it a safe choice, especially if you get the Aussie heat and the occasional bushfire.
– The overall design, combined with the warm, orange finish that terracotta offers, instantly enlivens any exterior with classic, European charm to your roofing style.
– As far as roofing materials go, terracotta is one of the most eco-friendly options out there because it’s available in abundance, without the drawback of waste.
– Terracotta isn’t just pretty to look at, it also serves as an efficient insulation solution. This means it preserves warmth in colder climates and keeps your home cooler in hotter climates, saving you the expense of energy bills.
– Because of the insulation properties that terracotta provides, it also keeps out any outdoor noise created from cars, weather, pedestrians, and wildlife outdoors, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful home.
– Thanks to its robust strength and overall durability, terracotta gives your home additional protection, shielding it from harsh weather.
Things To Consider When Choosing Terracotta Roof Tiles
When you’re picking out terracotta tiles for your home, there’s some important stuff to think about, like matching your home’s exterior aesthetic and upkeep. Our experts have broken down the most important factors to consider when choosing terracotta tiles.
Compare to Other Tile Options
There’s a bunch of other tiles out there, like metal and concrete tiles. We highly recommend familiarising with all the other options available before settling on terracotta because some tiles might be better suited to your home.
Take concrete roof tiles for instance, they’re way better suited to homes that have a steeper roof structure because they put less strain on the frame than terracotta does.
Matching Your Home’s Aesthetic
Terracotta is a pretty bold choice, so it doesn’t go with everything. Make sure your home matches the vibe of terracotta for a cohesive finish. If your home has lots of warm, earthy tones, it’s definitely the one to go for.
Tile style also plays a big role in making or breaking your home’s aesthetic. Flat, curved, French all offer their own unique style that matches different tastes.
Can Your Home Support the Weight?
Terracotta is pretty heavy, more so than concrete tiles, so it’s super important to double-check that your roof structure can hold their weight. You might need to add some extra roof support, like reinforced beams and extra trusses, before installing these tiles. Or, you could go for a lighter alternative, such as aluminum roofing.
Maintenance and Longevity
With the right amount of care, you can get over 50 years out of your terracotta roof!
The upkeep is pretty straightforward and repairs are usually DIY-friendly because you can replace singular tiles. It’s also likely that you get warranties from manufacturers. If you don’t mind routinely checking your terracotta tiles for cracks, slipping, and debris buildup, then terracotta could be a great fit for you.
Our Expert Recommendations for Choosing Terracotta Roofing
First things first: consult with a professional roofer before installing terracotta tiles. As we’ve mentioned, these tiles are pretty heavy, meaning they can damage and even collapse your roof structure if it isn’t designed to hold their weight. An expert will be able to inspect your roof and decide whether it’s strong enough or needs extra reinforcements to hold the tiles.
As with any roof tile, you’ve got to ensure it’s properly installed on your roof, and complete with the right flashing and roofing tape, particularly around chimneys, skylights, and valleys.
You’re also best off adding an extra layer of protection to your terracotta tiles, like a waterproof coating and UV-resistant seal. This will add a few extra years to your roof and save you the expense of regular repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Brand for Terracotta Roof Tiles?
Monier terracotta roof tiles are among the best brands. That’s because Monier terracotta tiles are made from premium natural terracotta clay and specially designed to handle the harsh Aussie weather. They also come with generous warranties, so you know you’re covered if any mishaps pop up.
Do Terracotta Tiles Need to Be Sealed?
Because of their natural density, terracotta tiles don’t really need to be sealed. Plus, you usually get them pre-sealed from manufacturers. However, it won’t hurt to add a waterproof seal to be extra sure that your roof space is protected against leaks and damp buildup. When you get your tiles, always double check what the manufacturer recommends.
How Long Do Terracotta Roofs Last?
You can get around 50+ years of everlasting beauty and durability out of your terracotta roof tiles. And with regular upkeep, you could even get around 70 to 100 years!
Is Terracotta Roofing Expensive?
Terracotta tiles do come with a pricier cost, but it’s all justified by how long-lasting and efficient they are for roofing. They can cost anywhere from $9 to $30+ per tile, and installation costs are usually around $80 to $120+ per square metre.