Page 25 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

CLAY/CONCRETE Clay or Concrete Tile
Almost Forever
23
Clay or concrete roof tiles would appear to have it all: good looks,
fire resistance and extreme durability. Recent innovations also
address issues of stormwater management, and enable cool roof
capability. But the high cost of buying and installing masonry
tile roofing has relegated its use to regional styles and high-end
housing. Since 2004, its share of the residential roofing market has
shrunk in the U.S., but is growing steadily worldwide.

Nonetheless, a quality tile roof that is installed over a heavy-
duty underlayment and screwed to the roof deck (not just
mortared) should last for decades—if not a century or two—
before it’s time to remove them, replace the underlayment and
put the tiles back on. GB

Wood Roofing

Virtues Caveats

■■ Durable ■■ High cost (materials and
installation
■■ Abundant resource and low
embodied energy ■■ Heavy

■■ Natural insulating qualities ■■ Some types may be susceptible
to freeze-thaw damage
■■ Class A fire rating

Virtues Caveats Consider a green roof for capturing www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015
stormwater and mitigating the
■■ Renewable ■■ High cost (materials and urban “heat island” effect.
installation)
■■ Some natural rot resistance
■■ Flammable
■■ High natural insulating value
■■ Requires chemical treatment for
■■ 100% recyclable and fire safety and durability
biodegradable

Cost per Year of 100 sq. ft. (Over 35 years)

Cedar Wood Shake $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 Roofing Durability
Vermont Slate
GAF TruSlate While numbers vary somewhat by brand
and installation quality, the chart at left offers
Imported Grade 1 Tile (Clay) a broad overview of the long-term cost of
Aluminum Shingles different roofing types, based on expected
LudoSlate (Clay) lifespan and maintenance. Created by a
roofing reseller, the chart shows only a few
Synthetic Slate (Polymer) brands, but as a general rule, you get what
Eagle Tile (Concrete) you pay for. An early initial investment in
metal or high-end laminate shingles pays
3-Tab Shingles (Asphalt) back nicely over time.
Laminate Shingles (Asphalt) – Editor
Stone-Coated Decra (Steel)
GRAPHIC: WWW.ABSROOF.COM
Wakefield Bridge (Steel)
AmeriCana Panels (Steel)

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