Page 27 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

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

CLAY/CONCRETE Clay or Concrete Tile
Almost Forever

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
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 percent 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)

$0

www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 GREEN BUILDER 25