How likely are roof tiles to break?
Q. My new home is currently being built, and I'm trying to decide what kind of roofing material to install. My last two homes had asphalt shingles, and they were never a problem. My building contractor says I should choose tile roofing because it lasts longer than shingles. He says tiles also look better and are more fire resistant. These are good points, but I'm worried about having to replace broken tiles every time some workman, such as the cable TV guy, has to walk on the roof. Do you think asphalt composition shingles would be more practical?
A. Every type of roofing material has its upsides and its downers. Shingle roofs can withstand walking, jumping, and dancing (within reason) without being damaged. But shingles also have a limited life span, compared to tile roofing. If you keep the house long enough, reroofing will eventually be needed.
Tile roofs, as your contractor noted, are long lasting, fire resistant and add to the quality appearance of a home. The fact that tiles can break when walked upon carelessly is a valid consideration. However, the type of tiles used can make a significant difference in this regard.
Clay tiles are the ones to be avoided because they are so fragile that it is nearly impossible to walk on them without some breakage occurring, unless the person doing the walking is highly experienced with this type of material. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are much more resistant to breakage, especially the tiles that are rounded rather than flat. In some instances, concrete tiles will crack because of manufacturing defects, but instances of this are rare.
My advice is to trust the advice of your contractor. A quality tile roof should provide you with years of trouble-free service, if installed over a high-quality underlayment by a competent roofing contractor. Once it is installed, I wouldn't march an army over it, but as long as those who must walk on the roof do so with care, tile breakage should be very rare.
Q. The shingles on my roof are only 10 years old and are so deteriorated that I need a new roof. My contractor says this is due to insufficient attic ventilation. He suggests installing an electric fan in the attic to reduce heat. Does that sound like a practical solution to you?
A. Excessive heat in an attic can shorten the longevity of composition roof shingles by causing premature evaporation of the oils in the asphalt. Maintaining lower temperatures in your attic can forestall this drying process, and that can extend the useful life of your shingles. Increased ventilation typically has that effect, but there is an effective alternative to installing mechanical fans in the attic.
As long as you are replacing your roofing, ask your contractor to provide ridge venting. This allows hot air to vent directly through special gaps in the ridges. That will keep your attic significantly cooler, and it will do so noiselessly and without adding to your monthly electric bill. Another effective way to cool your attic, without vent fans, is to install turbine vents. These are more commonly installed on commercial buildings but are also effective on residential roofs.
• To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com, or write AMG, 1776 Jami Lee Court, Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, CA 94301.
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