ᐅ Roof tiles: Clay or concrete – Do clay tiles really last that much longer?

Created on: 7 Mar 2018 07:33
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CiJay
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CiJay
7 Mar 2018 07:33
Hello,

things are getting serious now—the first small step toward renovation is about to begin, and we are currently collecting quotes from roofing contractors.

I keep encountering the question of clay tile versus concrete tile. We are currently requesting quotes for clay tiles because that was the original choice, but personally, it bothers me (as always) that, in my opinion, the alternative has not been explored thoroughly enough.

Appearance does not matter here. Only what makes the most sense so that, in the end, it is the most cost-effective solution. And if applicable, we should also consider what kind of “maintenance effort” the roof will require over time.

I am hearing different things. Some say clay and concrete have about the same durability nowadays. That concrete tiles are now just as good. Elsewhere, people say clay lasts easily 10–20 years longer. Then, clay is said to be a few thousand euros more expensive (but supposedly lasts 10–20 years longer).

Concrete is said to visually age faster because moss or similar growth can form quicker. As long as this only affects appearance, we don’t mind. It would only be relevant to us if we had to remove such growth regularly.

I’m trying to absorb what roofing contractors are trying to sell me and what I can read online. Unfortunately, the more I hear and read, the less I seem to understand.

I would therefore be very grateful for your experiences and opinions.

And I would be even more grateful if no one would tear me apart or be unfriendly because I have too little knowledge or should have informed myself beforehand, etc. It’s very complicated here (shared property ownership, seriously ill people involved, discussions, etc.). There actually was no renovation planned for the near future.

I would very much appreciate a friendly, factual, and helpful exchange and would be very thankful for that.

Best regards
blaupuma7 Mar 2018 13:25
Engobed clay roof tiles.

They cost a bit more but maintain their appearance much longer. Just visit new housing developments that are 5-10 years old.

Concrete tiles quickly look dull.
Later, sand starts falling into the gutters.
The price difference for me was 2800 Euros for a 280 m² (3,013 sq ft) roof area.

Anyone trying to save there will probably also choose double-glazed windows.
11ant7 Mar 2018 15:34
What does "renovation" mean exactly? How old is the house, and why does the roof need to be reroofed?
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CiJay
9 Mar 2018 08:11
The house dates back to 1959, and the roof is just as old. There is no insulation—only clay tiles on rafters—and during heavy rain, moisture already gets through in several places.

Renovation means replacing the roof, adding external insulation, insulating the basement ceiling, installing new windows (none of which are completely airtight anymore), updating the electrical wiring, replacing the water pipes (currently lead pipes), and the ribbed radiators need at least thorough internal cleaning or should be replaced with other radiators. In addition, there are smaller tasks that should be done but are not absolutely necessary (for example, completely digging up the garden because it can no longer be walked on barefoot, etc.).

During an energy consultation we arranged ourselves a few years ago in a hurry (at that time, we had just become part of the inheritance group and no one really wanted to deal with it), an energy consumption figure of 255 kWh/m² (26,650 kWh/sq ft) was recorded. :-/

It is a two-family house. We live upstairs (and our side also leaks when it rains), while the main owner, who is over 90, lives downstairs. The last co-owner lives elsewhere and, according to their own statement, lost interest in the house a few years ago.

I hope this at least gives a brief overview. To paraphrase the energy consultant, the foundation walls are solid, so renovating is more cost-effective than tearing down and building new. But that is the only positive—“everything else” needs to be done.

This is not a small project. We are already dealing with issues on all fronts. The roof is currently the main focus because, first, it is leaking, and second, it is the first major topic to discuss whether the third owner will still cooperate or sell their share. Unfortunately, they are now under pressure because we have seriously threatened to move out, which is not in their interest.
11ant9 Mar 2018 11:44
CiJay schrieb:
below, the main owner (over 90)

That already sounds a bit like future heirs coming into play. Does anyone over 90 still have an interest in the topic of renovation?
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CiJay
23 Mar 2018 22:18
The building with over 90 years is not the problem, but the other co-owner :-( It may sound absurd (believe me, we can hardly believe it ourselves), but unfortunately, that’s the case.