ᐅ Roofing Materials – Clay Tiles or Concrete Tiles?

Hello,

hetjam9 schrieb:

Hello, we just had our construction meeting and the following roofing options are under consideration:

Roof covering with Nelskamp F 7 old black clay roof tiles
glazed, or roofing with Nelskamp
planum black longlife matte concrete roof tiles

Both are priced the same. We like the concrete roof tiles much better because of their shape, but we are not sure about their durability and if they are prone to moss or algae growth.

What are your experiences or opinions?

I always smile when I read questions like this.

Everywhere people talk about new technologies, renewable energy, or green roofs, yet when it comes to their own roof, the discussion suddenly stops.

Clay roof tiles are generally more expensive because roofers cannot handle them as roughly as concrete tiles; there is a lot of breakage to consider. Why it is offered to you at the same price—I have no idea, since Nelskamp® also usually prices these differently.

Newer generation concrete roof tiles are not really better or worse than clay tiles. This is mainly because they are mostly offered with a double glaze and often come with a 30-year factory warranty.

Finally, it should be mentioned that green roofs bring many proven benefits, for which interested homeowners pay a lot. Just to name a few:

• Longer lifespan of the roof waterproofing through protection against UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, hail damage, and crust formation
• Improved thermal insulation in both summer and winter
• Binding and filtering of dust and airborne pollutants
• Improved sound insulation due to greater vibration inertia of the entire surface and good sound absorption by the vegetation
• Protection against electromagnetic pollution

And yet homeowners worry when these advantages come to their roof gradually and at no extra cost.

Best regards, Bauexperte

Hello, thanks for the reply.

From what I’ve found online so far, the price of concrete tiles is about the same as clay tiles (perhaps because of the shape)? I’ve also heard that installation is easier, and that is indeed advertised by Nelskamp…

What I’m reading here so far suggests that I can confidently go with the concrete tiles? We really like the look, and that is supposed to be an important factor as well.

Regards

Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello,


I always have to smile when I read questions like this

Everywhere there’s discussion about new technologies, renewable energies, or green roofs, but when it comes to one’s own roof, the conversation suddenly stops.

Clay roof tiles are usually more expensive because roofers can’t handle them as roughly as concrete tiles; there is therefore a lot of breakage to consider. Why it is offered to you at a price-neutral rate now—I have no idea, since Nelskamp® also accounts for this price difference.

New-generation concrete roof tiles aren’t really better or worse than clay tiles. This is mainly because they are mostly offered with a double coating; often with a 30-year factory warranty.

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that green roofs bring many proven benefits, for which interested homeowners pay a lot of money. To name just a few:

• Longer lifespan of the roof membrane due to protection from UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, hail impact, and crust formation
• Improved thermal insulation in both summer and winter
• Binding and filtering of dust particles and air pollutants
• Improved sound insulation through greater vibration inertia of the entire surface and good sound absorption by the vegetation
• Protection from electromagnetic smog

And yet homeowners worry when these benefits develop gradually and for free on their own roof

Best regards, Bauexperte

I am building a bungalow, and when I approach it or sit in the garden, I’m always looking at the roof. For me, the appearance really matters more than a "natural UV protection" for the roofing material. From this perspective, it’s also worth considering.
My house will be between a concrete roof with noticeable vegetation growth and a clay tile roof that still looks like new after 8 years. With the concrete roof, I would constantly be reminded that I should have saved money elsewhere.

And if that is really the case... (I will observe it over the next few years ):

How many people buy clay roof tiles with an extra cost, only to later sit on their concrete patio every day and look at the faded color and efflorescence of that surface?

Usually, the extra cost is for the roof (not for the original poster), and you have to set priorities when the budget is limited –

For me, the biggest argument in favor of concrete is the fact that Tegalit is only available in concrete.

One00 schrieb:
For me, the biggest argument IN FAVOR of concrete is the fact that Tegalit is only available in concrete

There is also Tourmaline, the clay equivalent of Tegalit from Braas.