Terra Cotta Roofs: Made to Last

We’ve all seen the orange clay shingles that remind us of stunning Mediterranean retreat overlooking the sea. Or, perhaps your mind transports you to a beautiful Spanish-style villa with the terra cotta shingles brilliantly reflecting heat on even the warmest of summer months.

While terra cotta roofs are undoubtedly stunning, there are many additional benefits to this sturdy-yet-beautiful roofing option besides its aesthetic.[1]

What Makes Terra Cotta Durable?

Terracotta shingles are an unbelievably durable material. When installed correctly and with proper maintenance, these natural roofing option can easily last up to 100 years.¹ With periodic cleaning using a pressure washer to remove debris or build-up, these tiles will keep their bright, beautiful color and continue to last through monsoon seasons and oppressive heat. Due to their extreme durability, terracotta tiles are an excellent option for homes located in coastal regions because the salty air does not damage them like metal or asphalt shingles. This kiln-fired style of clay shingles can also typically withstand hurricane-force winds.^.1

Where Did They Come From?

Terracotta ceramics have been in use for thousands and thousands of years. The Greeks used this material for their pottery for more than 9,000 years, and it has even been linked to ancient Chinese builders around 10,000 BCE as a handy construction tool. This rich history of craftsmen preference makes terra cotta tiles one of the most fascinating facets of construction.

Another thing that makes clay or terracotta so great is that it is native to almost every region worldwide. As long as people can access the clay soil and material to be burned, tiles and other objects can be made on-site. It’s s no wonder these roofing tiles were so widely used in ancient civilization and continue to be so popular today!¹

Are Terracotta Roofs Environmentally Friendly?

With the increased awareness of our impact on the environment and many companies switching to more sustainable materials, the world of construction pitching in to do their part as well. Fortunately, terra cotta has a minimal environmental impact in its sourcing, extraction and manufacturing. Many tile-makers have recently focused on achieving more environmentally friendly methods to make this material, and some have even earned the “Cradle to Cradle” certification. This means that products have earned an eco-label after an assessment of practices and product materials have been looked at.[2] In this process, “the rating considers the material’s healthiness and its constituents, recyclability, or biodegradability, energy consumption, and carbon footprint associated with its manufacture, water stewardship, and social fairness. While most clay tiles exhibit high recyclability and reusability.”²

In addition to some tilemakers earning this certification, terracotta roof tiles overall have performance properties that many homeowners can take advantage of that have a positive environmental impact. Reduction in attic temperature, durability, maintenance and protection from the elements are just a few positive features that those who choose terracotta can expect.² Homeowners not only have a roof that has a low environmental impact, but all of the added performance features can also help them save money in the long run.

Terracotta Roofs: Cost & Savings

While most homes have metal or asphalt shingles, a terracotta roof can add a unique aesthetic and distinguished appeal to your home. If you’re considering a terra cotta or any roofing renovation, our Momentum representatives would be happy to walk you through your free, no-obligation quote.

Momentum Roofing + Solar is Here to Help!

Partnered with top-of-the-line companies like Owen’s Corning, Enphase, LG and GAF, our team is ready and excited to help you build dream homes with premium material like terra cotta.

For more information on our services, please call 1-888-338-HOME.

 

 

[1] https://www.buildwithrise.com/stories/the-terracotta-roof#:~:text=In%20this%20article%2C%20we%20define,color%20and%20long%2Dlasting%20durability.

[2] https://www.constructionspecifier.com/minimizing-environmental-impacts-with-clay-roofing/