Are clay tile roofs safe to walk on?

They're not designed to handle foot traffic. They're vulnerable breaking or chipping from careless treatment.

Are you able to paint clay roof tiles?

You can, but you have to make sure they're scrubbed spotless first, also repairing any chipped tiles or damaged areas.

Are clay roof tiles good in cold climates?

Although we're used to seeing clay tile roofing in warmer climates, they can be used in cold climates, too. If you're in a colder climate, ensure you use products designed for freeze-thaw cycles.

How long to clay roof tiles last?

When properly cared for, clay tile roofs can last 70+ years.

Are clay tile roofs sustainable?

Yes, they're one of the best types of roofs for the environment. Because they're made from earth minerals rather than chemicals, they can be pulverized and then recycled when removed. They're also energy-efficient, as the heavy thermal mass of the tiles helps regulate indoor temperatures.

Learn about Clay Roof Tiles

Flat or wavy, rectangular tiles made of clay, composite, or metal materials, laid horizontally from the bottom edge of a roof upwards, with each new row overlapping the previous one.

Clay tiles give a beautiful appearance to your roof. Look for the distinctive red clay colour, although other earth colours like brown, cream, and gray are available too. Terra cotta clay tiles have the colour baked into them, so they won't change colour over time, while just-clay or cement tiles will change colour in the sun. Clay tiles are heavy, so ensure that your roof structure can support the weight. Look for locally-produced clay tiles where available, because they are also heavy to ship. Tile roofing that simulates clay tiles is also available made from cement or composite polymer materials. These simulated clay tiles can be lighter, but are harder to recycle when they come to the end of their use on the building.

When made of clay, roofing tiles are very long-lasting, and at the end of their useful life they can be returned to the Earth with no toxic impacts. Clay tiles are also non-combustible.

Clay roof tiles are known to have been used in China as far back as 12,000 years ago.