Clay Roof Replacement in Austin

Roofs built with clay tiles are some of the longest-lasting roofs out there. In fact, the average clay roof has a lifespan of up to 70 years. While they can be costly to install, their longevity makes them well worth the investment. Shingles tend to be a much cheaper roofing option, but they typically only last 20 to 25 years before they need to be replaced, and they are prone to storm damage, warping, cracking, and other issues. 

However, like all roofs, there comes a time when clay roofs must be replaced. If your clay roof has aged out and is showing signs of damage, it’s only natural to think twice about whether you should repair your roof piecemeal or invest in replacing the entire thing. If you’re interested in finding out how much a new roof would cost, use our roofing cost calculator tool for a rough estimate.

Our Austin roofing contractors at RoofsOnly.com can assess the state of your roof and help you determine whether replacement is the most cost-effective option for you. Contact us today at (737) 275-7599 to schedule an appointment with one of our roofing experts. 

Signs Your Clay Roof Needs to Be Replaced

If your clay roof has reached its age limit and you begin to notice any of the following signs of damage, it might be time to replace it:  

• Cracked tiles – Clay tiles are strong and durable, and as a result, they are less vulnerable to storm and hail damage than other types of roofing materials. At the same time, they can become cracked or chipped as they age, and they also have the potential to buckle under a person’s weight, which is why it’s important to be extremely cautious when walking on a clay tile roof. If there is widespread damage to the tiles on your roof, then it might be time to think about roof replacement. 
• Eave stains – Stains underneath the eaves of your roof can be an indication that water is accumulating on the edge of your roof. That means your roof is not properly diverting precipitation. If you notice eave stains, you should have an experienced roofing professional assess the situation. 
• Moisture on the underlayment – The underlayment lies between the clay tiles and the roof deck. It offers your home a secondary layer of protection from water leaks, which can lead to mold in your attic. If your clay roof tiles are not properly repelling water, moisture can pool on the underlayment. If you notice water collecting on the underlayment, or if the underlayment has suffered significant wear and tear, then your clay tiles may not be doing their job properly anymore.  

If your roof has reached its life expectancy and you’ve noticed some damage, contact RoofsOnly.com to schedule a consultation with one of our roofing experts. We will help you determine whether it’s time to replace your roof and provide you with an estimate. 

The Difference Between Roof Repairs and Roof Replacement 

If your clay tile roof is relatively new or has not yet reached the end of its natural life, and you notice damage in isolated sections of the roof, you might only need isolated repairs. 

However, if your roof is aging, the damage is widespread, and you continually have to make repairs, then replacing your roof could very well be more affordable in the long run. As we’ve noted, clay tile roofs are a big investment. But due to their reliability and longevity, it might only be an investment you have to make only once in your life. 

If you aren’t sure whether repair or replacement is right for you, the roofing professionals at RoofsOnly.com of Austin can help you decide on the best course of action. We provide both roof repair and roof replacement services. 

Clay Roof Materials

One reason that clay has been used as a roofing material for centuries is that it can easily be sculpted into different, unique shapes. Some of the most common clay roof tiles include: 

• Mission tiles – Mission-style clay tiles have a barrel design and are common in the Southwestern United States. Mission tile roofs alternate between convex tiles (covers) and concave tiles (panels). 
• French tiles – French-style clay tiles feature two concave grooves per tile and are designed to easily interlock with other tiles. They are also a superior option for redirecting runoff from your roof. 
• Spanish tiles – Spanish-style clay tiles closely resemble the barrel-shaped mission tiles. Rather than alternating between covers and panels, these tiles come in one S-shaped piece, which improves efficiency. As a result, Spanish tiles typically don’t require as much labor to install. 
• Flat tiles – There are two ways to install flat tiles. Some flat tiles are designed with a lip and a groove, which are used to interlock the tile with other tiles. Flat tiles without lips and grooves can be installed by overlapping the tiles. 

At RoofsOnly.com of Austin, our team is happy to recommend materials that fit your budget and your aesthetic preferences. We use superior quality clay materials to ensure that your roof will last for its expected lifetime. 

Contact RoofsOnly.com in Austin Today

If you are considering replacing your clay tile roof, call RoofsOnly.com at (737) 275-7599 to schedule an appointment with our Austin-based team. We will take all your needs and goals into account and help you come up with a beautiful, satisfying solution. Contact us today.