What Is A Concrete Roof?
What Is A Concrete Roof?
A concrete roof is a solid slab of concrete capping the top of a building. It was very common in the United States in the late 1800s, during a time when construction materials were limited.
It became more popular than wooden roofs during the late 1920s and 1930s due to its resistance to fire, termites, and rot.
Concrete was also commonly used for concrete slabs covering sidewalks or roadways and rooftops and patios. Concrete affords durability and strength traits not found in many other roofing materials while providing some insulation properties.
The natural beauty of standing on a concrete roof is often greatly admired by onlookers or those who visit with their own eyes or on camera lenses as they’re shooting at nearby locations.
In recent years, the popularity of concrete roofs has decreased due to fire hazards and cracking and leaking problems. But some modern structures use concrete roofs today, including Fifth Third Field in Comstock Park, Michigan, and Three Rivers Stadium.
Are Concrete Roof Tiles Any Good?
Concrete roof tiles are typically 20% less expensive than machine-made clay counterparts. However, there are other advantages: Unlike clay, which may fracture or shatter in very cold temperatures, concrete tends to hold up better in harsh weather conditions.
It is also more durable and is less likely to splinter or shatter when hit by heavy winds, snow, rain, or hail. In addition to the strength characteristics of concrete tiles over clay tiles, concrete lasts at least six times longer than clay tiles.
One study comparing the acoustic properties of clay tile and concrete tile under wind pressure concluded that concrete tiles were three times more resistant to noise as well as five times more resistant than clay tiles.
Are Clay Roof Tiles Better Than Concrete?
Many other roofing materials can be outperformed by clay and concrete tiles.
However, clay is the more durable of the two, having a lifespan of well over 100 years, compared to concrete tiles, which have a lifespan of 30 to 60 years. It may vary, depending on location and the quality of your tiles.
Concrete roofs are not as bad as people think; concrete tiles are in a positive light for many reasons, being fireproof and better for harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
Which Is Better, Terracotta or Concrete Roof Tiles?
Terracotta tiles are lighter than concrete, which is a significant consideration. The weight of the heavier concrete tiles may be significant to structural issues on bigger roofs.
Terracotta tiles also hold their color far better and for a longer period of time than concrete tiles, which usually color to a dull gray and may cause problems with algae.
What Are Concrete Roof Tiles Called?
Concrete tiles, often known as cement roofing tiles, are made of Portland cement, sand, water, and occasionally other colors (for color).
Concrete tiles are factory-molded into a broad range of shapes and textures to imitate wood shake shingles, clay tiles, or slate tiles due to their fluid nature prior to hardening.
How Do You Waterproof A Concrete Roof?
Polymer Modified Cementitious Coating is the best solution for waterproofing concrete roofs. It is an acid-free, flexible, and breathable coating that can be applied over existing laminated or sheeted roofs.
It’s ideal for areas where water often penetrates the roof, such as below eaves or in valleys created by dormers, or where there is a lot of rain coming through in high winds.
It is appropriate for roof waterproofing because it forms a highly elastic seamless covering over the applied concrete surfaces, providing strong bonding, effective waterproofing, and great resistance to hydrostatic water pressure.
This protective coating is suitable for flat roofs, pitched roofs, sloping roofs, and vertical walls.
