Clay Roofing

When in need of a very durable roofing option that’s aesthetically pleasing, consider clay tiles. Clay tiles are fired in a kiln to make them stronger and colorful. Clay tiles are smooth and come in a variety of styles that can fit your roofing project. Due to its non-porous nature, clay tiles can be self-cleaning and require little maintenance.

Clay does have its drawbacks because it can be expensive and difficult to install. Clay tiles are also heavy and that’s why it is important to speak with a professional roofing contractor about the types of clay that best fit into the design of your home.

Clay Roofing Tiles

Clay roofing tiles can be shaped in many different ways and used in conjunction with other traditional or modern building materials like glass, metal roofing, or wood roofing. These hybrid installations can make your home unique and stand out.

Terracotta clay has become popular among clay users because, unlike regular clay or concrete, it won’t change color with age. Terracotta can maintain its color longer because it gets baked into the clay during the kiln process, and most terracotta artifacts still retain the color to this day.

Clay Roofing Advantages

Clay roof tiles typically do not rust, warp or corrode, which can be a huge problem with other roofing materials. Clay roofs can help homeowners to save money and the environment through energy savings. The raw materials used to manufacture our clay tiles are non-toxic. Hence, the water which runs off a tiled roof is potable.

Clay roofs are made up of all-natural materials, which allow them to last up to 100 years. Clay tiles will not burn because they are Class-A fire rated. Some users have been able to secure state and/or federal tax credits for their clay roof installation because they are energy savers.

Clay roof insulation properties help keep out undesirable noise while offering sustainability and lasting beauty. Clay roofing colors never fade and, with little maintenance, can maintain its properties, beauty, and protection from the elements.

Clay Roof Installation

Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before installing a clay tile roof on your home:

Clay Roof Maintenance

Clay tiles are very durable but need to be inspected regularly, and cracked or chipped tiles will need to be replaced immediately. Clay roofs should be washed and buffed by hand, so it can be a smart idea for homeowners to invest in a clay tile roofing cleaner who is experienced in how to keep your roof cool and looking great without causing any damage in the process.

Fasteners

Generally, the main issue you’ll probably face with clay tile roofing is improper fastening. There are two types of fastening systems for clay tile roofing: interlocking and overlapping tiles. Interlocking clay tiles hook onto each other, and overlapping tiles have to be nailed into place because they don’t attach. Working closely with your clay tile roofing contractor could help ensure that your fastening system is installed correctly.

Roof Sloping Degree

If your roof’s slope is less than 18 degrees, then clay roofing tiles may not be the ideal material for your home in regards to water runoff and weight. The added weight of clay tiles in combination with hanging at difficult angles can reduce the integrity of your clay roofing build, making them dangerous for yourself and others.

Underlayment Replacement

Clay roofs last a long time. However, the underlayments beneath them do not last as long and will need to be replaced every 20 years. Tiles will be damaged if improperly handled so you must work with a seasoned clay roofing contractor to maintain and clean your tiles and the underlying underneath to avoid bigger complications.

Weight Problems

Clay tiles are more than twice as heavy as asphalt shingles, so it can be crucial for your roofing project to have your home evaluated by a structural engineer. If your home needs structural support, this may increase the cost of the clay roofing project tremendously. Reinforce your roof so that it can support the weight of your clay tiles.

Clay Roofing Costs

The average clay could cost anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the specific details of your roof. Normally, individuals pay about $10 to $20 per sq. foot or $1000 to $2000 per square installed on a standard-sized home. Costs will always vary depending on your roof contractor’s pricing and the details of your project and installation.

Despite its durability, clay tile roofing is very fragile, but If properly installed, clay roofing can last decades. Speaking with the roofing professionals at Jackson Contracting can save you time and money, and help you choose the best option suitable for your next roofing project.

How To Know When You Need Roof Repair

There are many clear signs that a roof needs to be repaired or replaced. If you know what to look for, then you can implement the necessary repairs or replacement before the roof gets too damaged and starts to compromise the interior of the house.

You Can See The Damage To The Roof

If the roof is visibly damaged, then that is a sure sign that you should consult a roofing contractor to perform an inspection. Signs of roofing damage include missing or curling shingles and damaged flashing, which is necessary for preventing moisture from collecting in the roof joints. In Indianapolis, the varying weather patterns are usually responsible for roofing problems as the wind, ice, snow, and rain can cause serious damage to the roof tiles. When you notice signs that your roof might be damaged, you should contact a roofing contractor to perform an inspection and evaluate whether you need to repair the roof or replace it altogether.

Ice Dams Form In The Winter

The icicles that form along the edges of roofs in the Indianapolis winter might be picturesque, but they are also a sign of danger. The formation of those icicles could be a sign of poor ventilation in the attic. Furthermore, the weight of those ice dams puts a strain on the roof, which could cause even more problems.

The Walls And/Or Ceilings Get Stained

A leaking roof could cause discolorations and stains on the walls and ceiling inside of the house. Those stains are most likely the result of water damage and are a sign that there could be a roof leak. If you check the insulation in the attic and notice that it is soggy, then that is a sign that there is a leak and that you might need a new roof or a roof replacement.

Pests Start To Accumulate

The presence of a squirrel or raccoon in the house can be startling to most homeowners, especially if they have no idea how it got inside. If the doors are locked, and the house is otherwise secure, then there is a good chance that they are entering the home through a hole in the roof. If you do not notice any visible holes, then it could be located in a place that you cannot see, in which case you should contact an Indianapolis roofing contractor. They will be able to locate the hole and determine whether it can be repaired or if you will need a roof replacement.

The Roof is Close To The End Of Its Life

Most roofs have a limited lifespan, and that lifespan depends on what the roof is made of. Asphalt shingle roofs last for about fifteen years, while tile roofs can last from fifty to a hundred years. While some roofing materials can outlast the rest of the house, many roofing types will need to be replaced at some time while the occupants are living there. If the house was not brand new when the owner moved in, then they need to find out when it was built and if the roof was ever replaced. Once they know how old the roof is and what material it is composed of, they will be able to figure out its lifespan and whether or not it needs to be replaced.

You Received a Professional Assessment from Roofing Contractors

The best way to find out if you need a new roof or you should repair your current roof is to contact a roofing contractor. Roofers in Indianapolis are well aware of the havoc that the weather can wreak on the roofs in the state. Storm damage and hail damage are common, but they do not treat all roofs equally. Experienced Indianapolis roofing contractors can perform an evaluation to determine if repair services are a viable option or if a replacement is needed instead. If you are unsure about the state of your roof, then you should call us at Universal Roofing & Exteriors so that we can send a roofing contractor to examine your roof and find out what needs to be done to protect the sanctity of your home.

How To Choose The Right Indianapolis Roofing Contractor

Before you decide what to do with your roof, you need to contact the right roofing company. What makes the right company? It is a full-service company that has experienced roofing contractors who will perform an honest evaluation. It is a company that will finish the roofing services on-time and will do a great job that lasts for a long time. Universal Roofing & Exteriors meets all of those standards and then some, but we also have the following qualities that you should look out for in a roofing company.

The Company is Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

People might not know what these terms mean in the context of the roofing industry, so here is a quick breakdown:

Licensed - Being licensed means that a company has all of the license requirements, necessary competence, and the right to conduct its business.
Bonded - This means that the business has purchased a surety bond, which protects third parties from any losses that could be caused by failures of the hired company, such as theft, incomplete work, property damage, and more.
Insured - This means that the company has purchased insurance policies that the business needs. This includes Workers’ Compensation and Commercial General Liability Insurance.

They Are Locally Owned and Operated

It makes perfect sense to get your roofing repair services from a local company for many different reasons. A local company can send roofing contractors to your location quickly, you can learn about the company from others who have used their residential or commercial roofing services, and you are easily able to get in touch with them.

Their Price is Right

The right price for a roofing project is likely to be subjective, but in general, the price should neither be too high or too low. If the estimates are too low, then it is likely that they are too good to be true, and you will end up with shoddy workmanship. That could end up costing you more in the long run since that means you would have to hire new contractors to do the project properly. You should look around to find out the average cost of your roofing project before settling on any particular company. That way, you will know what the estimates for the project should be.

They Are Highly Rated

If you want to hire the best roofing contractors, then you should check out how they are rated both by regular people as well as with experts. You can speak to people who have worked with the company to find out what their experience was like, the kind of job they did, and so on. You can also check sites like Yelp, where users leave reviews to learn more about the company. At Universal Roofing & Exteriors, we are highly rated by the Indianapolis residents who have used our commercial and residential roofing services; we have also received the Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List) Super Service Award, which is additional proof that we are dedicated to providing the best roofing service for our customers.

Residential Roofing Indianapolis