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Although tile roofing has always been one of the options for people covering their homes, the idea has really boomed in the last few years. While it’s true that most homes still use other types of coverings, like asphalt shingles, many people are recognizing that tiles are very durable, historically.

That’s why considerably more home builders now carry roofing slate tiles. And that’s not the only stone being used to cover homes and buildings. Granite, too, seems to have graduated from custom countertops to a tiling material as well.

Many people immediately think of the rounded, terracotta tiles from warmer climates, as soon as someone mentions tile roofing. And it’s true that if roof coverings aren’t made of the more typical asphalt, they will usually be derived from clay, or perhaps even concrete.

But the choices are increasing now. Roofing slate tiles are fairly easy to manufacture, since they are made from metamorphic rock that was created under pressure, resulting in the minerals forming into parallel lines. All that’s needed, really, is to split the stone either into flat slate tile flooring or roofing tiles.

But as well as the roofing slate tile option, you will also find that granite particles are formed into roofing tiles. Many of these materials, when cut and shipped as actual cut tiles seem to come primarily from India and to a lesser extent from China, in mainly grey or blue granite colors.

But this stone is used in other ways as well, cut into chips that are set between two layers of roofing felt. So while granite is increasingly being used, it doesn’t yet appear to be as plentiful as slate in actual roofing tiles.

Slate tiles may be more durable and enduring than other materials, but every builder must take into account some possible problems with the material as well. This sort of tile can be brittle, so it might not be advisable to use it, if the building is situated in an area where there is a lot of hail.

Slate is heavier than other materials, so some strengthening of the roof might be needed. But if that sort of thing isn’t a major obstacle, then slate tile roofing should be considered, both for its durability but also its attractive smoothness, shape and uniform color.

To read more Covering Your Home With Tile Roofing

Posted on October 12th, 2009 under Home Building, Shopping, Home Improvement, Home, General • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback