When it comes to commercial buildings, roofing is extremely important. It keeps out water, shields the interior from weather, and helps contribute to its overall longevity. One of the most important decisions businesses make is what type of roof to put on their building, and one of those choices is clay tiles.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles are generally appropriate for roofs with 4-in-12 slopes or greater that have sufficient load-bearing capacity in its construction. Clay tiles are less expensive than slate but more expensive than shingles, and they offer many benefits for business owners.
Benefits Of Clay Tiles
Appearance
Aesthetics is a notable benefit of clay tiles. They are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and their style is quite distinctive, making them a great choice for Spanish or Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
Durability
Clay tiles are also quite durable. They have longevity similar to slate, in that they generally last between 75-100 years. Clay tiles don’t rot and are resistant to damage from fire and insects as well, an important consideration for any commercial building.
Weather Resistance
Clay tiles also stand up to heavy rain, freeze/thaw cycles, and other types of inclement weather that can sometimes be found in the Seattle or Portland area.
Insulating Properties
As with slate roofing, clay tiles offer insulating properties, a great thing for business owners concerned about keeping energy costs down. Clay tiles help keep your building cool in the summer and warm in the winter since air is allowed to circulate under the tiles.
Minimal Maintenance
Clay tile roofing also requires little maintenance. Generally, an inspection is all that’s needed to ensure the roof is still in good condition. Although clay tiles often have an expensive upfront cost, you can save on maintenance costs over a long-term period.
Environmentally Friendly
Clay tiles are made from natural, earthen materials, not chemicals, and when the tiles are eventually removed, they can be recycled and used for other projects.
Clay Tile Applications
As the slope of a roof increases, many people believe it enhances the beauty of a clay tile, so they’re an excellent choice for buildings with cathedral ceilings, such as churches, museums, and large libraries. Many other historical buildings aiming for a look reminiscent of old Spanish architecture may also benefit from a clay tile roof.
Other Clay Tile Considerations
One notable characteristic of clay tiles is their weight, as they are quite heavy. As a result, the supporting structure underneath the roof needs to be strong, as they can’t be placed on traditional plywood. At McDonald & Wetle, we can work with you to determine whether clay tiles are a suitable choice.
Choosing The Right Type Of Roof For Your Business
At McDonald & Wetle, we can help your business decide which type of roof is best for your business, whether you own a historical building, church, restaurant, or other business in the Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR, areas. Our commercial roofing options are numerous in addition to our clay tiles, including slate, composition, and even eco-friendly solar roofs.
Contact McDonald & Wetle For Your Next Commercial Roofing Project
If you’re interested in natural clay roofing for your commercial building, contact the roofing experts at McDonald & Wetle. We’ve been in business since 1921 providing commercial roofing services to the Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR, areas, and we look forward to helping you with your project. Contact McDonald & Wetle by phone at our Seattle office by calling 253-589-8999, or in Portland at 503-667-0175.