The choice of roof type is essential for the protection of the house. Tiles have many advantages. The cost is primarily a function of the complexity of the roof.

It must even be said that choosing the right type of roof covering (tile, slate, etc.) is obviously essential, since this covering must protect the dwelling as well as possible from all the aggressions of the weather, but also resist ageing well. It is also important to find out beforehand about any town planning regulations that may require a particular type of covering. And follow the advice of your architect, who is undoubtedly the best person to indicate the best choice.

It should also be noted that the simpler the shape of your roof and the fewer openings it has, the cheaper the cost of the material - whatever it is - and the installation. Not to mention that a complicated roof will require more finishing accessories, which can be worth up to 25% of the total price.

AtHome has already had the opportunity to introduce you to various types of roofing, including slate, which is very common in our country, and this time we will stop at tile.

Easy and environmentally friendly

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of roof tiles?

On the plus side, it is easy to lay (although any roof should always be laid by a professional roofer, unless you are a particularly good handyman yourself). Clay roof tiles are also an environmentally friendly product, both because of the raw materials used and because they do not emit any potentially harmful substances. In addition, it is often manufactured in nearby regions and therefore does not require extensive transport. The tile has a lifespan of up to 100 years - making it the most durable roof covering, but the average lifespan is estimated at 50 years - and is also highly resistant to discolouration, wind and fire. Finally, there is a wide choice of shapes and colours.

On the downside, it is mainly the quantity required - which can be as many as 100 tiles per m2 - with the consequent cost of the material and labour, even if this cost is very competitive, for example, with slate. While, like other coverings, tiles may require some maintenance, depending on the orientation of the roof and the proximity of, for example, a pine forest, to remove moss that will settle over time. Glazed ceramic tiles, however, are protected from this moss growth.

As for the type of installation, tiles can be single, double or triple interlocking. The more interlocking the tiles are, the more effective they are against wind and rain. The consequence is that more tiles will be needed and the cost will therefore be higher.

Note that a minimum slope is required depending on the type of tile, this slope being noted on the technical specifications.

The concrete alternative

The alternative to clay tiles is concrete tiles, which are made from mortar and surface treated. Its main advantage is that it is larger - hence the need for less of it - generally lighter, cheaper and available in imitation clay tile, as well as in a number of shapes and colours (concrete tiles are coloured in the mass). It is also easier to work with and is just as resistant to the elements as its clay counterpart. That said, concrete tiles are usually available in unattractive finishes - although this is of course a matter of taste - and discolour in sunlight.

Depending on the number of openings in the roof (chimneys, roof windows, etc.) and the surface area of the slopes, it may be more interesting to opt for smaller concrete tiles, which will make installation easier and therefore cheaper.

Photovoltaic

In order to protect the environment and to save energy, photovoltaic tiles are now available, which constitute both the roof and the photovoltaic covering, making the panels superfluous.

However, this technique is still fairly recent - panels installed on the roof are still the most widely used solution - and is therefore still very expensive (at least 900 euros to 2,000 euros per m2), while the yield is obviously linked, as with panels, to the ambient light. And the photovoltaic tile is still not very attractive.