Natural clay roof tiles have been used for roofing buildings since Ancient times. However, despite thousands of years of history, many myths and misconceptions about this material still exist today. Let’s take a look at some of them and separate fact from fiction.
Too Expensive
It is true that natural clay roof tiles are more expensive than bitumen or metal roofing. However, the price is fully justified by their quality and durability. Such roofing can last up to 100 years, making it a long-term investment that pays off over time.
In addition, clay tiles are an environmentally friendly building material that is safe both for people and for the environment. They do not release harmful chemicals, are fire-resistant, and do not accumulate static electricity.
Quickly Covered With Moss
If the roof is professionally installed with the correct roof pitch (at least 22°), water drains properly and is barely absorbed by the surface.
Of course, over time and without maintenance, moss or vegetation may appear on any roof. However, this applies to all roofing materials — without cleaning every 3–4 years, any roof will eventually become dirty and lose its appearance.
Quickly Fades in the Sun
In the past, roof tiles could indeed lose their color brightness after 5–10 years. Since then, coating technologies and pigments have improved significantly.
Today, most manufacturers apply special protective coatings that greatly reduce fading and help preserve the roof’s appearance for decades.
Too Heavy
Natural ceramic roof tiles are indeed heavier than some other roofing materials — their average weight is around 40–50 kg/m². However, for a properly designed roof structure, this is a completely normal and acceptable load.
It is important to understand that the roofing material’s weight is only part of the total roof load. Snow, wind, rain, and ice loads are often much greater than the weight of the tiles themselves.
Because the load is evenly distributed across the entire roof surface, clay tile roofing does not create dangerous pressure points and actually increases the overall stability of the structure.
As a result, you get a durable, strong, and stable roofing solution with a lifespan of up to 100 years.
Too Fragile
A roof made of clay tiles is actually very strong and durable. It can withstand significant loads, including strong winds, hail, and even falling tree branches.
This myth usually comes from experiences with low-quality products. There are many cheap “natural roof tiles” on the market produced without proper quality standards. Genuine high-quality clay tiles become even stronger over time.
It is important to choose quality building materials from trusted manufacturers and ensure professional installation — this guarantees the reliability, durability, and safety of the roof.
At TOPHOUSE.LV, we offer only proven roofing solutions for your home: standing seam roofing, metal roofing tiles, trapezoidal sheets, bitumen shingles, asbestos-free slate, concrete and clay roof tiles — all available in Riga! We will help you choose the best solution for your project and preferences.
Too Expensive
It is true that natural clay roof tiles are more expensive than bitumen or metal roofing. However, the price is fully justified by their quality and durability. Such roofing can last up to 100 years, making it a long-term investment that pays off over time.
In addition, clay tiles are an environmentally friendly building material that is safe both for people and for the environment. They do not release harmful chemicals, are fire-resistant, and do not accumulate static electricity.
Quickly Covered With Moss
If the roof is professionally installed with the correct roof pitch (at least 22°), water drains properly and is barely absorbed by the surface.
Of course, over time and without maintenance, moss or vegetation may appear on any roof. However, this applies to all roofing materials — without cleaning every 3–4 years, any roof will eventually become dirty and lose its appearance.
Quickly Fades in the Sun
In the past, roof tiles could indeed lose their color brightness after 5–10 years. Since then, coating technologies and pigments have improved significantly.
Today, most manufacturers apply special protective coatings that greatly reduce fading and help preserve the roof’s appearance for decades.
Too Heavy
Natural ceramic roof tiles are indeed heavier than some other roofing materials — their average weight is around 40–50 kg/m². However, for a properly designed roof structure, this is a completely normal and acceptable load.
It is important to understand that the roofing material’s weight is only part of the total roof load. Snow, wind, rain, and ice loads are often much greater than the weight of the tiles themselves.
Because the load is evenly distributed across the entire roof surface, clay tile roofing does not create dangerous pressure points and actually increases the overall stability of the structure.
As a result, you get a durable, strong, and stable roofing solution with a lifespan of up to 100 years.
Too Fragile
A roof made of clay tiles is actually very strong and durable. It can withstand significant loads, including strong winds, hail, and even falling tree branches.
This myth usually comes from experiences with low-quality products. There are many cheap “natural roof tiles” on the market produced without proper quality standards. Genuine high-quality clay tiles become even stronger over time.
It is important to choose quality building materials from trusted manufacturers and ensure professional installation — this guarantees the reliability, durability, and safety of the roof.
At TOPHOUSE.LV, we offer only proven roofing solutions for your home: standing seam roofing, metal roofing tiles, trapezoidal sheets, bitumen shingles, asbestos-free slate, concrete and clay roof tiles — all available in Riga! We will help you choose the best solution for your project and preferences.