Concrete tiles were first introduced in the 1840s by German cement manufacturer Adolph Kroher, who developed a machine to press out the tiles.

The technique became popular in Bavaria, and many of the roofing jobs from Kroher's era continue to hold up to this day.

What are concrete roof tiles made of?

Concrete roof tile is made of sand, cement, and water, making cement roof tiles and concrete roof tiles, one in the same.

The exact materials vary somewhat with each manufacturer but basically contain Portland cement, blended hydraulic cements and fly ash, sand, and other aggregates. Concrete roof tiles do not require sealant, which is a popular question.

A modern Sydney home with concrete roof tiling.

What profiles are available?

The products from most manufacturers look very similar in size and shapes and colours considering concrete roof tiles are available in three basic profiles: mission S-tiles (or "Spanish S"), villa tiles (low-profile tiles with a double-S shape), and flat tiles, which are often designed to look like wood shakes or slates.

What colour tiles are available?

Modern concrete tile designs can simulate the appearance of traditional clay tiles, wood shake, slate and stone.

Like clay, concrete tile surfaces can be textured or smooth, tile edges can be uniform or ragged, and architects may select tiles of all one colour, blended colours or combinations of two or more shades placed in a uniform or random pattern.

Regular Portland cement is grey but is also available in white. Pigments can be blended with either white or grey cement to allow for virtually any desired colour, including bright whites, pastels and deep rich shades.

Durability

Concrete roof tiles most often last the lifetime of a house, typically carrying a limited lifetime, non-pro-rated, transferable warranty.

Compare this to the limited warranties that accompany most composition shingles, and also how shorter-lived products tend to overfill precious landfill space.

Concrete tiles have a Class A fire rating and are resistant to damage from hail and high winds, typically achieving a minimum of a Class 3 hail resistance rating. Concrete tiles can sustain winds in excess of 125 miles per hour that would strip off most other roofing materials.

Testing has also shown concrete tile roofing systems, when installed according to building code standards, exceed current seismic load requirements for building materials.

How long do they last?

Therefore, manufacturer warranties will typically last for 30 years, but concrete tiles should last up to 50-60 years at a minimum and even longer in a number of cases.

As with any roof tile, the lifespan will depend on how well maintained the roof space is over time.
You also need to consider the general environment of the surrounding area. In regions where extreme weather conditions are the norm, this will be taken into consideration during the build.

A home in Miami, with concrete roof tiles.

Maintenance

Nothing more than your standard maintenance of any roof tiles.

Concrete is actually one of the lower maintenance types, but if you want to add years onto your roof, make sure you have regular inspections for bruises and chips in the tiles, cleaning — make sure you use a low or high-pressure hose to clean algae and efflorescent from your roof, debris — declutter gutters, and restoration — broken or missing tiles need to be immediately replaced in order to effectively avoid costly roofing replacements in the future.

Cost

For concrete, cement roof tiles price is $40 to $60 per square metre. Materials would cost $4,500 to $7,000 for that same 100-square-metre home.

Labour costs will be less than with the other two products. The final price would be from $9,000 to $13,000 for typical homes.

Advantages

Concrete roof tiles most often last the lifetime of a house, typically carrying a limited lifetime, non-pro-rated, transferable warranty.

Compare this to the limited warranties that accompany most composition shingles, and also how shorter-lived products tend to overfill precious landfill space.

Concrete tiles are Class A fire rated and resistant to damage from hail and high winds, typically achieving a minimum of a Class 3 hail resistance rating.

Concrete tiles can sustain winds in excess of 125 miles per hour that would strip off most other roofing materials. Testing has also shown concrete tile roofing systems, when installed according to building code standards, exceed current seismic load requirements for building materials.

Disadvantages

Concrete tiles are very heavy. So before you install them you’ll have to ensure your roofing system is strong enough to support them.

Frequently roofing systems will require to be reinforced prior to concrete tiles being laid. Concrete tiles are breakable.

Although hard and challenging to damage, heavy hail or branches falling on them can break them. They will likewise break if you stand on them or they fall off your roof.

Concrete tiles are prone to weathering. Although they are really hard, they can be impacted by large amounts of rain. Concrete tiles can absorb water, which causes the advancement of stains and moss and mildew growth.

Concrete tiles aren’t totally wind resistant. Although they have high wind resistance compared with other roofing products, they can still be removed in high winds.

Best concrete roof tiles currently available in Australia

Contour (NSW) — Boral — $3.99
A dynamic combination of function and style, Contour roof tiles are the practical solution for instant appeal. Contour concrete roof tiles are recommended for coastal areas as it is salt-safe and resistant to corrosion —Colours range from neutral tones to greys, and are aimed to match paint jobs consistent to these tones.
Limestone — Bristle — Contact for price

Inspired by feedback from colour consultants and other key product specifiers, the Designer range brings together a collection of stunning colours which have already drawn an enthusiastic response from our customers. The muted tones of the Designer range have been developed to compliment contemporary building styles and colour schemes. These colour schemes range from neutral, to fire-engine red.
Elabana — Monier — Contact for price

Elabana is a versatile profile that combines traditional good looks with exceptional product performance. Available in range of fashionable colours, there's sure to be one that will complete the look of your home. The colour range consists of black, neutrals, 'chilli' reds and more.

Sarah Buckley

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