Clay and concrete tile roofing offer an impressive durability compared to other materials on the market. Although tile costs more upfront, a roof that’s skillfully installed by experienced tile roofers in Tampa can last for 50 years, or longer. In fact, tile roofs often outlast the structure they protect, plus they’re fire-proof and resistant to hail damage, moisture absorption, algae/mold growth and even insect damage.

Today’s tile roofing can bring a sense of luxury and elegance to virtually any home. Traditional, barrel-shaped tiles that evoke the old-world charm of a Spanish hacienda or Mediterranean villa look superb with many styles of coastal Florida architecture. Thanks to modern technology, tile manufacturers now also offer an array of other distinctive profiles that emulate classic French, Greek or Roman roof designs, as well as other materials like slate, wood shakes, and shingles. And while earthy terracotta tones are still immensely popular, tile roofing also comes in a wide range of beautiful hues and color blends to suit any palette.

According to extensive research done by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a properly-installed tile roof can reduce the amount of heat transfer into a home’s attic by close to 50 percent. This superior energy efficiency is due to the inherent thermal resistance of the raw materials tiles are made from, and the natural ventilation created by the airspace that exists around individually-installed tiles.

Concrete and clay tiles are hands-down the best roofing choice if you’re concerned about sustainability because they’re made with readily available, natural ingredients. Tile roofing also has a dramatically lower carbon footprint than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. This is due to the material’s composition, the manufacturing processes used, tile’s energy-efficient performance and because it’s fully recyclable at the end of its long lifespan.