What Are Roof Tiles Made Of? Materials and Benefits

Choosing the right roofing material is crucial for ensuring the durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of your home. Understanding the materials used in roof tiles will help you make an informed decision.

This article explores the materials used in roof tiles, their advantages, and how they can best meet your needs in India.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Material Composition: Concrete roof tiles are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, with pigments added to give color.

 Main Components: The main ingredients are Portland cement, sand, and water. This mixture is molded into tiles and cured to ensure strength and durability.

Metal Roof Tiles

For example, stone-coated metal roof tiles are analyzed as follows:

Material Composition: Metal roof tiles are made from metals such as steel, aluminum, or copper.

Aluzinc Steel Plates: These plates consist of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicon, and are produced through a hot-dip galvanizing process. They offer similar processing and coating properties as galvanized steel plates but have a lifespan 2 to 6 times longer.

Decorative and Protective Coating: These metals are usually coated to enhance their corrosion resistance. Fingerprint-resistant coatings are applied on top of the aluminum zinc plating layer, which protects the aluminum zinc plating layer, and at the same time, the fingerprint-resistant coatings provide a better bond between the aluminum zinc plated steel sheet and the colored sand grains.

Junction color sand is the decorative layer and base protection layer of metal tiles, which is made of wulanite particles of a certain grain size by high-tech coloring process and high temperature sintering. It has more than ten kinds of colors, can resist ultraviolet irradiation, and can reduce the noise caused by rainwater to metal tiles.

Acrylic Adhesives: These are used to bond the steel plate and granules. The acrylic top coating also serves as a protective layer to prevent rainwater infiltration, extending the lifespan of the granules' color.

Resin Roof Tiles

Using ASA synthetic resin roof tiles as an example, the composition is as follows:

Material Composition: Resin roof tiles are made from synthetic resins mixed with fillers and usually reinforced with fiberglass for added strength.

Material Composition:

• PVC Resin: This is the primary component of resin tiles, also known as resin powder.

• Calcium Carbonate Powder: Used as a filler, it represents a significant cost component.

• PVC Heat Stabilizers: These additives prevent decomposition during melting, improving the thermal stability of the resin. Resin tiles without these stabilizers are nearly unprocessable.

• CPE or ACR: These impact modifiers enhance the impact resistance of the tiles.

• Stearic Acid: Acts as an internal lubricant during the processing of resin tiles.

• PE Wax: Functions as an external lubricant during processing.

• Titanium Dioxide: Increases whiteness, coverage, and UV resistance.

• ASA Weather-Resistant Film: This film covers the surface of resin tiles, improving their weather resistance, aging resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, self-cleaning properties, toughness, and UV resistance, ensuring the color remains vibrant.

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles consist of a fiberglass or organic mat base coated with asphalt and embedded with mineral granules.

Material Composition:

Fiberglass Mat: Fiberglass shingles can be used in temperatures ranging from -35°C to 68°C without deformation or damage. The thickness of these shingles is controlled between 2.6mm and 2.7mm, which helps ensure asphalt adhesion and is critical for wind resistance and waterproofing.

Asphalt: The asphalt used is a blend of different grades, with petroleum-based asphalt commonly used. Fiberglass shingles are designed to withstand temperatures from -35°C to 68°C, with fire retardants added to achieve B1 or B2 fire ratings.

Back Adhesive: The base adhesive is asphalt-based, available in wide and standard widths, with self-adhesive properties in temperatures above 35°C.

High-Temperature Sintered Granules: The granules used are carefully sized during high-temperature sintering.

Longevity

The lifespan of roof tiles depends on factors such as material, thickness, coating, and installation quality. Selecting the appropriate thickness and zinc content, along with proper installation, can extend the tiles' lifespan.

• Concrete Tiles: Typically last over 50 years.

• Metal Tiles: Can last between 30 and 50 years.

• Resin Tiles: Generally last around 30 years.

• Asphalt Shingles: Usually last 20 to 30 years.

  
  

Energy Efficiency

Choosing the right roof tile material can significantly enhance energy efficiency.

1. Reflecting Solar Radiation

• Metal Tiles: These tiles are highly reflective, effectively reducing heat absorption and lowering roof surface temperatures. This reduces the need for air conditioning and improves energy efficiency.

  
  

• Resin Tiles: Many modern resin tiles are also designed to reflect heat, reducing heat transfer into the building.

2. Improving Insulation

• Concrete Tiles: The thickness and density of concrete tiles provide excellent insulation, reducing indoor temperature fluctuations and minimizing heating and cooling needs.

  
  

• Asphalt Shingles: While not as insulating as concrete tiles, some premium products have additional insulation layers to enhance energy efficiency.

3. Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect

• Concrete and Metal Tiles: These materials help mitigate the urban heat island effect by lowering heat absorption and radiation from roofs, thereby reducing overall city temperatures and improving urban energy efficiency.

4. Lowering Cooling Demands

• Resin Tiles: The lightweight and insulating properties of resin tiles help reduce heat buildup on the roof, decreasing the building’s cooling requirements and reducing the load on air conditioning systems.

  
  

Aesthetic Appeal

Different roof tile materials can complement a variety of architectural styles, from classic and traditional to modern and innovative. Selecting the right tile based on architectural style and personal preference not only enhances visual appeal but also ensures functionality and durability.

1. Concrete Tiles:

• Traditional and Classic Styles: Available in a range of colors and textures, concrete tiles suit traditional and classic architectural styles, such as Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes.

• Modern and Minimalist Styles: In modern designs, the clean lines and uniform colors of concrete tiles create a sleek appearance.

• Eco and Natural Styles: The durability and natural color options of concrete tiles make them ideal for eco-friendly designs that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings.

2. Asphalt Shingles:

• Traditional Country Style: Asphalt shingles come in various colors and styles that mimic wood or other traditional materials, making them suitable for country-style and traditional buildings.

• Modern Homes: The simplicity and versatility of asphalt shingles meet diverse design needs, especially in minimalist buildings.

• Variety and Adaptability: The design flexibility of asphalt shingles allows them to fit various architectural styles, including neoclassical and contemporary designs.

3. Metal Tiles:

• Modern and Avant-Garde Styles: The sleek, shiny appearance of metal tiles is well-suited for modern and avant-garde buildings, adding a futuristic and technological feel.

• Industrial Style: The raw material texture of metal tiles complements industrial-style buildings, emphasizing a rugged and functional aesthetic.

• Urban High-Rise Buildings: The durability and lightweight properties of metal tiles make them ideal for high-rise buildings and minimalist designs.

4. Resin Tiles:

• Flexible Design: Resin tiles can mimic traditional materials like wood or stone while offering a range of colors and styles, making them perfect for personalized and unique architectural designs.

• Modern and Innovative: The lightweight and diverse design of resin tiles make them suitable for modern and innovative buildings, enhancing architectural aesthetics.

  Natural and Vintage Styles: Resin tiles can simulate natural materials, making them suitable for projects requiring a rustic or vintage look.

  
  

Environmental Impact

Opting for sustainable and recyclable roof tiles positively impacts the building's durability and aesthetics and significantly reduces environmental impact.

1. Reducing Waste

• Recyclable Materials (e.g., Metal Tiles): Many metal tiles, such as those made from aluminum, steel, or copper, can be fully recycled at the end of their life, reducing building waste and conserving resources.

• Resin Tiles (Using Recycled Materials): Some resin tiles are made from recycled plastics or rubber, reducing waste and extending material life, which decreases the demand for new raw materials.

2. Lowering Resource Consumption

• Concrete Tiles: While the production of concrete tiles is energy-intensive, their long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, thus decreasing long-term resource consumption. Choosing durable concrete tiles minimizes material use and resource consumption.

• Asphalt Shingles: Modern asphalt shingles incorporate eco-friendly technologies, such as recycled materials or improved manufacturing processes, which lower raw material dependency and energy consumption during production.

3. Reducing Carbon Footprint

• Low Carbon Emission Production Processes: Roof tiles produced with sustainable methods (e.g., low-carbon concrete tiles or recycled metal tiles) reduce carbon emissions during manufacturing, lowering the overall carbon footprint.

• Energy Efficiency Improvements: Roof tiles with good insulation properties decrease building energy consumption, reducing heating and cooling needs, which in turn lowers energy use and carbon emissions.

4. Extending Lifespan

• High-Durability Materials (e.g., Metal Tiles and Concrete Tiles): High-quality roof tiles generally have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing environmental impact.

• Reducing Maintenance Needs: Durable tiles decrease the need for maintenance and repairs, lowering the demand for new materials and energy.

 Cost Considerations

The following line chart illustrates the initial costs, maintenance costs, and potential energy savings of different types of roof tiles. The chart data highlights:

• Summary:

1. Initial Cost: Asphalt shingles have the lowest initial cost, while metal tiles have the highest. Concrete and resin tiles fall in between.

2. Maintenance Cost: Metal and resin tiles have the lowest maintenance costs. Concrete tiles have moderate maintenance costs, whereas asphalt shingles have higher maintenance costs due to their shorter lifespan and more frequent replacement needs.

3. Energy Savings: Metal and concrete tiles offer the best energy savings potential due to their strong insulation and reflective properties. Resin tiles also perform well, while asphalt shingles have relatively lower energy-saving effects, although high-end products can improve energy efficiency.

Selecting the appropriate roof tile material is vital for both the performance and appearance of your roof. Each material offers unique benefits, making it important to choose one that aligns with your needs and local climate.

Our company provides customized roofing solutions tailored to your specifications, ensuring quality and reliability.

For personalized advice and expert recommendations, contact us to find the ideal roofing solution for your home or business in India.