Do Tile Roofs Keep A House Cool?

Having a cool home can be as important as having a sturdy roof that provides all-weather protection. After all, it's uncomfortable and unpleasant to sit in your house, sweating and feeling the heat from hot summer afternoons and evenings!

Tiled roofs have been a popular choice among homeowners for centuries because of their longevity and aesthetic appeal. However, it wasn’t until recently that the advantages of these roofing types expanded beyond their looks to include better durability, insulation, and even powering all your house's electric appliances using green energy.

Most tiled roof houses are better at reflecting the heat from direct sunlight, which reduces the surface temperature and makes it much more comfortable on hot days. So, if you are wondering whether roof tiles can keep a house cool, the answer is yes, they can. On average, tile roofs tend to be cooler than roof shingles or shakes when exposed to sunlight. However, the cooling efficiency of tile roofs can depend on the type of material, colour, and pre-existing insulation being used, which we will further explain below.

What is a tiled roof?

A tiled roof is a roof system made from tiles. These can be made from a variety of materials, but the type used usually depends on the budget, location, and local weather conditions. The most common types of tiles used in residential homes are concrete and clay. They are used because they are usually durable, easy to install, and can also be fitted on your roof in many different patterns depending on the existing roof structure. Although other materials are common on residential properties such as roof slates and fibre cement. Some of the main advantages of a tiled roof house include:

• Good Insulation: A tiled roof house provides great insulation value because air can easily circulate beneath the tiles. This helps to conserve energy and keeps homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Low Maintenance: Tile roofs can last for decades with minimal maintenance, so you don't have to worry about replacing them every few years like you would with other types of roofing materials.
• Long Lifespan: Roof tiles usually last longer than shingles and shakes because they’re made using strong materials, e.g. clay or concrete. A well-maintained tile roof can last up to 50 years or more, depending on the quality of materials used, the exposure, and the frequency of cleaning.
• Better water protection: They also offer better protection against water leaks, as roof tiles are usually more water-tight than other roofing materials.
• Aesthetics: There is a wide range of colours and textures available in the market, which means that you can create an attractive-looking design that just fits your style perfectly!

JJ Roofing Supplies stocks and supplies a varierty of roof insualtion, you can find our insualtion range here

How cool are roof tiles?

Tile roofs can be very good for cooling your house, but there are a few factors to keep in mind, such as the type and quality of roofing material used. For example, concrete tiles are more resistant to heat and cold stress and are cheaper than clay tiles. On the other hand, clay tiles are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, but they can be expensive especially hand-made tiles. Well-known brands such as Marley, Sandtoft, and Redland are the most common clay tiles in the UK.

The ability of roof tiles to keep a house cool is also affected by the type and slope of your roof since they are designed for unique purposes. Flat or low-pitched roof tiles are more effective at cooling as they can block most of the direct sunlight and reflect infrared heat away from the building. They also provide a better option for installing solar panels or a skylight. High-pitched roof tiles, on the other hand, are intended to protect your home from all-weather conditions rather than to regulate indoor temperature. As a result, it absorbs more heat than low-pitched roof tiles.

More importantly, tiled roof houses are only as cool as the structure underneath them. If a house is insulated well and has a high R-value, it will conduct heat much better than if it were uninsulated or poorly insulated. Similarly, a poorly fitted roof can make an otherwise cool house into a veritable sauna on hot summer afternoons.

What's the most energy-efficient roof?

Metal roofs seem to be one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials as they are very good insulators and thermal conductors—heat can easily diffuse between hot and cold surfaces. As a result, they are suitable for all weather conditions and locations. They also have an average shelf-life of over 50 years, are lightweight, and require very little maintenance. However, metal roofs can be more expensive than normal tiled roof houses and require professional installation.

Alternatively, any roof tiles, from slate and clay to concrete, can be a good energy-efficient choice if they are treated with lightly coloured reflective coatings. This will reflect most of the heat away from the roof surfaces, helping to keep your house cool during the summer months. A green roof can also be a great eco-friendly and energy-efficient choice if you have a low-pitched or flat roof house. It can purify the air, regulate indoor temperature, and help you save money on your energy bills. Besides, it also allows fresh breeze back into your home

How much are roof tiles?

Several factors can affect the price of roof tiles, such as the material, popularity, quality, and whether they are handcrafted or machine-made. For example, concrete tiles are one of the cheapest roof tiles available on the market, whereas slate and clay tiles are more expensive end.

Additionally, if you’re not sure which one to get, you can read our article on how to choose the right roof tile for your house.  Alternatively, you can browse through our catalogue if you already have a specific roof tile in mind, whether it's concrete, clay, or fibre cement. Regardless of what type of roofing tile you need, we offer a wide selection to suit all types of roofs, from modern and contemporary buildings to traditional houses and extensions.