While alternative options have been emerging, some with many of the benefits of a tiled roof, there is no way to get the necessary aesthetic as you would with tiles. And, while in the past the main benefit of clay or slate tiles was the ease of repair, current roofing systems offer much more.
High-quality tiles, professionally installed with the proper standards and insulation, have reduced maintenance costs, reduce your energy bill, and look amazing in the meantime. The only issue is that they often come with an increased upfront cost.
Depending on your situation, location, and any rules brought upon by the local authorities and your HOA, there are ways to combine the useful and the beautiful. But, it is always much better to take some time and consult with experts than to overly focus on a single solution that you have liked elsewhere.
What are Your Options?
Not only does living in Portland allow for different roof tile solutions due to its climate and the general diversity of roof tiles in the city, but it’s also open to innovative and creative solutions. There are many other places in the country where a lot more uniformity is forced, often against the homeowner’s interests.
In Portland, you will have multiple high-quality options:
- Clay tiles
- Slate tiles
- Steel tiles
- Copper tiles
- Cement tiles
- Fiber cement tiles
- Composite roof tiles
- Solar panel tiles
Each of these has its upsides and downsides. In most modern homes, because many downsides can be compensated and provided that there is enough leeway in the budget, it will frequently come down to the personal aesthetic choice.
Regardless, always do the roof inspection first, and then start pondering what your ideal solution might be. Also, check if you can get any money from the state, city, or municipality because there are frequent funds that help with things like energy efficiency.
Clay Roof Tiles
Clay roofs are not as frequent in Portland, mainly because of the price. They do look luxurious and will give your home that traditional European feel, but you will need to consider the budget if you wish to do it correctly.
Also, while keeping your clay roof looking as good as new will require extensive albeit infrequent maintenance compared to other options, they will rarely lose integrity. As a matter of fact, patina and moss collecting on clay roofs will frequently make them look even more charming than when they are new.
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Slate Roof Tiles
Slate roofs follow the idea of terracotta but give it an Oregonian twist. These roofs are very common in Portland, and many neighborhoods that are HOA-organized actually demand it. They look very nice and are quite durable if done correctly.
Downside -they’re heavy. Lumber today, both literally and legally, ain’t what it used to be, and some new constructions can’t hold a slate roof. It is rocks, after all. Even some older construction, if either the framing or the foundations are flimsy, will just fall through.
But, if there is support and nothing exerts lateral pressure on them, they are a great option. Also, don’t step on them.
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Composite Roofing
Composite roofs get a bad rep because of classism. A lot of affordable housing got them, which made people believe they were somehow inferior, but that was not the case. They are comparatively cheaper and much easier to install while offering excellent insulation from the elements.
They don’t last as long, at least not in their best appearance, but are also relatively cheap to maintain.
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Metal Roof Tiles
Metal roofs in Portland come as either steel or copper, the former being leagues less expensive than the latter. Metal roofing is much more frequent in commercial buildings as it has clear maintenance costs while remaining durable.
As you can imagine, steel roofs are not the best insulator material. They will need some extra help if you are aiming for energy standards. And, if not cushioned, they will be noisy when it’s raining, making them less than ideal for residential buildings.
Copper roofs, on the other hand, look amazing – especially once patina has formed on them. This patina, or copper oxide, is a great insulator. To be fair, the aesthetics here are by far the biggest selling point because the people who opt for copper roof tiles usually don’t have a problem paying their energy bills.
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Cement and Fiber Cement Tiles
Now, cement roofs are, subjectively at least, not as pretty as the slate ones – at least on closer inspection. Also, they won’t last as long, as they start to degrade after a few decades. But they are significantly cheaper and way lighter than slate, forcing less stress on the foundations.
On their own, cement tiles do look slightly “cheap,” and they are strangely susceptible to mold and water damage. However, they can be treated to look and act much better.
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Solar Panel Tiles
Although there will be a marketable product called “solar panel tiles,” it is not possible to speak about a roof made entirely of solar panels, at least not a good roof. Solar panels can be an addition, and there are options to integrate them with the roof, but they can’t make the base of the roofing solution.
Additionally, there is limited use of roofing solar panels due to the weather in Oregon. Frequent clouds make them less effective than they would be in the south. They will do something, and if you are not a big spender, they can prove to be useful over time.
