Concrete is one of the sturdiest, most durable materials in construction, a material that is today used not only to build walls and roads, but roofs as well. Concrete tiles are in many ways similar to classic terracotta tiles – they come in many shapes, types and sizes, they make strong roofs that can stand up to the elements for up to a century and they offer outstanding energy-efficiency, keeping the building warm in winter and cool in summer while keeping the building’s energy consumption to the minimum.
Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of cement, sand and water. After the mixture is made, it is poured into molds where the material undergoes pressure to take the final form. The desired color is achieved either through painting the shaped product or by adding mineral pigments to the mixture before the pressing.
The building owners who are considering concrete tiles for their roofing must also know that the material is very heavy, therefore it is suitable only for buildings that are sturdy enough to sustain the weight of a massive roof. Experienced Frederick roofers affirm that the installation needs to be handled by a professional roofer – whether the tiles feature an overlapping design or need to be fastened with nails, the process requires familiarity with multiple, special procedures.