Clay Roofing in Essex - Tile Install & Repair Costs

Table of Contents

Essex Clay Roofing
Overview
How is it Produced?
Aesthetic Appeal
Grades of Roofing
Advantages of Clay
Any Disadvantages?
When to Consider Clay
What Affects Costs
Clay Roof Costs
Maintenance and Repair
FAQs
Getting Quotes
Clay Roof Photos
Areas Near Me
Request Samples

Simple, quick quotes for all Essex clay roofing costs

Whether designing a new structure or updating an older one, a good material to consider is Essex clay roofing. Customers who choose clay roofing will benefit because it is durable, easy to maintain, and stylish no matter what type of building it is placed on. There are various grades of clay roofing to choose from depending on the climate the building is located in.

Providing clay roofing deals to Essex residents since 2010!

How is Clay Roofing Produced?

Essex clay roofing is made from natural clay which is mined from the earth. In order to make a high-quality material that is suitable for roofing, exactly the right type of clay must be mined. Many clay roofing tiles are actually a mixture of several different types of clay for added stability. The clay is also refined in order for impurities and debris such as rocks to be removed before hardening. Once the clay is refined and mixed, it is then rolled out into thick sheets. Special machines are then used to cut tiles into precisely the right size that’s needed. Next, it is left to dry in a special area for a period of time. Once this is accomplished, colourant and glaze is added before placing the tiles into a kiln.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Clay Roofing

Clay roofing provides a very rustic, almost ancient aesthetic appeal that works well with different types of architecture. It’s most commonly used for homes with Mediterranean or even Victorian-era architecture, but thanks to advances in the manufacturing process and the variety of colours and textures available, clay can be used in just about any imaginable application. Tiles can be perfectly flat, round, sloped, waved, and even striped, all of which affords homeowners the ability to create the home exterior of their dreams. While most clay tiles have the classic terra cotta color, some manufacturers add dyes to create blues, blacks, browns, oranges, and reds.

Grades of Clay Roofing

Clay roofing Essex comes in three different grades, each of which is intended for a specific geographic area. Each grade has a different moisture content, and this is important because less moisture means that tiles are less susceptible to breaking. The different grades of clay tiles and their moisture content are:

Grade 1 – contains no more than 1% moisture and is ideal for cold climates
Grade 2 – contains no more than 3% moisture and is ideal for moderate climates
Grade 3 – contains no more than 6% moisture and is ideal for warmer climates

What are the Advantages of Essex Clay Roofing?

Consumers who choose clay roofing will notice a number of benefits over other roofing materials including:

Available in a wide variety of colours, styles and patterns
Top coat of glaze makes it less likely to fade in direct sunlight
Resistant to high winds, hail, snow, sleet, and rain
Easy to maintain
Extremely durable – many clay tile roofs can be expected to last between 30 and 40 years
It is easy to replace only a few tiles when needed
Clay tiles are a fireproof material that provides an additional layer of safety
Is not prone to damage from insects
Deflects light, thereby keeping a home cooler in summer

Disadvantages of Clay Roofing

Although there are numerous advantages to clay roofing, there are also a few disadvantages that are worth noting as well:

Its heavy weight might make it unsuitable for many structures
Tiles can be broken during installation if handled improperly
Clay tiles are more expensive than other building materials are

When Should You Consider Clay Roofing

Most people who choose clay roofing do so for its architectural and design value. It comes in many different colors and shapes, which makes it perfect for expressing your own sense of style. You should consider clay roofing if you’re interested in a unique home exterior combined with natural fire resistance, simple maintenance, and ease of repair. It’s not as popular as other materials, including asphalt shingles or even slate, but it’s a solid choice that is sure to make your home stand out.

Clay Roofing Costs

Not all roofing jobs are the same. When it comes to installing clay roofing, Essex contractors can charge different prices based upon a number of factors that include:

Type of clay used to make the tiles
Grade of clay tiles selected
Whether the roof has a high pitch, as steep rooftops are more difficult to work on
Amount of flashing required before placing tiles
Whether chimneys and other openings need to be sealed first
Whether additional support needs to be added first

Calculating the Cost of Clay Roofing

When the time comes to replace Essex roofing, a lot of property owners avoid using clay roofing because they think it will be too expensive. However, the level of durability that this roofing provides ensures that it will be money well-spent because these tiles can last between 20 and 40 years if they are well cared for. The cost of installing clay roof tiles will depend largely on the style of tile chosen, as well as the hourly labour rate to fit them. In most cases though, average pricing of clay roof tiles starts from around £0.50 each to as much as £5.00 per tile.

Certain types of architecture maintain an authentic look when adorned with Essex clay roofing. With an endless selection of tiles to choose from, homeowners can easily obtain exactly the right look to enhance their structure. The key to long-term enjoyment of this investment is finding a capable contractor who will perform quality workmanship and is skilled in handling this roofing material.

Thank you for introducing us to a firm we would not have found without you. Ms L. Essex

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Maintenance and Repair Information

Clay is quite expensive when compared with other roofing materials, and it is also quite fragile, which means it can crack and break when struck by hail, large limbs, or other debris. Fortunately, clay roofing is easy to repair; it’s relatively simple to remove the broken tiles and replace them. Maintenance is minimal and requires nothing more than a good cleaning. In some cases it can be wise to reapply the protective outer coating which keeps clay from becoming brittle with repeated exposure to hot and cold elements every few years.

Your Essex clay roofing questions answered

What is clay roofing used for?

Clay roofs and clay tiles have been used for a very long time. Traditionally, they were designed to shed rain and insulate the roof. Today, they are used primarily for aesthetic purposes, or to give a more rustic edge to otherwise modern architecture.

How long have clay roofs been used in architecture?

Clay roofing has been a long used in Mediterranean and other similar areas for communal and personal areas. The oldest recorded appearance of clay roofing tiles is attributed to ancient Greece, somewhere between 700-650 BC.

Do clay roofs require special considerations because of the weight of the material?

Traditional clay roofs can be very heavy and may require some structural reinforcement to carry the weight. Newer tiles are crafted and fired in such a way that they can weigh up to 40% less than their traditional counterparts.

How long do clay roofs usually last?

A properly installed clay tile roof can last well more than 100 years, if it is properly installed and maintained. By comparison, concrete tiles have a lifespan of only about 50 years, and the average lifespan of asphalt shingles is a mere 12-20 years.

Will I need additional enforcements for my roof before installing clay tile?

Your roof may not have adequate enforcements unless it was originally built to withstand heavier roofing materials such as clay. You should have an inspector check the load-bearing capabilities of your Essex roof, as clay tile is very heavy.

What types of roofs can clay tiles be used on?

Clay tiles can be installed on many different types of roofs, provided that they have been built to withstand the extra weight. These tiles are quite heavy, so it is essential to ensure that your roof is inspected beforehand to determine whether it will be able to handle the weight.

Which clay roofing grade is best in Essex?

Of the three grades of clay available, homeowners in Essex should choose grade 1 or 2 clay tiles, which hold up well during freeze/thaw cycles but still perform well during the warmer summer months. Grade 1 is best for the coldest parts of the country, while grade 2 is the better choice for areas that regularly see temperatures above 22 degrees during the warmer parts of the year.

Can all Essex contractors install clay roofs?

Clay isn’t as popular as other roofing materials, and this means that not all contractors have the knowledge or experience to properly install or repair a clay roof. By filling out a short form, you can be contacted by up to four contractors in your local area who can install, replace, or repair your clay roof.

Are clay roofs eco-friendly?

Clay is a natural resource that is considered sustainable. It can be recycled over and over again, which means many of the clay roofing tiles you’ll find today contain at least some post-consumer materials. When your clay tiles have reached the end of their lifespan, you can recycle them yet again.

Can I repair or install my own clay roofing?

Unfortunately, installing and repairing clay roofing is a specialised job, meaning that only experienced Essex roofers should take on these tasks. We will only put you in touch with roofing companies that have been pre-screened and that have the experience to get the job done according to current industry standards.

How will I know how much to budget for if I want a clay roof installed?

To obtain an estimate of the costs involved when installing clay roofing, it is essential to call a qualified roofing contractor. They will be able to advise you of the factors that will affect the cost.

The Quote Process

1 Our Online Application Form

Our online form only takes a minute to complete with a few details about your clay roofing requirements, and that's all you have to do.

2 Quotes From Local Specialists

We'll get in touch with our specialist network and arrange for up to four specialist roofers in your area to get in touch with competitive quotes.

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Example Roofing Work Requests

21 Nov Clay Roofing

Clay roof needed to replace our existing one. It has to be clay according to regulations so would welcome any ways to cut costs with free quotes.

21 Nov Supply Only

I am building a wooden outbuilding for my sons in our woodland, and I am building it myself. Please offer your best quote for supplying clay roofing for this kind of project.

21 Nov Advice & Costing

We have an existing clay tile roof, which has quite a few broken tiles all over. Will it still be possible to obtain the same style and colour of tile, or will we need to replace all of them? Please let me know and provide approximate pricing for the work.

20 Nov New Build

We are building an authentic style home, and are looking for a quote for clay roofing. The home is of average size and only 1 story. Please offer your best quote for clay roofing.

20 Nov Information Wanted

I would like to know more information about traditional clay roofing near me and whether it would be suitable for the workshop in our grounds. It's a potting shed so we thought it might be more traditional.

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