Clay tile roofs are popular in Florida due to their many benefits, from high energy efficiency to exceptional longevity.

Yet the big question that tile roof contractors get asked is whether these roofs can withstand the hurricanes that are so common in the state.

Here is what local clay tile contractors in Florida have to say about these beautiful as well as tough roofs and whether they are a good choice against hurricanes!

Can Clay Tile Roofs Survive Hurricanes?

As aesthetically appealing and efficient as they are, clay tile roofs are tough, too.

In fact, they are much more durable than they may seem, lasting 100 years or more with proper maintenance.

A tile system that is professionally installed by a qualified tile roof contractor can withstand some of the harshest weather experienced in tropical Florida, including hurricanes.

While no roofing system is indestructible and tile roofs can definitely be damaged, they come close to it even in hurricanes due to some important construction qualities.

What Qualities Let Clay Tile Roofs Withstand Hurricanes?

In terms of the ability to withstand Florida hurricanes, these are some notable reasons why tile roof contractors recommend clay tile as long as it is properly installed and well-maintained:

Rigid Construction - The tiles used on clay tile roofs are made from natural materials that are baked into a thick, hard ceramic component that cannot be bent like asphalt shingles and metal panels can.
Extreme Wind Resistance - Due to their rigid construction, layered tiles that are tightly affixed to a roof so they don’t lift can withstand hurricane-force winds of between 150 and 180 mph, making them one of the most wind-resistant roofs along with similar materials like natural slate. Some clay tiles may experience wearing or chipping at the corners due wind friction and tiles that are not well-affixed can be damaged, but this is less likely with a correctly installed roof that is properly maintained.
Heavy Weight - The considerable weight of clay tile adds to its wind-resistant properties, making the layered shingle system more resistant to lifting and other effects of high winds.
Waterproof - Baked clay tiles do not absorb water, instead allowing it to quickly flow down their smooth surfaces and off the roof. With good maintenance, a properly installed tile roof is watertight, with the tiles themselves unlikely to experience any kind of water or moisture damage.

Do Tile Roof Contractors See Any Issues With Clay Tile Roofs?

The rigidity and weight of clay tile may combine to create a highly wind-resistant roofing system, but there is one main disadvantage of this roofing system.

Most of the repairs made by tile roof contractors are to replace tiles that are cracked, chipped, or broken off during severe weather due to being impacted by something.

Whether they are hit by tree branches, windblown debris, or even hailstones during a big storm, impacts can cause significant damage.

Low impact resistance is the one weakness that roofing contractors observe with clay tile roofing, a factor that homeowners must consider when choosing this type of roof.

Have A Skilled Clay Tile Roof Contractor Install A Tile Roof

For Florida homeowners wondering whether a clay tile roof is a good choice for hurricane protection, the answer to that question is generally - yes.

Though tile roof contractors do warn about the main vulnerability of low resistance to impacts, there are so many other advantages to choosing clay tile, including hurricane-rated wind resistance and extreme energy efficiency, it can be a great roofing choice.

Discuss the suitability of clay tiles with an experienced local clay tile roof contractor who can provide an expert installation that will last for a century!