Concrete is a more modern tile with a wide variety of colors and styles. Concrete tile is found with differing thicknesses and weight, but all using a similar base product. It is designed to replace the more expensive clay tile with a product of different but considerable character. Concrete tile is usually set without mortar on the trim pieces. A more uniform appearance is gained by using molds with the concrete. As the curing process does not affect the uniformity of the cement/ concrete materials as much as it does the natural clay products, the result is a straight, clean look. Free Roof Inspection

Once you have narrowed down the field with reference to choice of contractor and materials, it is time to compare the written estimates. Make sure all the estimates cover the same workmanship and materials to complete the project. Some variables you might find or want to consider are as follows. Free Roof Inspection

Re-roof or Overlay? Legally, you can install a new roof over your existing roof so long as it does not exceed three layers; however, this could change the fire rating. For instance, if you install a Class A materials over a material of a lesser fire-rating, it reduced the fire-rating of the new system. Even though the cost is somewhat higher to remove the existing roof, it is a recommended practice. Once the existing roof is removed, the contractor can check for any termite or dry-rot damage and make repairs before installing the new system. YOUR NEW ROOF WILL NOT LAST AS LONG IF YOU OVERLAY THE EXISTING ROOF Free Roof Inspection

Underlayment and Sheeting: The felt underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. It is the roofing felt that actually makes the roof watertight. Uniform building requires #15 felt, two layers if the pitch is less than a 4/12 pitch. It is advisable to upgrade your underlayment to a #30 felt or possibly two layers for roof systems such as tile applications. If sheeting is required, plywood is far superior to the less expensive OSB Board. Make sure you know what your contractor intends to use. Free Roof Inspection

Flashings and Vents: Does the estimate include replacing all the rooftop metal and flashings? Even if the metal appears to be in fairly good condition at the time, it is more cost effective to replace all heating vents, plumbing jacks, and any flashings at the time your home is being re-roofed. It is much costlier to have to replace the metal at a later date. It is a nice addition to the appearance of your home if the contractor paints the rooftop metal to match the new roof. Free Roof Inspection

If you have a TILE ROOF SYSTEM, the life expectancy is 30-100 years. The integrity of a tile roof is totally dependant on the roof underlayment. The tile, itself, can last forever but will not keep your home watertight unless the underlayment is intact. For this reason, it is advisable when installing a Tile roof system to use a minimum of 2 layers of #30 felt, although Code requires only one layer and is acceptable in the industry. Tile roofs can be deceiving when evaluating the condition of your roof. The tile may appear to be in excellent condition; it is not possible to inspect the underlayment without removing the tile. For this reason, repairs on Tile roof systems are more costly than other types of systems. When the underlayment does deteriorate, the only solution is to remove the existing tile, replace the underlayment and re-install the tile. You can anticipate a 5% - 25% breakage of tiles during this process depending on the type of fasteners used for the original installation and whether mortar was used or not. Replacement tile cannot always be secured to match your existing; anticipate the possibility of using a similar tile to complete the project. Free Roof Inspection