In the last decade or two in Nevada, there are a number of reasons why lightweight concrete tile roofs have become highly popular. When installed on houses with pitched roofs, tile roofs are long-lasting, fire proof, and are highly effective in preventing water leaks. In the early 1990s, lightweight concrete entered the market and was primarily installed for flooring and framing of high-rise commercial & residential buildings. The lighter weight reduces high-rise building construction costs while maintaining the same structural integrity as traditional concrete.
How are lightweight tiles made from concrete?
The materials used in the concrete mixture are what set lightweight tiles apart from other tiles. A combination of clay, slate, or expanded shale that is fired into a kiln is included in the production process for lightweight concrete tiles. They dry out and become highly porous once these products are heated for a long period of time. They are cooled after being in the kiln and used to blend in with the concrete.
Solar Panels on Concrete Tile Roof
Lightweight concrete roof tiles are almost as sturdy and last for the same length as standard concrete tiles in weight. It is a tried and tested roofing material that has been proven to protect against the elements over time, despite its lighter weight. For buildings and homes that are not structurally designed to support standard concrete tiles, lightweight concrete tiles are best used.
There are two common ways to install solar panels on a concrete tile roof, if you have a concrete tile roof.
First, the installer can put S-hooks underneath the tile to be positioned on your system. Your technician would remove the tiles momentarily, install the hooks below into the roof, then put the tile back over the rack, and from there rack the structure.
The second choice is called a comp-out, where your technician will replace the tiles where you plan to put solar, then install the array by laying down composite shingle. They would fill the area around it with Spanish tile for a more visually appealing look after the array is configured.
Boral Lightweight Concrete Roof Tile
Boral, one of California’s largest manufacturers of roofing tiles, has stated that the lifetime of both lightweight and standard weight roofing products lasts up to 75 years. Keep in mind that within 20-30 years, the underlay, which adds a second line of security against the elements, will wear out. iWe recommend the following lightweight tile types if you are considering re-roofing your home and installing a solar PV system. Even though we are based in Nevada, we also have installation all over the country, including California. Both the CRC (Cool Roof Council) and the California State Title 24 building code have approved these lightweight concrete tiles.
570 LBS of CAPISTRANO TILE. SQ* -SQ*
550 LBS of MALIBU TILE. SQ* -SQ*
720 LBS of BEL AIR TILE. SQ.* SQ.
* The weights may vary slightly and any roof should be investigated by a structurally competent person to ensure that the existing structure can support the weight before installation. The weight here is per square as defined by a 10’10’ roofing material area.
Changing from a shingle roof to a tile roof with lightweight concrete
While roof tiles are shown to remain cooler than shingle roofs in the extreme heat, some houses can not structurally hold the weight required to handle concrete block tile weight. To assess how much weight your roof can support, your first step is to consult with a structural engineer. Approximate weights per square (10’x10 ‘area) are as follows: what are the weights of different roofing systems?
Barcelona S Concrete Concrete Tile for the Roof: 1,030 per square
900 lbs/ Sq Square Boral Concrete Villa Tile
950 lbs/ Sq Shake of Boral Concrete Saxony
1030 lbs/ sq sq. Boral Concrete Saxony Slate
Dimensional shingle roofs (average)-360 lbs/sq for a dimensional shingle of high quality.
Source: Boral Roofing LLC.
Lightweight Concrete Tile Roof
More and more property owners make better decisions by looking at the cost of replacing roofing over the long term to protect their home/building. Your home will have a better quality look with long-lasting and durable lightweight concrete tile roofing systems. A look that will last over time, as tiles have far less wear over time than shingles or other types of roof. Tile roofing keeps your house cooler than asphalt shingles, and also lasts longer over a period of 50-60 years, which means less money. Tile roofing is one of Nevada’s most popular types of roofing for a specific purpose. If you want to save money on electricity bills and install a durable, high-quality new roof, lightweight tiles may be a great option for you.
While many solar contractors simply concentrate on the solar part, for each and every customer, the Nevada Solar Group prioritizes finding the right roof type and the right solar system. Lightweight concrete tiles are an option we offer that can help our customers save money on electrical bills and provide a durable solution for roofing that costs less than shingle roofs in the long term. Nevada Solar Group is here to help you find a solution if you need an expert to assess your roof, provide a proposal or simply inform you about your options.
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