Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you replace a broken concrete roof tile?
- What are Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) and LEED Ratings?
- Can I walk on my concrete tile roof?
- Do concrete roof tiles fade?
- What is this white chalky substance on my concrete tile roof?
- Can I reseal or recoat my concrete tile roof?
- What is the proper way to clean my concrete tile roof?
- Where can I purchase Eagle concrete roof tile?
- How much do concrete roof tiles cost?
- What is Eagle Roofing Products’ warranty?
- Can I create a custom blend?
- What is your lead time on tile?
- How do I order a tile sample or literature?
- Do you have any professional roofing contractors you can recommend?
- How does concrete roof tile perform in areas of the country susceptible to freeze-thaw conditions?
- Can I have concrete roof tile installed on my home or business? I’m concerned concrete roof tile is too heavy.
- Should I get a sample of my concrete roof tile selection?
Can you replace a broken concrete roof tile?
Yes, concrete roof tiles can be replaced if damaged or broken. The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance highly recommends that you contact a professional roofing contractor to perform any repairs to your roof being that the process of replacing broken or damaged tiles in some circumstances can be a laborious task.
What are Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) and LEED Ratings?
These ratings establish guidelines to measure and qualify roofing materials to industry green/energy standards and programs. For instance, a cool roof is a roofing product that reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat than traditional roofs. While LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and is a recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. If an Eagle concrete roof tile meets one of these qualifications, the ratings will be found on each of the product panels via the search results when you click on BROWSE TILE on our website.
- Ref = Reflectance: Fraction of sun energy reflected by roof (0-100%)
- EMI = Emittance: Ability of roof surface to radiate (emit) absorbed heat (0-100%)
- SRI = Solar Reflectance Index: Measure incorporating reflectance & emittance into a single value
- A.Ref = Aged Reflectance: Three year tested (CRCC) or calculated (CEC) value
- A.Emi = Aged Emittance: Three year tested (Red values indicate tiles after a 3 year testing)
- A.SRI = Aged Solar Reflectance Index: Measure incorporating aged reflectance & emittance into a single value
- CRRC # = Product Listing ID: Cool Roof Rating Council Product Identification Number
Can I walk on my concrete tile roof?
In an effort to avoid the inherent danger associated with walking on a roof, we recommend that only a licensed and insured professional roofing contractor traverse roofs. Caution should be exercised to ensure personal safety and prevent damage to roof tiles that may void the warranty. Roof tiles broken by foot traffic should be replaced as soon as possible. The broken concrete roof tiles may cause problems by allowing water and UV rays to penetrate through to the underlayment and damage it.
There are certain methods of traversing the roof that may minimize damage. It is recommended to step at the bottom three inches of the installed tile. This section is supported by the lapped tile beneath it and the weight is then transferred to the deck below.
Keep in mind that activities such as gutter cleaning and holiday light hanging can be accomplished from a ladder rather than walking on a roof. Ladders should be used so as not to damage the roof tile.
Do concrete roof tiles fade?
Yes, over time concrete roof tiles do fade, and change color and appearance due to exposure to the elements. However, this will not affect the integrity or beauty of your roof. Color is achieved within concrete roof tiles by adding pigment into the body of the tile producing a color-through product.
With color-through tiles, the color will last indefinitely. During manufacturing, the colored cement will be drawn to the surface of the tile resulting in the initial color shade. This layer is slightly softer than the body of the tile and will typically erode away within the first ten years, depending on the climate in which the roof is installed. This erosion will expose a larger percentage of the sand and aggregate, resulting in an overall lightening of color; however, this occurs to a lesser degree with concrete roof tile than most other roofing materials. After this initial change, future erosion occurs at a dramatically slower pace and will never compromise the functionality of the tile.
Periodic cleaning and resealing can rejuvenate and prolong the surface finish of concrete roof tile. Please note, that Eagle Roofing Products does not warrant color. Please view our warranty for complete details.
What is this white chalky substance on my concrete tile roof?
Your concrete tile roof is undergoing a natural process called efflorescence.
Efflorescence is a temporary surface condition which is common to all concrete products. The process is caused by the chemical nature of cement. It is superficial and in no way affects the quality, functional properties, or the structural integrity of the tile.
Manufactured cement contains free lime, and when water is added, a series of chemical reactions take place. These reactions are accompanied by the release of calcium hydroxide that can form a white chalky crystalline salt deposit on the tile surface when reacting with carbon dioxide. This reaction can appear as an overall chalky white bloom (a softening of color) in more concentrated patches. It is difficult to predict how long the effects of efflorescence will last as it depends on the type and amount of deposit, as well as on local weather conditions. The action of carbon dioxide and rainwater will gradually remove the deposit, in most cases, leaving the original color of the roof intact without further efflorescence occurring.
Additional information on efflorescence can be found via this blog: Efflorescence, Debunking the Myths
Can I reseal or recoat my concrete tile roof?
Resealing and recoating are common practices, and should be performed by licensed and insured roofing contractors that specialize in this type of work.
- Reseal: If you don’t choose to change the color of your concrete roof tile, but desire to coat the surface of your tile with a new coat of clear sealer. We recommend the use of 100% clear acrylic sealer after the pressure cleaning is performed.
- Recoat: Upon cleaning, the use of a clear alkyd primer is recommended to help ensure an acceptable bond between the new coating and the surface of the tile. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application and curing. The re-coating of concrete tile roofs is not required; however, it is done from time to time, especially during remodeling. The surface should be coated with a good quality 100% acrylic paint after the pressure cleaning and priming are completed and dried.
What is the proper way to clean my concrete tile roof?
If desired, it is suggested that a licensed, bonded and insured roofing professional or cleaning company be used to clean your roof that specializes in this type of work. To remove dirt, algae or mildew from the roof surface, a high pressure power washer sprayer can be used. The spraying application must be done in such a way to not damage the surface of the tile. In some cases, it may require the use of chemicals. Once again, it is recommended that you contact a licensed contractor to perform such work. Keep in mind that any dirt, algae or moss growth on the surface of the roof tile does not affect their integrity or ability to protect the structure.
Where can I purchase Eagle concrete roof tile?
Eagle Roofing Products only sells concrete roof tile through distributors; not directly to consumers. If you wish to purchase tile, a professional roofing contractor can place the order through a distributor that carries our product. For additional information, please contact your local Eagle Account Representative.
How much do concrete roof tiles cost?
As a general rule, concrete tile roofs cost much less than slate, about two times more than wood shakes, and approximately three times more than heavy weight asphalt shingles. It is important to keep concrete roof tiles’ superior sustainability in mind when deciding upon your roofing material. Concrete roof tiles outlast most other roofing materials and are also incredibly durable. When choosing an asphalt shingle roof, a roof replacement will have to be done every 20 years due to deterioration of the materials, whereas a concrete tile roof will last the life of the structure. Concrete tile roofs can also withstand the most severe weather conditions; they have a Class A fire rating and can withstand winds of up to 180mph. Plus, their superior aesthetics increase the value of any structure.
In order to determine the cost of Eagle Roofing Products’ concrete roof tile, contact your local roofing contractor or distributor. Prices may vary based on product selection and location.
What is Eagle Roofing Products’ warranty?
Eagle offers a Limited Transferrable Lifetime Product Warranty that covers the structural integrity and specific manufacturing defects of individual roof tiles only. Eagle does not warrant installation methods, materials, or labor provided by other companies. In the event that the warranty certificate has not been properly registered, your Eagle warranty shall be limited to two years from the date of original installation.
Can I create a custom blend?
Yes, you can create your own custom blend by mixing the colors that are offered in your region to obtain the desired look of the tile on your roof. Be advised that Eagle Roofing Products will not manufacture a custom blend for you. You may add ranges to blends that we already offer, or combine two offered blends to create a Signature Blend of Blends. However, you may not take out any color from our existing blends and replace it with another color. The blends we manufacture come as is. It is important to keep in mind that the custom blends do not come prepackaged or preblended and your roofing contractor is responsible for blending the colors during the loading and installation of the roof tiles to create the Signature Blend of Blends, or desired roof effect. We highly recommend that you discuss any customization with your roofing contractor, prior to installation, to ensure that you achieve your desired look.
What is your lead time on tile?
Eagle Roofing Products’ concrete roof tile is made to order and will always require adequate scheduling and production time. Tile lead times vary depending on location, the product that you are ordering and volume of orders received. In some cases, your product selection is in stock with no lead times allowing for your project to be scheduled promptly. The distributor, through which your tile is ordered is responsible for the loading and shipping of your tile, as we solely manufacture the product. To best determine the estimated arrival date of your tile, please contact your distributor or roofing contractor who can give you the most accurate delivery or arrival date of your tile and other roofing components for the completion of your project.
How do I order a tile sample or literature?
To order a tile sample or literature, simply visit the Contact tab of our website, complete the form and we’ll gladly assist!
Do you have any professional roofing contractors you can recommend?
We recommend that you hire a licensed and bonded roofing professional that has been certified by the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance. Visit their website to located certified professionals in your area.
How does concrete roof tile perform in areas of the country susceptible to freeze-thaw conditions?
All concrete roof tiles, excluding color-bonded/slurry tiles, adhere to the freeze-thaw requirements set forth throughout the country. This is due to the insusceptibility of the tile to hold moisture and freeze within the body of the tile. Also, the tile has a naturally occurring air pocket between the underside of the tile and the roof sheathing that, when installed and ventilated correctly, minimize ice damming, as well as tile expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature.
Can I have concrete roof tile installed on my home or business? I’m concerned concrete roof tile is too heavy.
Most modern day commercial or quality residential structures require little or no additional bracing. Additional costs, if any, to support tiles are usually an extremely small portion of the total project. An engineer can determine if the structure is capable of supporting the weight, or may recommend methods for reinforcement.
Should I get a sample of my concrete roof tile selection?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you get a sample of your concrete roof tile selection. Eagle Roofing Products concrete roof tile is made from natural raw materials and color variations are to be expected. The images displayed on our website and in our marketing literature represent the most accurate color possible, however monitor resolutions and configurations, as well as photographic and printing techniques can alter the colors some. In addition, colors are subject to change, as slight variations in color or flashing may occur during the manufacturing process. To ensure your satisfaction from the tile you choose from this website or from our brochures, we highly recommend that you obtain a free tile sample from your Distributor, Roofing Contractor, an Eagle Design Center or an Eagle Account Representative before placing your order.
