FAQs ON TILE ROOFING

Question Topics:

Who is Hanson?

Hanson Roof Tile, Inc. supplies quality concrete roof tile for single and multi-family developments, custom homes, commercial properties and re-roofing applications. Hanson Roof Tile is part of Hanson PLC (www.hanson.biz), one of the worlds largest suppliers of heavy building materials to the construction industry. Hanson employs over 27,000 people, and operates primarily in North America, the UK and Australia, with additional operations in Asia Pacific and Continental Europe. Please see the About Us tab on this site for more information.

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Why should I buy Hanson Roof Tile?

Hanson dedicates itself to providing not only the best quality tile, but also unparalleled service and personalized attention. With more than 50 years in the industry, Hanson Roof Tile is the only name customers need for concrete roof tile and the exceptional people who stand behind it. Colors, styles and formulas are continuously reevaluated to ensure they meet the demands of homeowners, builders, developers, roofers and architects. And because of Hanson Roof Tiles durability, it carries a lifetime-limited warranty.

Hanson Roof Tile is aesthetically distinctive, bearing the unmistakable sign of elegance and taste, creating instant curb appeal for any structure. Available in a wide variety of design-inspired colors and profiles that can enhance any exterior style, Hanson Roof Tile products can emulate the appearance of clay, slate and cedar shake roofs for a variety of architectural styles. We can manufacture concrete roof tile surfaces as textured or smooth, with uniform or ragged edges. Hanson uses more oxides to generate better, longer-lasting colors. We mix one-color, blended colors or a combination of shades to create uniform or random patterns with concrete roof tile for a more broad color palette than clay roof tiles. Colors, styles, and formulas are continuously reevaluated to ensure they meet the demands of customers, builders, developers and architects.

Hanson Roof Tile is environmentally friendly, manufacturing without chemical preservatives from non-toxic materials: sand, cement and water. As a result, roof tile is more environmentally friendly than other roofing products such as asphalt composition shingle or metal roofing. The process involved in manufacturing concrete roof tile is even more environmentally friendly than that of clay roof tile. Clay tile is cured at very high temperatures, which requires more energy and cost than concrete tile does. And, old roof tiles can be recycled to create new tiles and other products.

Leading concrete roof tile manufacturer Hanson Roof Tile has nine manufacturing operations located in California, Arizona, Texas and Florida.

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Why should I consider a tile roof instead of asphalt shingles?

Appearance

There is not an asphalt shingle on the market that can match the superior aesthetics of Hanson concrete roof tile. The numerous styles, hundreds of colors and variety of finishes available with roof tile allow you and your designer to create a roof to suit virtually any architectural style or one that is entirely unique.

Performance

Concrete roof tile has been used for centuries worldwide, and for good reason. Concrete is not only beautiful, but also extremely durable. With proper building design and installation, tile roofs can last 50 to 100 years or more. They do not rot in wet climates and are not susceptible to destruction by pests. They can be used in any climate or region and can withstand the severest weather conditions, including fire, wind and snow. For these reasons, most roof tile manufacturers offer warranties of at least 50 years. Hanson Roof Tile offers a lifetime-limited warranty.

Environmentally Friendly

Concrete roof tiles are made from naturally occurring materials that do not deplete precious natural resources. They are manufactured without chemical preservatives, and old tiles can be recycled to make new tiles or other products. Moreover, roof tiles are energy efficient: because of the superior thermal capacity of roof tiles and the ventilated air space that their placement on the roof surface creates, a tile roof can lower air conditioning costs in hotter climates and produce more constant temperatures in colder regions, which reduces potential ice accumulation.

Cost Effective

With superior aesthetics, durability, and longevity, roof tile is a cost-effective alternative to other roofing products. A simple comparison of lifecycle costs makes clear that a tile roof is one of the best deals available today.

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Why are there different styles and profiles?

Geographic differences drive some of the many options we offer customers. Architectural design and weather conditions prompt requests for variations in shape, color and styles in roof tile by homeowners, roofers, architects and distributors. Hanson offers a very wide variety of profile shapes and colors, in every region in the U.S. something for every need.

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How can I order tile?

You have several options: call your regional Hanson Sales Representative (see the Contact Us link on this website), or use our link to request a sales representative contact you. A list of Hanson Roof Tiles Distributors is also available on this site, through either the Locations, or Contact Us links on this site.

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Where can I see what the tile looks like on a house?

You can visit the Design Gallery on our website (www.hansonrooftile.com/_______), visit one of our distributors showrooms or call your area sales representative who can show you several examples in your area. A list of our showrooms can be found on our website at www.hansonrooftile.com/___________, or please click on Contact Us to request a call or product literature.

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I really like tile roofs, but aren't they very expensive?

No. Concrete tile roofs are one of the most cost-effective alternatives for your construction needs due to their long lifecycle: 50 to 100 years or more. During the past few years, the installed cost of tile roofs has not increased as much as wood shakes and asphalt shingles. As a general rule, concrete tile roofs cost much less than slate, but more than wood shakes and asphalt shingles. Concrete roof tiles are also incredibly durable, withstanding severe weather conditions. Moreover, their superior aesthetics increase the value of any structure.

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Are roof tiles available that don't look Spanish?

Yes. Roof tiles come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. In fact, with modern innovations, concrete roof tile manufacturers can produce tiles to suit almost any architectural style from authentic Spanish and Mediterranean to New England Colonial, historic or contemporary. Roof tiles can be flat or round, simulate wood shakes, or replicate centuries-old roofing materials. The possibilities are virtually limitless.

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What kinds of color options are available?

Through various production techniques, manufacturers have been able to augment the traditional range of roof tile colors to include earth tones that blend with the environment vivid accent colors in blues and purples and even white to help reduce summertime cooling bills. For additional variety, architects can also select roof tiles in blended colors or place different colored tiles in random or uniform patterns across roof surfaces.

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Tiles last a long time, but how long will the color last?

Permanent coloring of roof tiles is achieved by adding pigment to the raw materials, applying a dense color sealant over the surface, or through blending various shades of pigment and sealing. As Hanson Roof Tiles are sealed, not glazed, this acts as a curing membrane to help even coloration during the curing process. Colors achieved by adding pigment will last indefinitely. Varying degrees of color softening may occur after extended exposure to the elements. However, this occurs to a lesser degree with roof tile than with most other roofing materials.

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I like to do it myself. Can I install my own tile roof?

Because tile is a unique product, it takes a craftsman to install a tile roof properly. Professional roofing contractors install over 96% of all tile roofs. A handy person may be able to lay field tile without much trouble, but installing underlayment, battens, flashings for valleys, chimneys, solar panels and skylights and cutting the tiles along hips and valleys are more complicated tasks. We recommend using an installation professional to properly install your tile roof. The Tile Roofing Institute offers installation guides to help first-time and veteran installers. But remember: A tile roof is a permanent roof and in most cases will outlast the structure it supports, but to ensure its longevity you must use quality materials and install it properly. A poor installation job can be very expensive in the long run.

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What about the insulation value of a tile roof?

Tile roofs are good insulators. The combined effect of the roof tiles, decking and the air space between the tiles allows for better air circulation and thereby reduces direct heat transfer. This results in lower air conditioning costs in the summer and decreases the formation of ice dams in the winter.

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Won't my building have to be a lot stronger and more costly to support a tile roof?

If your commercial or residential building is being constructed to use shingles, the trusses being used may not support tile, and could need to be adjusted. Discuss your desire for a tile roof with your contractor to ensure the proper trusses and support system are being used.

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Are homes with tile roofs fireproof?

Concrete roof tiles have Class A fire ratings, meaning they are non-combustible. Both concrete and clay types of roof assemblies maintain their Class A fire ratings throughout their lifecycles. No additional or periodic treatments are required. In addition, buildings with Class A rated tile systems are eligible for the lowest fire insurance rates.

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What about hail?

There have been situations where the most violent of storms have destroyed all types of roofing materials. However, in cases of more typical storms (2" diameter hail or less), only 10% of the tiles were damaged, whereas other roofing products required complete replacement. A new study by the Roof Tile Institute and Factory Mutual using an ice canon will soon provide new hail warranty data for roofing products.

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What about maintenance?

All roofing systems require some maintenance, and certain climates and regions have special issues to address regardless of the type of roofing system. Under normal conditions, tile roofs require minimal maintenance. With tile, maintenance is usually restricted to gutters, protrusion flashings and venting, although tile roofs can also require cleaning, sealing and, in some circumstances, painting.

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I have heard that it may take several months to get delivery on tile. Is this true?

No. Many new production facilities have been built during the past few years. While special colors will always require scheduling time, the most popular tiles can generally be shipped promptly.

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Can Hanson tiles be walked on?

The warranty states you should stay off the roof whether it is concrete, clay or shingles.

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How much do Hanson tiles weigh?

It depends on the profile see the specifications for each profile for details.

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Can Hanson tile be pressure washed?

Yes, but only by a professional.

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Can Hanson Roof Tile be painted?

Yes, there are companies that professionally stain roof tile.

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If my home has a few broken tiles, how easy are they to replace?

An experienced installer will find that the task of replacing tiles can be done with minimal effort.

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How do I select a licensed roofing contractor?

For both repairs and complete re-roofs, its important to choose a licensed roofing contractor. Your State Department of Business Regulation or your local Roofing Association is a good place to start. Only licensed, insured contractors are allowed to join Roofing Associations firms that are both financially responsible and have a reputation for quality workmanship. They will be able to refer you to several good sources.

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What kind of warranty is offered on Hanson Roof Tile?

Hanson offers a lifetime-limited warranty, which is also one-time transferable.

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What is the procedure for obtaining an engineering report?

You are required to have a report to obtain a permit. You must use a licensed contractor, and the tile must ship directly to the job-site. (Otherwise, the homeowner or roofer is responsible for payment.)

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