If you want to replace a thatched roof, you may wonder what your choices are for materials. Alternatively, you can successfully replace a thatched roof with tiles and will find many benefits to completing this renovation.
Tiles are just one of the materials that homeowners can select to replace thatching. With so many options for roofing systems, it is advantageous to explore what types will be suitable for your home.
The Longevity of a Thatched Roof
Thatched roofs contain many types of organic materials, depending on the location. These natural products are in layers of bundles up to 12 inches thick on top of a roofing structure. They provide an optimal insulator and water barrier for the home and can be suitable for an extended time.
Depending on the thatch materials, you may need to recoat the thatched roof after 20 years of use. This process can save you time and money instead of stripping down and replacing the entire roofing system. Consequently, after 40 years or so, you will need to replace a thatched roof.
The local weather conditions will also have a part to play in how long your thatched roof will last. For example, some areas with extreme weather may have to recoat a thatched roof after only 15 years, while other locations may not have to replace a thatched roofing system until 60 years later.
Why Should You Replace a Thatched Roof?
If you recently moved into a home with a thatched roof, you may question its functionality and convenience. Some reasons you may want to replace your thatched roof system include:
- Roof materials are beyond repair and require a complete reinstallation
- Problems with pests, fungi growth, or other damage
- High house insurance costs
- You want to use a wood-burning stove indoors
- Have allergy sufferers in the home
- You are tired of the continuous maintenance it requires
- Aesthetics fade over time with UV and weather damage
Wanting to replace your current thatched roof may not be possible, depending on where you live. Some communities regulate the types of materials that are acceptable for specific areas to preserve the local heritage. Before undertaking an extensive renovation project like this, be sure to check with the local governing office to ensure that it is permissible for your home.
How Can I Replace My Thatched Roof With Tiles?
If you are considering replacing your thatched roof with tiles, it is possible. This job is not a simple task, though, and can be costly. For you to replace an entire thatched roofing system with tiles, you need to strip everything down to the bare timbers to start over from scratch.
The total cost of renovating a thatched roof to a tile system will depend on the tile material you choose. Some of the more popular tiles for a roof include:
- Concrete
- Slate
- Solar
- Terracotta
Concrete Tiles
Concrete is a highly durable roofing material that can look like clay, slate, wood, or stone. They are long-lasting and are ideal for harsh weather conditions, including hail, high winds, and storms.
Costs for concrete tiles can range between $45 and $65 per square meter for installation.
Slate Tiles
Roofing tiles made from slate use natural quarried stone. These tiles are extremely heavy compared to other tile materials, so the structure should be stable enough to bear the additional weight. They are highly durable against all weather conditions but are quite costly.
The price for slate tiles will typically run between $200 to $500 per square meter.
Solar Tiles
Solar tiles can be a more straightforward option than installing solar panels for homeowners who want to use solar energy. They can integrate well with non-solar tiles and provide an energy-efficient home. However, these tiles are not inexpensive and will cost just as much, if not more, than traditional roofing tiles.
Installing solar tiles will cost anywhere between $230 and $320 per square meter.
Terracotta tiles are an environmentally-friendly choice when deciding on a tile material. They use recyclable soil materials, which make them sustainable and highly durable. These tiles are incredibly weather-resistant, making them last 50 years or more. Terracotta tiles will hold their color and are a terrific investment for any roofing system.
These tiles will cost anywhere between $80 to $110 per square meter for installation.
FAQs
Here are some questions you should consider when deciding if you should replace your thatched roof.
What Can Happen If I Do Not Replace My Thatched Roof?
If your thatched roof is deteriorating or has significant damage that requires replacing, you should not ignore it. A roof system that is not properly functioning can have leaks, which will cause structural damage to the home. Thatched roofs with mold or mildew can also have adverse side effects for allergy sufferers in the house.
Is It a Good Choice To Replace Thatched Roof With Tiles?
The choice for switching from thatched materials to tiles can be beneficial in many circumstances. If you need to complete a roof system replacement already, stripping down the material is a great time to start over. Tiles can be terrific material for areas with extreme weather conditions and will last a long time.
In Conclusion
If you want to know if it is possible to replace a thatched roof with tiles, it can be successful with some considerations. First, you will need to check with your local governing authorities to ensure that removing a thatched roof is legal. Then, you will have to decide on what type of tile material you want to use as your roofing system.
No matter the reason for you to uninstall a thatched roof, you do not need to worry that your home cannot support tiles. This type of renovation is a common project that many homeowners complete during the life of their home.
It can be simple to transform your home into a beautiful structure from thatching to tiles that will stand up to extreme weather and look terrific for years. All you need to do is decide on what type of tile material you want for your home.
