"Concrete tiles generally handle hail better than clay, but they're heavier, so make sure your roof structure can handle the extra weight."
Good point about the weight issue—definitely something to keep in mind. Have you checked if your home's framing can support concrete tiles comfortably? I remember when we were looking into tile roofs, our contractor mentioned that older homes sometimes need reinforcement to handle the extra load. Might be worth double-checking before you commit.
Also, totally agree on Eagle Roofing Products. My cousin had Eagle tiles installed a few years back, and they've held up great through some nasty storms. Crown seems decent too, but like you said, installation quality is key. Ever notice how two neighbors can have the same brand roof, yet one looks pristine and the other... not so much? Usually comes down to who did the install.
Have you thought about warranties at all? Some brands offer better coverage against hail damage or cracking—could save you some headaches later on. Just something else to toss into the mix while you're researching options.
Yeah, I've seen some older homes where the rafters needed beefing up to handle concrete tiles—definitely not something you wanna find out after delivery day. Eagle's solid, but honestly, even a top brand can look rough if the installer's cutting corners...seen that plenty of times.
"Eagle's solid, but honestly, even a top brand can look rough if the installer's cutting corners...seen that plenty of times."
Couldn't agree more with you there. It's wild how much comes down to the crew doing the actual work—seen some really high-quality tiles end up looking sloppy just because someone rushed the job or skipped prep steps. And you're spot-on about the weight issue. A buddy of mine ran into exactly that scenario: ordered beautiful concrete tiles, got 'em delivered, and then found out his roof structure wasn't strong enough. Definitely not a fun surprise.
If anyone’s exploring lighter options, by the way, metal tiles or synthetic slate can be surprisingly durable and easier on older roof structures. I know they might not have the same classic feel as concrete or clay, but they're worth considering if you're worried about load-bearing capacity. Just throwing that out there as food for thought. Either way, sounds like you're already thinking ahead—smart move.
Yeah, Eagle's decent, but honestly, I've seen Boral hold up better over time—especially in harsher climates. But you're totally right, the install crew makes or breaks it. Had a client once who insisted on these premium clay tiles, spent a fortune, and then hired some random guys off Craigslist to install them...you can guess how that turned out. Brand matters, sure, but I'd put my money on a skilled installer every single time.
Eagle and Boral are both solid, but I'm surprised no one's mentioned Ludowici yet. Yeah, they're pricier, but their clay tiles have consistently impressed me in terms of durability—especially if you're dealing with freeze-thaw cycles or coastal salt spray. I've seen roofs 50+ years old still looking great, provided they're installed correctly.
Speaking of installs, totally agree that craftsmanship matters big-time. But I'd argue that even the best installer can't fully compensate for subpar materials. Had a job a few years back where the homeowner insisted on budget-friendly concrete tiles—installation was flawless, we triple-checked everything—but within five years, we were already seeing fading and minor cracking issues due to material quality.
So yeah, skilled installers are crucial, but don't underestimate the importance of choosing a brand that's proven to handle your specific climate conditions. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves you headaches down the line...
