Durable.
Appealing.
Capable of lasting nearly 100 years.
There’s no doubt that clay tile is one of the best natural roofing materials a homeowner can choose. However, even the finest natural materials have their limitations.
Traditional clay tile can be heavy and prone to cracking, but EcoStar’s composite clay tile captures the same timeless look—without the drawbacks. It delivers the tropical charm of clay with the strength and innovation of modern design.
What is Natural Clay Roofing & its Advantages?
Natural clay tiles start as a blend of water and carefully selected minerals mixed in precise ratios. The resulting malleable clay is pressed into molds using a hydraulic press to create consistent, uniform shapes. While some tiles can be formed by hand, that process is time-consuming and typically reserved for custom or specialty projects.
The clay is then fired in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1,000°F, creating a beautiful, durable tile with exceptional longevity—often lasting 50 to 100 years as a home’s roof.
This longevity is comparable to that of concrete tiles. In fact, natural clay and concrete share many qualities, including Class A fire resistance. However, both materials are also quite heavy, which can pose challenges for homes not designed to support that level of roof weight.
Clay roofing tiles excel in longevity and durability, much like concrete. However, where they truly stand out is in their unmistakable appearance. Traditional, elegant, and unique, the warm color and iconic shape of clay tile is a look no other natural roofing material can duplicate.
Disadvantages of Natural Clay Roofing Tile
While natural clay tile offers many of the same advantages as concrete—along with its own distinctive beauty—it also carries the same two main drawbacks: weight and cost.
Clay roofing tiles can weigh up to 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet, a load many homes simply aren’t designed to support. This is especially true for older structures, which often require costly structural reinforcement before a natural clay tile roof can be safely installed.
Natural clay tile also comes with a high upfront cost. Although natural clay tile requires less frequent maintenance, its high price remains a barrier to entry for many.
What is Composite Clay Roofing Tile?
Made of a highly durable synthetic polymer, EcoStar’s composite clay roofing tile closely replicates the unmistakable look of natural clay tile at a fraction of the weight and a fraction of the price. Composed of 80% upcycled materials, our composite clay tile is sustainable and far more accessible than traditional clay tile, able to be installed on almost any home.
Natural clay tile is highly durable, standing up to high winds and extreme temperatures, but it is more vulnerable to impact damage. In contrast, EcoStar’s composite clay roofing tiles use a flexible synthetic polymer that bends rather than breaks, deflecting impacts like hail instead of sustaining them.
For a composite roofing tile to be a worthy alternative to natural clay, it needs to meet the same high standards of durability, longevity, and aesthetics. EcoStar’s composite clay roofing tile exceeds them.
Ready to see if our composite clay tile rises to the challenge? Let’s compare natural clay roofing tile with our composite alternative. Check out our products.
Comparing Natural and Composite Clay Roofing Tile
To compare composite clay roofing tile with natural clay, let’s examine six key attributes:
- Durability
- Aesthetics
- Weight
- Cost
- Installation and Maintenance
- Sustainability
1. Durability
With any project, product selection isn’t just about installation – it’s about efficiency, compliance, and results. The EPD gives contractors documented proof of product sustainability, helping to align with spec requirements and client goals. It also supports streamlined submittals and product approvals, especially on commercial or government-funded projects with green mandates.
2. Aesthetics
One of the most unique attributes of natural clay tile is its unmistakable warm, rich color. This is what sets it apart most from other, similarly durable materials, like concrete.
Like natural clay tile, our composite clay is offered in a range of coastal shades and warm, earthy tones, including the iconic terra cotta orange. The Island Groove design lets homeowners achieve the classic look of clay tile in a roof that’s easier to install on most homes, regardless of their structural load capacity.
3. Weight
When it comes to structural load capacity, weight is one of the few drawbacks of natural clay roofing tiles. For example, a 1,000 square foot roof with natural clay tile could weigh as much as 1,500 pounds.
In contrast, the sustainable synthetic polymer used in our composite clay tile is significantly lighter, reducing the structural load on the home. With composite clay tile, there’s no concern about whether your roof can support the weight.
4. Cost
In addition to weight, cost is another major limitation of natural clay tile. While prices vary depending on factors like style and location, natural clay is generally quite expensive. EcoStar’s composite clay tile, on the other hand, offers the same classic look at a significantly lower cost, making it a more accessible option for many homeowners.
5. Installation and Maintenance
Installing natural clay tiles is a bit more involved than other types of roofing, often requiring specialized labor to ensure it’s done correctly. Improper installation can result in leaks and a reduced overall longevity of the tiles.
Composite clay tile is easier for any contractor familiar with composite roofing to install. The lighter weight not only simplifies the process but also makes installation safer and more manageable.
6. Sustainability
Thanks to its natural origins and sheer abundance, clay is an inherently sustainable material. Even after installation, natural clay tiles remain a sustainable roofing solution due to its exceptional longevity, lasting anywhere from 50-100 years.
Composite clay tile offers comparable longevity to natural clay while being more sustainable, made with up to 80% upcycled material. At the end of its life, the tile can be fully recycled.
Why Choose Composite Clay Tile for Your Home?
Choosing composite clay tile for your home is about retaining all the incredible benefits of natural clay tile, without its limiting factors. It retains the impressive longevity, severe weather resistance, and striking appearance of natural clay, while also boasting a greatly reduced price and weight. Unlike natural clay tile, composite tile is also much less likely to break, absorbing impacts instead of sustaining them.
Are you a homeowner seeking a durable, long-lasting roof that captures the timeless beauty of clay tile? EcoStar’s composite clay roofing tile is your solution.
EcoStar: The Benefits of Natural Tile Without the Limitations
For the longevity, durability, and unmistakable appearance of natural roofing tile without the cost, weight, or other limitations that come with natural materials, EcoStar is the perfect solution. Our composite slate, shake, clay, and concrete roofing materials can suit the structure and aesthetics of almost any home. Contact us today to view our catalog and learn more.