Concrete_Roof_Tiles

Concrete Roof Tiles Concrete roof tiles are roof tiles that are made of concrete which consists of the following materials; aggregate, water, lime and pigments. Affordable * As compared to other roof tiles they are affordable as they can be manufactured locally cutting down on transport cost and having the materials needed to make them available. They also vary in price depending on the design of the concrete roof tile. * They are more economical than other roofing products on a life cycle basis, that is, they do not need to be replaced over time. For maintenance only a visual inspection is required to help prevent against accumulation of leaf debris. * A contractor is required to install most of the concrete roof tiles as special tools and expertise may be required and this is another cost. Source: http://www.concretethinker.com/applications/Roof-tiles.aspx High Quality * As compared to many other roof tiles concrete has a much higher compression strength giving them the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions such as storms, hail and strong winds. Source: http://www.concretethinker.com/applications/Roof-tiles.aspx Innovative * Concrete is a versatile material when looking at different roof patterns that it can be made into. It can easily take the shape or form that may be required to match the architectural design of the building. * Manufacturing methods have improved with new machines that are able to produce these in bulk making them available at a much faster time. * Smooth surface finishes can be attained using concrete and these prevent dust and other particles from accumulating. * Have an aesthetic appeal meaning that they are not limited to only one design but can be made to even resemble other materials and still contain the concrete properties. Sustainable * Disaster resistance: * Class A fire rated – meaning they do not burn easily. * Can resist harsh weather conditions such as storms, hail and strong winds * Also exceed current seismic load requirement for building material. * Durability: * Not many resources are required after damage caused by natural disasters. Source: http://www.concretethinker.com/applications/Roof-tiles.asp Energy Efficient * Concrete can be produced locally meaning that transport costs and handling costs will be much lower. * Concrete roof tiles can store large amounts of energy. i.e. they are able to absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night making the house warmer. Water Efficient * A substantial amount of water is required in the manufacturing process. When mixing, water is required and also for curing, water is normally used. * Concrete roof tiles may allow for rain water to flow with ease through the gutters and into the jojo tank and may be recycled. The water can be used for many different purposes such as watering the garden and washing cars. Source: http://www.concretethinker.com/applications/Roof-tiles.aspx Occupant Health May not be harmful to the occupant. Resource Efficiency * Most of the materials required for concrete roof tiles can only be attained through mining such as lime. * Cement contains many different materials and the manufacturing process is complex as it contains many different other materials. Source: http://www.concretethinker.com/applications/Roof-tiles.aspx Embodied energy * "The quantity of energy required by all of the activities associated with a production process”. Source: http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/98-9/energy_management/embodied.htm * This is looking at the energy that is used up in making concrete roof tiles such as transportation of required materials, digging up of these materials, and as well as the machines used to mix and mould the concrete. * A single concrete roof tile is generally low on embodied energy but there are so many concrete roof tiles being manufactured increasing the embodied energy for concrete roof tiles overall. Source: http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/98-9/energy_management/embodied.htm