If you have found this blog post, you’re probably in the middle of trying to choose what kind of roof tiles to use on your roof project!
Whether you’re a homeowner or a tradie, picking the right roof tiles is a crucial part of any roof work. But with so many to choose from, the decision can be very overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in!
In this article, we’ll compare the two most popular types of tile: terracotta roof tiles and concrete roof tiles. We’ll look at their design, durability, sustainability, maintenance needs and resale value, so you can decide which one is best for your project.
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What Are They Made Of?
First, let’s take a look at what each of these roof tiles is made of.
Terracotta roof tiles are often associated with the Mediterranean aesthetic. The word ‘Terracotta’ is Italian for ‘Baked Earth.’ This description is very fitting, as terracotta roof tiles are made of clay with a reddish-brown hue and then fired at a very high temperature. The clay must be shaped, dried and fired. This process results in these vibrant tiles that can be glazed to create different finishes and colours. Or they can be left as they are for a natural earthenware appearance!
Concrete roof tiles are made, as the name implies, from concrete! Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand and water. These tiles are formed under high pressure, cured, and then finished with a protective coating. Although made from different materials, both of these tile choices are great roofing supply options.
What Style Options Are There?
Both terracotta and concrete roof tiles offer versatility in style, so you can find an option that suits the home’s aesthetic.
Concrete roof tiles are available in a variety of profiles (shapes), the main types being flat-profile, low-profile, medium-profile, and high-profile tiles. Concrete tiles also come in a range of finishes and colours, which is a big advantage if you’re looking for a tile with design flexibility! You can get them in a spectrum of earth tones, including shades of red, brown, grey, and black. You can also get concrete tiles that blend several colours together to create a variegated, natural appearance. The finishes on concrete tiles can range from smooth to heavily textured or sanded, so you can get the desired appearance you want. A huge plus to using concrete roof tiles, especially if you are on a budget, is that they can be moulded and coloured to look like more expensive natural materials such as slate, clay, and wood shake.
Terracotta roof tiles are also very versatile, coming in a range of finishes, shapes, colours and textures. The two main types of finish are unglazed and glazed. Unglazed is the most traditional option. It gives tiles an earthy and highly textured appearance that provides good slip resistance. Glazed tiles have a liquid glass coating baked onto their surface, which provides a smooth, more durable, and moisture-resistant finish. Terracotta roof tiles can be square, rectangular, geometric, and even speciality shapes. Even though they are well-known for their warm, earthy tones, there are also modern terracotta tile colours, including neutral shades and glazed tiles that create vibrant, deep greens, blues, and even custom tints!
Which Tiles Are More Durable?
While both terracotta and concrete roof tiles are extremely durable, clay tiles usually last longer.
Concrete roof tiles should last between 40 and 60 years, whereas terracotta roof tiles can last up to 75 years or even more when properly maintained.
Concrete tiles can withstand extreme temperatures, which is essential in Australia’s climate. Concrete roof tiles offer higher fire resistance than many other roofing materials, making them a great choice for homes in bushfire-prone areas. They do hold up well, but they tend to show surface wear faster in NSW conditions than other roof tile options.
Terracotta roof tiles are durable, too, and offer high thermal insulation and are resistant to water absorption. Because clay roof tiles are fired at such high temperatures, they become impermeable to UV light. They are also frost-resistant and salt-resistant, which is great if you are working on a coastal property in Newcastle, Sydney or the Central Coast!
Which Is Easier To Maintain?
Both concrete and terracotta roof tiles are great options for homeowners and tradies looking for low-maintenance roofing materials.
Concrete roof tiles can withstand some of the worst storms that the Australian weather can throw at your home with little to no maintenance. Concrete tiles usually only need cleaning every few years, but that’s only if you want to improve their aesthetic appearance! Concrete tiles can also be resealed or repainted if needed.
Terracotta roof tiles are extremely low-maintenance, and they could even last the entire lifespan of the property. Because they last so long, you don’t have to worry about the high cost of replacing or fixing your roof. They need cleaning every few years to keep them looking their best, but unlike concrete tiles, they usually can’t be repainted or resealed.
What’s The Resale Value Comparison?
Terracotta roof tiles usually offer a higher resale and reuse value than concrete tiles because of their long-lasting structural integrity and classic aesthetic. They retain their shape, colour, and strength even when salvaged, making them ideal for reuse in both restorations and sustainable builds. This gives terracotta an edge in high-end or heritage suburbs like Cooks Hill, The Hill, Paddington, and Avoca Beach, where quality materials boost property value!
Concrete tiles are more variable when reused, often showing wear or colour fading. However, in newer or more budget-conscious areas like Fletcher or Wadalba, concrete tiles may still meet market demand.
Which Option is Most Sustainable?
Whether you choose to reuse terracotta or concrete tiles, both help reduce landfill waste and embodied carbon!
However, terracotta is the more sustainable choice in the long term due to its superior durability, lower maintenance, and ability to be reused without compromising quality. Clay tiles are an excellent option for eco-conscious builds and heritage restorations.
How To Choose Between Terracotta and Concrete Tiles
So now the question is, which should you use for your roofing project: terracotta roof tiles or concrete? We’ve put together a checklist to help you decide!
Choose terracotta roof tiles if:
- You want a long-lasting roof (50+ years) with minimal fading.
- You’re restoring a heritage home or aiming for a premium, timeless look.
- You’re in a coastal or high-end suburb where visual appeal adds value.
- You prefer low maintenance and strong resistance to salt and pollutants.
Choose concrete roof tiles if:
- Budget is a key factor, as concrete tiles are more affordable upfront.
- You want a wide range of modern colours and profiles.
- You’re building in a new development or investment property.
- You’re okay with repainting over time as the colour fades faster than terracotta.
If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, call us on for expert advice, and we’ll help you choose the best tiles for the job.
Sourcing The Best Recycled Roof Tiles
Whether you choose terracotta or concrete roof tiles, we stock a wide range of stunning recycled roof tiles perfect for your roof project.
At Recycling Roof Tiles, we are your one-stop shop for roofing supplies. We supply and buy second-hand concrete and terracotta roof tiles, in a range of designs and sizes.
And if you can’t find the exact tile you want, we’ll help you source it! We provide high-quality roof tiles and excellent customer service for residential and commercial clients throughout the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Newcastle, Gosford, Hornsby, Kincumber, Wyong and Maitland.
If you are looking for terracotta or concrete tiles, then enquire now about our wide range of quality recycled roof tiles! Call us today on or use our contact form.
