Key numbers
Ceramic or clay tile was the main roofing material on 4.89 million U.S. homes in 2020, and concrete tile on 2.14 million (U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020).
| Over 50 | NAHB's 2007 study says slate, copper and clay/concrete tile roofs have the longest life expectancy, over 50 years. Source: National Association of Home Builders / Bank of America Home Equity, 2007 |
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Clay tile can be an excellent roof for a Denver home if the house is built to carry the weight, the roof is steep enough, and you accept that very large hail can still crack tiles. In return you get a roof that does not burn, rot or attract insects, keeps its fired-in color for decades, and can outlast several asphalt roofs. Denver’s code adds specific rules for tile: a minimum slope of 2.5 in 12, double underlayment on low slopes, and a mid-roof inspection before more than 30 percent of the tile goes on.
Why homeowners choose clay
- Long life. Clay tile is among the longest-lasting roof coverings; this site has long cited a life expectancy of up to 50 years, often longer for the tile itself. The underlayment beneath it usually needs attention first.
- Fire, rot and insects. Fired clay does not burn, rot or feed insects.
- Color that stays. The color is part of the fired clay, not a coating, and comes in more than terra cotta.
- Architecture. On Spanish, Mediterranean and some historic Denver homes, nothing else looks right.
Three things to check before you choose clay in Denver
1. Can the house carry it?
Tile is far heavier than shingles. Denver’s checklist requires that structural roof components support the roof covering system and the loads during installation, and Denver designs homes for a 35 psf ground snow load on top of that. A house that has always had shingles may need an engineer’s review before switching. Our Denver roof types comparison shows the lighter alternatives.
2. Is the roof steep enough?
| Denver tile rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum slope for clay and concrete tile | 2.5:12 |
| Slopes 2.5:12 up to 4:12 | Double underlayment |
| Valley flashing | At least 11 inches from the centerline, with a 1-inch splash diverter rib, laps of at least 4 inches |
| Valley underlayment, slopes over 3:12 | At least 36 inches of Type I underlayment |
| Mid-roof inspection | Underlayment, battens and flashings, before more than 30 percent of tile is installed |
| Reusing old tile | Allowed if not damaged, broken or deteriorated; damaged flashing replaced |
3. How does it handle Denver hail?
Clay resists everyday hail well, but very large stones can crack tiles. On May 8, 2017, the National Weather Service reported hail up to baseball size in Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and northwest Denver. The good news is that tile breaks one piece at a time, and a cracked tile can usually be swapped without disturbing the roof around it, as long as matching tile is available. Keep a box of spares from the install. Our May 8, 2017 Denver hailstorm article covers that storm, and what damages roofs most in Denver puts hail next to wind and sun.
What clay tile costs
Material choice (clay or concrete), the tile profile, the roof’s pitch and complexity, structural work and the underlayment system drive the price. Our tile roof cost guide for Denver explains each driver. Financing is available for tile projects if it helps.
Who clay is right for
Clay makes sense if you own a home designed for tile, plan to stay a long time, and want the look and longevity. If the house was built for shingles, impact-rated architectural shingles, stone-coated steel or synthetic tile may give you the look with less weight. Our Denver guide to planning a new roof walks through the decision step by step.
Talk to a Denver tile roofer
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, with 650+ Google reviews and a Denver-area office at 13275 E Fremont Pl in Centennial. See tile roofing in Denver, call (303) 209-0152, or book a free Denver roof inspection.
Sources: City and County of Denver, Roofing Guide and Checklist, updated 4/11/2024 (tile slope, underlayment, valleys, inspections, reinstallation, snow load), with the slope figure checked against IRC 2021 Section R905.3.2; National Weather Service Boulder, May 8, 2017 severe weather report.
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