Clay and concrete tile have been tested in the harshest of weather elements, including heavy rain, hurricane-force winds, damaging hail and freeze-thaw conditions. Tile roofs are naturally fireproof and exceed current seismic load requirements for building materials when installed to the current fastening requirements. Clay and concrete tile are by far the most cost-effective, attractive, long-lasting roofing material for any residential or commercial structure. In addition, the manufacturer warranties far exceed those of other roofing products manufacturers.

​Clay and  concrete roof tiles are virtually maintenance-free.
With an average moisture absorption of less than 1%, clay and concrete tile roofs can handle both heavy rain and dry conditions. The low absorption rate also makes tile naturally resistant to mold growth. Additionally, tile is also resistant to rot and virtually impervious to insect damage. Both concrete and clay tile roofs stand up to rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles without damage.
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For more detailed information about maintenance of concrete tile roofs, view this article from TRI member Eagle Roofing Products.

Fire Resistance
Concrete and clay tile roofing is safer than traditional roofing materials such as shingles, wood shakes or metal. By design, a tile roof allows air circulation under the tile, which reduces heat transfer to the attic during a fire.
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Tile roofs achieve the highest attainable fire rating for both the product and installed system. The Class A fire rating includes tests for flame spread, intermittent flame, and burning brand (simulates exposure to burning materials). Class A roofing materials provide a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position and are not expected to produce flying brands (embers).

Wind Resistance
In regions prone to tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme winds, roof tile provides one of the best defenses against wind-related property damage.
  • Concrete and clay roofing are designed and tested to resist hurricane-force winds found in the USA. They are the premier roofing material around the globe for high wind applications.
  • Natural air ventilation occurring around our tiles, combined with advanced installation techniques relieves a substantial part of the wind stresses that other roofing materials do not provide.
  • Independent testing sponsored by TRI Alliance validates with proper installation and attachment concrete and clay roofing tiles can be designed to withstand up to 200 MPH.
  • Clay and concrete tile roofing has been tested in accordance with 2024 – Florida Building Code – Residential, 8th Edition, to meet SECTION R 4402 High-Velocity Hurricane Zones — Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures, with wind speeds up to 200 MPH.

​TRI Alliance is a member of the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI) and has participated in and sponsored wind investigation reports on hurricanes Irma, Ike, Katrina, Charley and Ivan. Each report includes information on the performance of various roofing materials during hurricane conditions, including tile.

Engineers use a state-of-the-art wind tunnel to subject roof tile to hurricane-force conditions. Tiles passed tests with winds at 100 miles per hour during a driving rainfall of up to eight per hour.

Seismic Load
Tile is the only roofing product in the world tested for seismic loading. As the TRI Alliance we performed independent research at the University of Southern California (USC), the premier seismic facility to evaluate our concrete and clay roofing tile after the Devastating 1996 Northridge Earthquake in Los Angeles CA. The formal USC research validated that concrete and clay roofing tiles when installed to our code evaluated installation guides could exceed the design forces required for the building structure by 2 to 3 times.
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Although earthquakes are not preventable or predictable, a building owner can choose to install a more durable, longer lasting and better performing earthquake roofing material.

Hail Resistance
Concrete and clay roofing tiles are designed to resist damage from hailstones which can be larger than a golf ball (1.5" in diameter). Many of our products have been tested to resist up to a 2” hail stone when tested to the FM 4473 standard. The TRI Alliance was the pioneer of the testing standard designed specifically for our rigid roofing materials.

Freeze Thaw Performance
Clay tiles are fired at extraordinarily high temperatures that strengthen the clay. The lower water content of tile produced by this process, combined with coatings or glazing, make clay roof tiles nearly impervious to the elements.

Concrete roof tile is manufactured for superior density and durability, making it resistant to the damaging effects of high freeze-thaw weather conditions. Low porosity protects concrete tile from moisture freezing in its interior.

Grade 1 tiles, rated according to ASTM C1492 (Concrete) and ASTM C 1167 (Clay) industry standards, are manufactured to withstand harsh winters and freeze-thaw cycles. They are rated for use in any region, regardless of annual rainfall or cold temperatures, and provide the greatest possible resistance to water absorption and severe frost.
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