Roof Tile

A roof tile is an individual roofing element made from concrete, clay, or composite materials, designed to overlap with adjacent tiles to create a water-shedding surface. Concrete tiles are the most common in Finland, offering a service life of 30 to 50 years. Clay tiles are more expensive but extremely durable, often lasting 100 years or more with proper maintenance.

Tile roofing provides excellent weather protection and thermal mass, and individual damaged tiles can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof. However, tile roofs are heavy — concrete tiles weigh 40 to 60 kilograms per square meter — so the roof structure must be designed to support this load plus snow loads typical of the Finnish climate.

The most common tile roof maintenance issue is moss, lichen, and algae growth, which occurs on north-facing slopes and in shaded areas. While moss gives the roof a charming aged appearance, it retains moisture, accelerates surface erosion, and can lift tile edges, allowing water underneath. Professional roof washing removes biological growth and can be followed by anti-moss treatment to slow regrowth.

Tiles should be inspected annually, with particular attention to cracked, shifted, or missing tiles. Broken tiles allow water to reach the underlayment and, eventually, the roof structure. Walking on a tile roof requires care, as tiles can crack under concentrated loads. For safety and to avoid damage, roof inspections and maintenance are best performed by a professional with proper roof safety equipment.