Terracotta roofs can last as long as 75 years if they’re maintained properly – which is, for most people, longer than the entire period they’ll spend in a particular home. In contrast: Concrete tiles last 50 years. Asphalt tiling can last about 30 years
For those buildings near Shore areas, there are other challenges to deal with such as;
Salt water, particularly from coastal environments, can significantly damage terracotta roofs by causing the clay tiles to deteriorate through a process called “salt weathering” where salt crystals penetrate the porous clay, expand and contract with temperature changes, eventually cracking and breaking the tiles, especially if the terracotta quality is not high enough to resist this effect.
Key signs of a failing terracotta roof:
- Cracked or broken tiles: Check for visible cracks or broken pieces on the tiles.
- Missing tiles: If tiles are missing from the roof, it could lead to leaks.
- Water leaks: Look for water stains on ceilings or walls inside the house, indicating leaks from the roof.
- Deteriorated mortar: Check if the mortar holding tiles together is crumbling or loose.
- Algae growth: Excessive algae on the roof can be a sign of moisture issues.
- Sagging roof: A noticeable sag in the roof structure could indicate structural damage.
- Plant growth: Vegetation growing on the roof signifies potential moisture problems.
- Visible damage from weather events: Look for signs of damage after storms like hail or high winds.