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Commercial Tile Roof Contractors

Commercial tile roof construction isn’t just for Spanish-inspired structures. Today’s varieties of tile shapes, colors, and sizes are extraordinary and offer our customers a great way to give their buildings long-lasting, uniquely styled aesthetics.

At GSM Roofing, we’ve designed and installed a wide range of roof structures — from slate and concrete to clay tile roofs. We’ll use our experience to construct the highest quality, most beautiful roof for your commercial building, whether it’s a college, church, hotel, or restaurant.

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The Beauty and Versatility of Tile Roof Construction

If you want your building to turn heads, a commercial tile roof will do just that. These systems are beautiful, but they’re also durable, with a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.

The number of tile shapes available is astonishing and includes:

And let’s talk about color! Monochromatic is traditional, but you can create unforgettable roofing patterns with a bit of imagination.

Commercial tile roof construction service in Eastern PA, NJ, DE, & MD

Traditional Terracotta, Clay, and Concrete Tiles

People have been using terracotta to make pottery for 9,000 years, and you can trace evidence of its history as a building material back to China 12,000 years ago. Terracotta clay tile roof structures are most common in Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and the Southwestern United States. It’s known as a vernacular building material—or easily sourced from the clay soil found in those areas.

Concrete roof tiles that are dyed to look like clay tiles are more common choices in the 21st Century. They offer a lower-cost alternative to terracotta or clay tile roofs while still delivering the distinctive look and century-long life expectancy you’re looking for in this type of roof.

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Why Choose a Commercial Tile Roof?

There are several reasons why you might choose this type of roof. They are common in areas where there’s a lot of salt in the air. This includes areas near the seashore and climates that experience a lot of direct sunlight and hot weather. But there’s more.

Tile roofs — both clay and concrete — are champions at handling large amounts of rain in short periods. It just runs right off. When installed properly, they are highly durable, meaning you can expect minimal maintenance and repairs. And let’s not forget their resistance to wind, fire, and insects. Plus, they’re energy efficient, which can be attributed to the gap beneath the tiles that provides beneficial air movement.

Contact us today if you’d like to discuss how your building can benefit from all that tile roofs offer! We proudly serve Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

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benefits of commercial tile roof construction
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We’re an Authorized Crown Roofing Company with Ludowici

Ludowici’s program ensures that their products are installed professionally, accurately, and in accordance with the highest standards possible. Upon completion of rigorous training and evidence of good standing, GSM installers were given Crown Roofer status and take pride in performing the highest quality of work when installing the world’s finest terra cotta materials while setting a high customer service standard.

Clay Tile Roof Installation on a Historic Building

As part of a larger restoration effort, a new roof was installed on Cabrini College’s iconic building, The Mansion — an 1899 home now serving as administrative offices and a hub for cultural programming. Over the course of three months, the asphalt roof was replaced with clay tiles to replicate the structure’s original historic roof, and all 13 chimneys were carefully repaired.

The quality and attention to detail of the restoration in Radnor, PA, were so exceptional that the project earned the 2013 Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

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Clay Tile Roof Installation at Cabrini College
trusted commercial tile roof construction contractor

The Right Tile Roof Construction Contractor Matters

Installing a tile roof isn’t just about placing the tiles. Because they are so heavy, with the potential to break under certain conditions, your roofing contractor must have the know-how to install the roof correctly. The structure under the roof and the roof’s framing must be capable of bearing all that weight — up to 12 pounds per tile.

Installing concrete or clay tile roofs is an art. The placement and proper securing of each tile will directly affect its longevity. And after the painstaking installation, your roofing contractor must be knowledgeable in caring for it. It’s best to perform inspections with drones. These tiles can withstand hurricane-speed winds, but walking on them the wrong way can result in cracks.

At GSM Roofing, we have the expertise and the desire to install specialty roofing systems like clay tile roofs, concrete tile roofs, and even slate tile roofs. Let’s talk about how we can make your brand-new building or historical structure stand out with unique, durable, high-quality tile roof construction.

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Tile Roofing FAQ

What Types of Commercial Buildings Tend to use Tile Roofs?

They’re commonly used on hotels, resorts, churches, universities, municipal buildings, and high-end office or retail properties.

How Long do Tile Roofs Last?

With proper installation and maintenance, clay and concrete tile roofs can last 50 to 100 years or longer.

How Energy Efficient is Tile?

These roofs are highly energy efficient because their natural thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures. Clay and concrete tiles absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, reducing the strain on HVAC systems.

The curved shape of many tiles also allows for natural airflow under the roof surface, which adds insulation and keeps buildings cooler in hot weather. This can translate into lower energy costs over time, making tile an excellent choice for commercial buildings focused on sustainability and efficiency.

Are Tile Roofs more Expensive than other Commercial Roofing Options?

Yes, they typically have a higher upfront cost, but tile provides exceptional curb appeal, durability, and longevity, often outlasting other types of roofing systems. This makes them a long-term investment that may save money over time by reducing replacement and maintenance needs.

What can Affect the Cost of a Commercial Tile Roof?

Do Tile Roofs Require a lot of Maintenance?

These roofs are known for their low maintenance needs, especially compared to other roofing systems. Clay and concrete tiles are highly durable and resistant to rot, insects, and fire.

Most maintenance involves periodic inspections to check for cracked or displaced tiles, cleaning debris from valleys and gutters, and ensuring underlayment and flashing remain in good condition.
With proper care, a commercial tile roof can last over 50 years with minimal upkeep. Partnering with a professional contractor for routine roof inspections will help you address small issues before they become costly repairs.

How do I choose the RIght Type of Tile for My Roof?

This depends on your building’s style, budget, and long-term performance needs. Clay tile offers timeless beauty, rich color options, and exceptional durability but comes at a higher cost.

Concrete tile is more affordable, highly versatile in appearance, and still very durable, making it a popular choice for many commercial properties.

You’ll also want to consider the weight of the tile, since some buildings may need added structural support. Climate plays a role as well — tile is excellent for hot, sunny regions thanks to its UV resistance, while its durability also makes it a strong choice for areas with heavy rain or wind. Working with an experienced specialty roofing contractor will help you evaluate design preferences, maintenance expectations, and budget, so you can select the best tile for your roof.

Thanks for putting us in contact with Eric. He is very knowledgeable , professional and I enjoyed our time together. We met yesterday morning and he is forwarding a report and budget proposal. With your firms Roofing help and additional home inspections regarding Stucco Moisture tests we have uncovered a $40K + problem we would have inherited. Now it’s the sellers problem. Negotiations continue. Have a good weekend.

Frank Polan Sr Operations Manager