Tile roofing fits many architectural styles

Tile roofing often brings to mind homes in California and Florida, or pueblo-style, Southwest homes and Italian villas in the Mediterranean. But terracotta is only one type of tile. Concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete and natural slate are other possibilities. Roofing tiles come in a variety of earthy or sun-baked colors.

Any of these attractive choices have real advantages over asphalt shingle roofs. Tile roofs won't burn, rot, or become a 24-hour, insect buffet. They are extremely wind-resistant. Conversely, while the sun and the rain don't damage them, walking on tile or concrete roofs may cause cracks or breakage. Synthetic slate or terracotta tiles, which look virtually identical to clay or slate, offer tremendous advantages: They are less expensive, lighter in weight and much less fragile. All tile products create a three-dimensional-looking roof often associated with finer homes. An in-person look can help you decide on the right tiles.