Are Old Roof Tiles Worth Anything?

Remodeling is fast becoming a hobby for many Americans. Approximately 90% of homeowners plan to work on a remodeling project on their home each year (Source: Mortgage Reports). When remodeling, it’s not uncommon to find potentially reusable materials such as old roof tiles, for example, that can be reclaimed and sold to others.

Are old roof tiles worth anything? Yes, sometimes old roof tiles have value. When determining the value of reclaimed roof tiles, you need to consider the following factors:

• Condition
• Type/material
• Quantity
• Price
• Storage

Whether you are buying or selling reclaimed roof tiles, you need to consider each of the above factors to ensure you are purchasing or selling a quality item. In this article, you will learn about reclaiming old roof tiles, what they could be worth, as well as how to determine their worth.

Reclaiming Old Roof Tiles

Many people appreciate the aesthetic appeal of roof tiles, especially if they are working on a restoration project. Roof tiles, although a bit more costly than the traditional shingle, have a lifespan that far exceeds most manufactured roofing options that are available. On average, a clay roof tile has a lifespan of 100 years. Typically, the other parts of the roof deteriorate long before the tiles do. (Source: RCI Mag)

Knowing the longevity of roof tiles makes them extremely appealing when looking at home projects. Typically, people try to complete restoration and renovation projects in the most economical manner possible. Because of this, they may search out reclaimed roof tiles.

When searching for reclaimed roof tiles, you need to be very observant and cautious, because reclaimed roof tiles are not all going to be the same.

Here are some things you need to keep in mind when searching for or preparing to sell roof tiles:

Condition: Like anything, the condition of the tiles is going to be especially important when it comes to finding a buyer. Buyers will likely want the absolute best tiles you can offer them. Depending on the type of tile you have, the condition may be easier to maintain than others. When looking at the condition of the tiles, they will likely check for cracks, rough edges, and how they have weathered. Some of these factors are determined by the process of removal, while others are determined by the way they are stored.

Type/Material and Pricing: Roof tiles come in a variety of materials. The most common are clay, concrete, and slate. When purchasing reclaimed tiles, the price will also vary depending on the material they are made of.

The following chart gives average prices for clay, concrete, and slate roof tiles:

Material	Cost Per Tile or Square Foot
Clay	.53 – $2.14 per tile
Concrete	$4-$9 per square foot
Slate	$1.42 – $6.11 per tile

The material of the tiles dictates the price of each. The above prices are the average cost of new tiles, so when you are pricing your reclaimed tiles, you need to factor in the amount of life they likely have left as well as the ability to procure new tiles with the same coloring, style or shape. (Source: Home Advice Guide)

Quantity: This is a particularly important factor when it comes to selling and pricing reclaimed tiles. Unless someone is purchasing tiles for a small patch job, they will likely need a significant number of tiles to complete a roofing job. You need to decide if you are willing to break up your supply of tiles and sell only small amounts at a time.

Storage: It may seem like a no brainer, but when you are determining the value of your reclaimed roof tiles, you need to factor in the way they have been stored after removal. If you want a potential buyer to find value in the tiles, you need to ensure they have been safely and securely stored.

• Always store the tile in a dry location. If you store the tile where it can draw moisture, you run the risk of mold and mildew developing between the tiles. This will factor negatively against your ability to see the tile.
• If you must store the tile outside, make sure it is off the ground and protected with a waterproof covering.

(Source: US General Services Administration)

Why do People Choose Reclaimed Tiles?

People seem to enjoy purchasing reclaimed materials, especially roof tiles. While many people feel better about purchasing something that is brand new, restoration projects will often yield better results with authentic period tiles.

However, no matter how authentic the tiles may look or feel, it is still important to weigh the pros and cons of using reclaimed tiles:

Pros:

• They may cost a bit less, depending on the number needed and the age and condition of the tiles.
• They are likely durable if they have lasted for many years already.
• It is easier to match older roofing tiles to an existing roof that has been exposed to the elements.
• They provide an authentic period look and feel to a building.

Cons:

• Old roof tiles may be difficult to install to meet current building standards.
• There may be a limited number available to purchase.
• It can be challenging to determine the actual age of the tiles, which impacts the lifespan you can expect to receive.

There are many pros and cons when it comes to purchasing and selling reclaimed roof tiles that you need to be aware of. The most important thing to research in detail is the method of attaching the tiles to the roof. If they cannot be attached properly, the building will not pass inspection, and you will have to purchase new tiles and redo the project. (Source: Wienerberger)

The Environmental Benefits of Using Reclaimed Roof Tiles

You can see the potential for cost-effectiveness as well as authenticity when it comes to using reclaimed roof tiles. However, there are also environmental benefits of using old roof tiles that are appealing, such as:

• They do not require any chemicals when they are being produced.
• They are natural energy savers.
• They have a long lifespan.
• They can be recycled.

When looking at these factors alone, you can see why individuals may be in the market for reclaimed roof tiles. It also marks the importance of maintaining the quality of the roof tiles you are hoping to sell. Each of the factors discussed allows you to determine a fair value for the roof tiles you are hoping to sell. (Source: Tile Roofing)

Cleaning Reclaimed Roof Tiles

Before trying to sell reclaimed roof tiles, you need to clean them, so they have a more appealing appearance. This is a time-consuming project that needs to be executed carefully with the proper cleaning materials.

The best way to clean roof tiles is with plain water and a scrub brush. It may be tempting to use a pressure washer, but the excess pressure can cause damage to the tiles. If you are removing or have removed the tiles, this is a project best done by hand. If there are stubborn stains, it would be best to reach out to a roof tile expert to determine the best method of cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Tile roofing is a valuable addition to any home. It is appealing not only for the aesthetic qualities but also for durability, cost, and environmental factors. When you are choosing to resell reclaimed roof tiles, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the tiles when removing and storing them.

The value of the tiles may also be different for everyone, so you may need to adjust your price point when selling them. Reclaimed roof tiles can be like a hidden treasure for anyone involved in a restoration project.