We now know what catches clay roof tile manufacturers have included in their warranty documents. The article below looks at warranties for concrete roof tiles.
This is part of the article A few words about roof covering warranties. Before continuing, it is worth reading the introduction in the main article.
Our range includes only two brands of concrete roof tile: Braas and Creaton, formerly known as Euronit. We have worked with both companies for over 20 years, and the roofers who work with us speak highly of both companies’ products.
What do concrete roof tile manufacturers guarantee?
Concrete roof tiles are manufactured in accordance with PN-EN 490, while warranties are based on compliance with PN-EN 491. The two standards are closely linked. One concerns the product itself and its technical specifications; the other describes methods for testing those products. Therefore, even when a manufacturer cites PN-EN 490, this effectively also means PN-EN 491.
PN EN 490 primarily sets out requirements that concrete roof tiles must meet: dimensions and weight matching the manufacturer’s declaration, warping, water permeability and frost resistance. Our experience shows that, with these two manufacturers, we can simply forget about most of these defects. In our company’s history, we have never had a single complaint about such defects.
It is worth knowing, however, that if any grounds for a complaint arise, the standard specifies a method for sampling the delivery. As with clay roof tiles, samples are taken at random rather than by selecting the tiles that look worst. The sample size is clearly defined and depends on the size of the delivery being tested. The permitted proportion of defective products is then specified and can be as high as 10%. That seems a lot. But, for example, it is 10% of 0,01% of the entire roof, which amounts to about 0,001% of the roof area. In theory, that many “defective” tiles may legally be present on our roof.
The standard provides for tiles to have a uniform appearance. On the other hand, it also allows colour differences resulting from the manufacturing process, as well as efflorescence. This means that tiles with a uniform colour are acceptable, but tiles with colour differences are also acceptable. In conclusion, concrete roof tiles are always acceptable, whether uniform or not.
Fortunately, colour differences in concrete roof tiles are extremely rare, usually minimal and visible only under particular lighting conditions. Concrete tile manufacture is much simpler and does not produce the same variations as clay tile manufacture.
The second standard is much more detailed. It describes methods for testing watertightness, mechanical resistance and, above all, frost resistance. This is the most important property manufacturers guarantee.
Frost resistance of concrete roof tiles
Quality tests are very rigorous and intended to reproduce the different forces acting on a roof covering. To find out more, I recommend reading the article How roof tiles are tested for frost resistance.
What does this mean in everyday use? In our company’s history, we have laid over 1 million m2 of concrete roof tiles and have never had a single complaint about a lack of frost resistance in concrete tiles from these two manufacturers.
We also have experience replacing roof coverings, including concrete tiles that were 100 years old. These tiles were in very good condition and were replaced purely for aesthetic reasons. They were dirty and covered in moss, but their frost resistance was excellent.
Comparison of concrete roof tile warranties
We now know what to expect from concrete roof tile manufacturers. Let us see who offers the best warranty terms.
| Manufacturer | Braas | Creaton |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty for frost resistance | 30 years | 30 years * |
| Transport costs covered | 30 years | 30 years * |
| Replacement costs covered | 30 years | 30 years * |
| Costs of replacing ancillary materials covered | no data * | no data |
| Warranty based on compliance with the standard | Yes | Yes |
| Does the warranty cover | Braas | Creaton |
| - mechanical damage caused by the customer or a third party | No | |
| - damage caused by incorrect installation or use for an unintended purpose | No | No |
| - damage caused by force majeure (hail, storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires, lightning) | No | No |
| - damage caused by mechanical factors (e.g. accumulated snow, tree branches) | No | No |
| - damage caused by chemical factors | No | No |
| - visual damage that does not affect functionality | No | |
| - roof tiles installed contrary to building or roofing practice | No | No |
| - roof tiles installed contrary to the relevant standards (without specifying which) | No | |
| - roof tiles installed contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendations | No | No |
| - roof tiles used with roof accessories other than original accessories | No | |
| - damage caused by a lack of roof ventilation | No | |
| - damage caused by repairs or alterations carried out by the user | No | No |
| - natural discolouration and colour differences | No | |
| - defects arising during transport | ||
| Documents required | Braas | Creaton |
| Proof of purchase or an invoice for the service as part of which the roof tiles were purchased | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty document or proof of installation by a qualified contractor (roofer) | Yes | Yes |
| Time allowed to report a defect after discovering it | 14 days | 14 days |
| Other comments | * - system warranty: when original Braas accessories are purchased, the entire roofing system is covered by a 15-year warranty. | * - 5 years as standard; 30 years if the purchase is registered online within 2 years of the purchase date Using roof accessories other than original accessories voids the entire warranty. |
The first thing that stands out is that, unlike with clay tiles, both Braas and Creaton provide a long, comprehensive warranty covering all replacement costs. Each manufacturer offers 30 years of protection.
The two manufacturers’ warranties are very similar, but a trained eye can easily spot the differences. As with clay tiles, customers using Creaton concrete tiles may lose all their warranty rights if they use accessories other than original ones. Braas, on the other hand, again refers to unspecified standards, building practice and installation instructions. It is unclear what happens if these requirements conflict. Creaton removes any doubt on this point: under its warranty, the manufacturer’s recommendations take precedence.
It seems that, when considering buying concrete roof tiles from either of these manufacturers, we can safely choose without making the warranty our deciding factor, as the warranties are very similar. The only thing that may tip the balance is our dislike of the inconveniences in the warranty terms.
Viewing displays of concrete roof tiles with different coatings in person, along with a price quotation, will certainly help you choose. Contact our advisers to learn about the products. After reviewing your building design in detail, they will prepare a free quotation tailored to your needs.
Why did we compare only these two manufacturers?
Other concrete roof tiles are available on the Polish market, so why are they not included in the comparison? These are suppliers we do not know or suppliers we know but do not wish to work with for various reasons. We do not comment on products we do not sell regularly and do not know. Our long-standing cooperation with selected manufacturers also gives us the experience needed to offer our customers solutions we trust.
Many years of cooperation also translate directly into favourable terms for our customers.
Which concrete roof tile should you choose?
My preferred concrete roof tiles are mainly classic wave profiles
- Creaton Goteborg, formerly Euronit Profil S
- Braas Bałtycka
- Braas Celtycka
For those who prefer a modern style, flat tiles at an attractive price:
- Braas Tegalit
- Creaton Kapstadt
This is part of the article A few words about roof covering warranties.
Read on: comparison of metal roof tile warranties
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