Harmony Roof Tiles receives many enquiries and question regarding our products and services. This page lets us share some of these frequently asked questions, and our responses, with you. Click on the Q icon to jump to the answer.

Q Do Concrete Tiles absorb water and therefore 'double in weight'?

A The myth that concrete tiles absorb lots of water and double in weight is just that a myth - and is patently incorrect. Australian Standard AS1757-1989 actually specifies a maximum water absorption of only 10 per cent after total immersion in water for 24 hours. In practice, the absorption of water by capillary action during periods of heavy rain would increase their weight by around 5 per cent. Contrary to the claims of some roofing companies, this weight increase is unlikely to cause structural roof or stump failure.

Q Does weathering of the original Tile coating make the tiles porous?

A The colour coating is purely for decoration and is not designed as a waterproofing film. The waterproofing of a concrete tile is achieved through a carefully graded and formulated raw material which is then compacted during its manufacture. This creates a product of high density and strength which keeps the water out.

Q I am building near the coast, will Concrete Tiles withstand the coastal climate & sea air?

A With the proven record of resistance to corrosive atmospheres, today's concrete tiles are very suitable for the roofing of houses in close proximity to the coast. The physical properties of concrete tiles are not affected by prolonged exposure to the coastal environment.

Q Are Concrete Tiles durable?

A Modern manufacturing processes make concrete tiles exceptionally durable and they will keep you dry and protected for years. The are manufactured to Australian Standard AS2049-1992. The physical properties of concrete roof tiles will remain unchanged for well in excess of fifty years, irrespective of the climate they are subjected to. Concrete tiles actually become stronger with time and have an excellent record of durability under all weather conditions. They outlast most other roofing materials because tiles can not rust or corrode. You can not buy a more substantial roofing material. Very few other roofing materials can match this performance.

Q Do Concrete Tiles Fade?

A Any manufactured product or indeed living thing that is exposed to the elements will weather and take on a different appearance to that which may be protected and not exposed. With roof tiles, much of what is described as colour fade, is in fact atmospheric grime and can be cleaned off if desired. Natural weathering does in fact enhance the appearance of many product and it is unlikely that the weathering of the colour coat of tiles will detract from the appearance of the house for a number of years, by which time inevitably the house will have taken on an overall subtle change of appearance.

Q What is a Colour Coat?

A The colour coat comprises cement of the same quality and characteristics as that used in the body of the tile and having the same initial setting time; good quality synthetic mineral oxide with a high degree of staining power is used to provide the various colours; a fine sand to provide strength and durability. Water content of the colour coat is critical and is constant for all succeeding mixes for any single tile batch production run of one colour.

Q Why do Tiles lose their glaze?

A Concrete tiles are not glazed. At the time of manufacture a clear sealer is applied to the surface of the tile to prevent efflorescence which is a common chemical phenomenon with concrete products. This sealer has a relatively short design life and will disappear, leaving the colour coat with the matt appearance for which the colour formulation was designed.