Clay tile
Clay tile is long-lived, naturally cool and suits Jamaican architecture. It's also heavy, so the roof structure has to be built to carry it.
In Stony Hill we've carried out both repairs to existing clay tile roofs and new clay tile installations.
Stone coated decramastic tile
Decramastic tiles are pressed steel panels coated in stone granules. They give the look of tile or shake at a fraction of the weight, and the interlocking panels hold well in high wind.
We roofed the historic Great House at Hampden in Trelawny in stone coated decramastic tile. See the Hampden case study.
Wood shingle
Natural wood shingles give a warm, traditional finish. In Jamaica's heat and rain they need the right timber, ventilation and upkeep to last, and we'll talk you through that before you choose them. Our Earls Court project is a wood shingle roof.
Which one is right for you?
| Clay tile | Decramastic | Wood shingle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy, needs a strong structure | Light | Light |
| Look | Classic tile | Tile or shake profile | Natural timber |
| Wind | Good when properly fixed | Interlocking panels | Depends on fixing |
| Upkeep | Low, replace broken tiles | Low | Highest, needs treatment |
Tile & shingle gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can you repair an existing clay tile roof?
Yes. We repair existing clay tile roofs as well as installing new ones, as we have in Stony Hill.
Is decramastic the same as stone coated steel?
Yes. Decramastic is the name most people in Jamaica use for stone coated steel roof tiles: pressed steel panels with a stone granule finish.
Can my house take a clay tile roof?
Clay tile is heavy, so it depends on the structure. We check the rafters and walls during the assessment. If the structure isn't suited to clay, decramastic gives a similar look at much lower weight.
Do you work on older and heritage buildings?
Yes. At Hampden Great House in Trelawny we installed a stone coated decramastic roof and restored the tongue and groove veranda ceilings.
How do I get a quote?
Call 876-290-7151, Niko on 876-437-2851, or email dasilvaconstructionja@gmail.com.