Are you planning to install a roof terrace? If so, choosing the right roof slabs and the corresponding underlying system is crucial for a stable and sleek surface. This combination ensures protection of the roof covering, proper water drainage, and a safe walking surface. But which slab should you choose? Concrete roof slabs or ceramic slabs?
What’s the difference between concrete and ceramic?
Concrete is a mixture of water, cement, gravel or aggregate, and additional materials. When mixed, compressed into slab shapes, and left to dry, the result is incredibly strong slabs. Ceramic slabs, on the other hand, are made from compressed layers of clay, baked at high temperatures. This process also results in very strong, durable slabs, with many addition benefits, such as stain resistance.
Suitable for roof terraces
To start with, both options are very suitable for roof terraces, provided they are installed with the right system. The choice between concrete roof slabs and ceramic slabs comes down to factors such as weight, appearance, cost, maintenance, and of course, personal taste.
A rooftop terrace with Dreen® slabs (concrete)
Weight and load-bearing capacity
Every roof has a maximum load capacity, which always needs to be taken into account. Ceramic slabs are lighter, making them more suitable in places where weight is a concern, such as in renovation projects. Concrete slabs are better suited for higher roof terraces because their weight helps resist wind pressure. Their mass also reduces impact noise when walked on. Providing an allowance is made within the support system for wind uplift. This means that within the roof’s load-bearing limits, ceramic slabs might offer more flexibility in terms of using accessories on the roof. For large, heavily used roof terraces—such as public terraces, roof promenades, or roof plazas—thicker or larger concrete slabs provide better stability.
Appearance
The choice between concrete and ceramic largely depends on the desired aesthetic. Concrete is available in various colours and finishes, from smooth, sealed surfaces to fine-grain finishes or specialised coatings. It generally provides a more rugged, bold look. Ceramic, on the other hand, is more refined and exudes a certain elegance. Ceramic slabs also come in a wide range of colours, and even a concrete or wood look can be replicated. With ceramic slabs, the final colour is printed onto the slab, offering more choice in terms of design.
Investment
This brings us to the next point: ceramic slabs for roof terraces tend to be a higher investment. This price difference is primarily due to the production process, the extensive range of colour options, and their origin from Italy. With proper installation and maintenance, both options offer a very long lifespan.
A rooftop terrace with Dreen®Ceramica (ceramic)
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the differences between concrete and ceramic roof slabs are minimal. Both are easy to maintain and clean with a broom, (warm) water, and, if necessary, a mild soap. Ceramic is known for its hardness, which makes it less prone to dirt accumulation and easier to clean. This hardness also means that, unlike concrete slabs, they don’t absorb water. As a result, water drainage on roof terraces with ceramic slabs depends on the terrace’s layout (slope, shelter, wind, or sun). Any unwanted water can be quickly and easily removed with a floor squeegee.
What’s your choice?
Whichever slab you choose, maintaining a beautiful and long-lasting roof terrace requires a proper underlying system. A good system ensures that the roof paving remains stable, doesn’t shift horizontally or vertically, but can still be dismantled if necessary. It also provides space underneath the slabs for water to drain away. With the right underlying system, your slabs will stay in place, and you won’t need to replace your roof terrace or roofing material as frequently.
Want to know more?
We’ve installed a wide variety of roofs using our own systems. We have a solution for every type of roof.
