Barrel Tile Roof Life Expectancy
Florida homeowners are no strangers to the rounded tiles that cover roofs all over the state. These tiles, called barrel tiles, are popular for many reasons: for one, they are part of the state’s history because Florida was one of the first places on the continent to get such a roof. It remains popular because of its beauty and water-tight design, an essential feature that all Florida homeowners desire when you consider the weather that Florida is known for.
A roof is an investment, and barrel roofs are a premium material that is particularly expensive. Before you choose the material for your next roof, you need to understand the advantages, disadvantages, and life expectancy of a barrel roof.
What is a Barrel Tile Roof?
Barrel tile roofs get their name from their distinctive rounded shape that resembles a half-barrel. You can also find S-shaped tiles, which are still referred to as barrel tiles despite their differing shape. It is a centuries-old design that you can find throughout the Mediterranean in countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal, as well as more distant places, including Asia and India. The S-shaped tiles are most common in Florida, and lock together seamlessly.
Traditionally, barrel tiles are clay or concrete but they can be made from other materials, including metal, composite and sustainable materials.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Barrel Tiles
Like all materials, barrel tiles have advantages and disadvantages. It is important to consider all of them when you are considering investing in a tile roof.
Advantages
Durability
Barrel tiles are incredibly durable. They are wind-resistant up to 150 mph and also resistant to fire, water, and mold. The durability helps to ensure a tile roof’s longevity, but barrel tiles offer a roof life expectancy that varies depending on several factors.
Minimal Maintenance
Barrel tile roofs are relatively low maintenance. Once installed, you don’t have to worry about them. You won’t have to replace tiles if they have been installed correctly, and you won’t have to worry about issues like water damage.
Options
While classic barrel tiles are red or brown, you can paint barrel tiles to fit your style. The paint will need to be periodically retouched, which is just one form of customization possible with barrel tiles. You can also choose between high and medium styles, with high tiles having a distinct S-shaped curve, while medium tiles have a gentler curve that works well for more contemporary designs.
Disadvantages
Cost
Barrel tile roofs have a steep price tag, and cost significantly more than traditional roofing options like asphalt shingles. You’ll pay around $5 to $6 per square foot for concrete barrel tiles, while clay tiles cost around $10 or more per square foot.
Installation
Installing a barrel tile roof isn’t easy due to the weight and the required method. The process requires a skilled individual. Otherwise, you can experience leaks, damaged tiles, and structural damage in more severe cases if your roof structure cannot support the weight.
Weight
A traditional barrel tile roof is incredibly heavy. If your roof isn’t designed to support such weight, it must be reinforced; otherwise, it may collapse.
How Long Do Barrel Tile Roofs Last?
There is no simple answer to “how long do barrel tile roofs last.” They can last up to 100 years in the right conditions, but that wouldn’t be the case for Florida due to the various factors at play. To understand the barrel tile roof life expectancy, you need to understand the factors that affect their lifespan expectancy in Florida.
Maintenance
While a tile roof is relatively low maintenance, it isn’t entirely maintenance-free. With tropical storms so common in Florida, it isn’t surprising that homeowners often end up with debris on their roofs. As tree seeds and leaves accumulate under the tiles, it can prevent water runoff from flowing correctly, which can compromise the roof system. This is because, while tile roofs can withstand rainfall, standing water is another story.
You want to hire a tile roof expert to handle any maintenance, who will be trained to clean the roof without causing damage.
Tropical Storms
Unfortunately, the weather often affects barrel tile roof life expectancy in Florida. Tropical storms are common in the state and can happen one after another, as seen with the most recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which hit almost two weeks apart. Beyond this much more severe weather, you need to consider that Florida gets about 90 thunderstorms yearly, with plenty of heavy rainfall.
All of this can cause damage to a tile roof and require repairs that must be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid worsening damage.
Installation
You shouldn’t hire just anyone to install a tile roof. When you ask, “How long does a barrel tile roof last?” you should also ask, “Was it properly installed?” because these two questions go hand-in-hand. Tile roofs are extremely heavy and are fragile on their own, and can easily crack from the slightest bit of excessive pressure. It requires a tile roof expert who understands how to safely handle and install the tiles without causing damage and wasting product.
A faulty installation will mean a weak, fragile roof prone to water leaks, cracking, and an overall shorter lifespan.
How Long Does a Barrel Tile Roof Last in Florida?
A properly installed, well-maintained barrel tile roof will last about 25 to 30 years in Florida before you need to consider replacing it. Again, it primarily comes down to the initial installation and maintenance you perform. Hiring a reputable company will help you stay on the longer end of the spectrum.
Florida Specialty Roofing is a premium roofing company that serves cities throughout Florida. We work with various roofing materials, including clay and concrete tiles.
Contact us today to learn more about barrel tile roofs and how we can help you get the most out of a barrel tile roof life expectancy in Florida!
