Spanish Barrel Tile Roofing: Classic Style and Lasting Strength

Clay roof tiles have roots in China and the Middle East, dating as far back as 10,000 B.C. From there, these tiles spread throughout other parts of Asia and Europe, with Spanish tile roofing having roots in the Mediterranean, predominantly Spain. It wasn’t until around 1585 that they reached the Americas, with the earliest remains found in the Roanoke Island Settlement. 

However, the Dutch, not the Spanish, brought Spanish barrel tiles to the Americas, and many quickly favored them for their fire resistance. Their popularity remains worldwide, with Spanish tile roofs the top choice for many, especially those around warmer coastal regions.

What exactly is a Spanish tile roofing? What makes them so unique? Keep reading to learn more.

What are Spanish Roof Tiles?

Spanish roof tiles are a roofing material typically made from clay, though concrete is also commonly used. Today, you can also get these tiles in recycled plastics and rubber. Their shape makes them unique: each type has curves that give it an S-shaped appearance, more commonly called a barrel shape. This shape allows tiles to interlock, creating a watertight seal that protects the home from the elements while creating that timeless look that has existed for thousands of years.

What is the Lifespan of Spanish Roofing Tiles?

When you look around various Mediterranean countries, it is clear a Spanish-style roof can last centuries. This is because of their durability, but despite this durability, the lifespan of Spanish tiles is primarily determined by the weather where you live. Frequent storms can eventually wear the tiles down, leading them to last less time. Regardless, they will last around 50 years—significantly longer than the traditional asphalt shingle. Synthetic Spanish roofing tiles also offer around a 50-year lifespan. 

Why Choose Spanish Style Roof Tiles?

These days, Spanish roofing tiles are a higher-end product that costs significantly more than your average asphalt shingle. However, they make up for their price with everything they offer, from aesthetics to durability. More specifically, a Spanish tile roof is worth considering because it offers all of the following:

1. A Distinctive, Timeless Appearance

Spanish barrel roof tiles are unlike any other roofing material. While the rest lay flat on a roof, barrel tiles have a signature curved look that, when installed, creates a ripple-like effect that gives the roof more life. It is almost as if the shape replicates the gentle flow and ebb of the ocean. Beyond the physical shape, there is the color: vibrant, rich colors that fill you with warmth and invite you in. While traditionally, they are terracotta red, companies now offer a variety of beautiful colors, with some synthetic Spanish roof tiles customizable to any color you like.

A Spanish-style roof offers effortless elegance, perfect for Spanish and Mediterranean-style architecture, which prominently features arched windows and favors warm, earthy tones.

2. Highly Durable

A Spanish tile roof is an option that offers better durability with the correct installation than many other roofing materials. They are reliable enough that even Florida’s challenging weather, whether it is heavy rain, intense heat, or hurricanes, isn’t enough to shake these roofs. 

Regardless of your choice between traditional clay, concrete, or synthetic Spanish roof tiles, you receive all the same benefits:

• Fire Resistance: Most barrel tiles offer a Class A fire rating, the highest materials can earn. This is also true for faux Spanish roof tiles from top brands.
• Class 4 Impact Rating: Like fire ratings, this is the highest impact rating a product can receive, meaning it can take a serious hit and remain intact.
• Wind Resistance: The interlocking design of Spanish tile roofs helps ensure the tiles stay in place, even during Florida’s hurricane-force winds.
• Minimized Leak Risk: The unique shape of these tiles creates a tight seal, which helps prevent water from getting underneath, where it can cause leaks. 
• Low (Or No) Moisture Absorption: Span barrel roof tiles typically have a low moisture absorption rate, minimizing the risk of mold and mildew growth. The newer faux Spanish roof tiles, made of materials like plastic and rubber, even offer zero absorption.

3. Benefits Beyond Durability and Aesthetics

The benefits of installing a Spanish-style roof go well beyond the beauty and durability. These roofs are relatively low maintenance, especially compared to other roofing materials like wood shakes and shingles. They are also environmentally friendly and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Beyond that, a barrel tile roof is highly energy efficient, providing natural insulation. This means that your home’s interior will remain comfortable no matter how hot or cold it is outside. As a result, you can expect to pay significantly less on your utility bills. All of these benefits also apply to synthetic variations of Spanish tiles.

What Colors Do Barrel Tiles Come in?

When it comes to colors, a traditional Spanish roof tile is typically a natural terracotta. It is a beautiful, warm color that can be orange-brown or red, depending on where the clay comes from. Concrete barrel tiles can come in various colors, including browns, greens, and grays.

Synthetic barrel tiles come in various colors, from classic terracotta to bolder colors like red, green, and black. High-quality brands are manufactured so that the colors never fade, chip, or peel away, ensuring a long-lasting color.

What is the Spanish Tile Roof Cost?

A Spanish barrel roof isn’t cheap. The average Spanish tile roof cost is around $10 to $13 per square foot. This is the cost of materials and installation, which an expert in tile must do roofing. However, this doesn’t include any potential roof work that may be required, as you must have a sturdy roof to support the weight of the clay or concrete. Maintenance and repairs will be an additional cost, as they must be done by a professional as well. 

Synthetic Spanish tiles cost an average of $8 to $16 per square foot. These tiles do not require a specialist, though experience with synthetic roofing is ideal. You also do not have to worry about needing to reinforce your roof to support the weight of the tiles because synthetic barrel tiles weigh significantly less. Maintenance is another cost eliminated with synthetic tiles as they are virtually maintenance-free; cleaning them with a hose is all they require.

Finding a Spanish Roofing Tile Expert

No Spanish or Mediterranean-style home is complete without a tile roof. An expert is needed to install the tiles, as individual natural Spanish-style roof tiles can be somewhat fragile. Proper installation and a watertight seal are also important. For Florida residents, Florida Specialty Roofing is the premier roofing service to turn to. The company works with top clay and concrete tile Brands like Crown Roof Tiles, Eagle,Verea Clay, Newpoint, and Ludowici. While they offer concrete and clay tile installation, they specialize in synthetic roofing and offer one of the top brands of Spanish roof tile, Brava. 

No matter what type of Spanish roof tile you choose, Florida Specialty Roofing can install it in no time, giving you a beautiful new roof that can withstand Florida’s varying weather.

Contact Florida Speciality Roofing today to learn more about the Spanish tile roofing services they offer.