If you’ve ever made a pinch pot or sculpted your cat in art class, you know how versatile clay is. Its versatility, durability, and sustainability make it a standout roofing material and the world’s favorite. Just like art, there is a type of clay roof tile to fit every home’s aesthetic.
What Is Clay Tile Roofing?
Clay tiles began sprouting up along the Eastern Seaboard in the 1650s. With a lifespan of over 100 years, it is easy to see how this long-lasting material became the most popular roofing material in the world.
Known for their distinct red color, most tiles are composed of terracotta clay. The clay is baked and molded into individual tiles, and tiles are often glazed with fluxes, earth minerals, manganese, silica, or aluminum oxide to increase durability and aesthetics.
What Are the Different Types of Clay Tile Roofs?
Stemming from clay’s ability to take on any shape, tiles are versatile, suiting any architectural style from colonial to contemporary. Clay tiles can be flat or round with varying colors and profiles.
The natural materials soften with age, and traditional clay roof tiles comprise a two-piece style of a pan and a cover. Today, lower-cost, one-piece varieties are available with varying profiles including flat to mimic traditional shingles, slate, or wood shakes.
There are four dominant tile patterns:
Mission Tile
Also known as a barrel roof, mission tiles form a wave pattern by alternating concave pans, or dips, with convex covers. The convex covers form half-moon-shaped barrels while the concave pan tiles feature the same curve or are flat.
Barrel shingles are installed in pairs with the cover overlapping the pan to provide a high-profile look. These tiles are common in the southwestern United States, Italy, France, and Spain.
Mission style features a polished look with a distinct texture that shifts with the changing sun. While aesthetically beautiful, mission tiles are labor intensive and expensive to install. Popular variations in this unique style include Italian, Greek, and Roman.
Spanish Tile
Spain first introduced Spanish tiles to the U.S. through Florida. The one-piece, S-shaped design provides a high-profile aesthetic similar to mission tiles. However, these recognizable tiles are less labor intensive and cheaper to install.
Spanish style creates a signature rippled roof effect without variations. This style is less customizable than mission tile and cannot be staggered to create unique patterns.
French Tile
French tiles are a low-profile option. Developed in the 1890s by Ludowici, these tiles feature two protruding flutes per tile. The style provides a textured aesthetic and increased drainage capabilities. French tiles feature a secure interlocking tab design, making them a superb choice for hurricane-prone regions.
Flat Tile
Flat tiles offer the durability of terracotta clay while mimicking other popular roofing materials like slate tiles and wood shakes. These tiles can be installed with an interlocking design using fasteners or laid in a double thickness like traditional shingles to create multidimensional patterns.
Pros and Cons of Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles are durable, weather-resistant, and energy efficient and have dominated the world market of roofing materials. The popular material is an eco-friendly choice, but it is not without its drawbacks.
| Benefits of Clay Tile Roofing | Drawbacks of Clay Tile Roofing |
| ● Durable ● Low-maintenance ● Fire-resistant ● Weather-resistant ● Numerous styles ● Energy efficient | ● Heavy, requires structural support ● Expensive ● Fragile ● Requires specialized installation |
Cost of Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles are a high-cost, luxury roofing material and one of the most expensive materials on the market. The average cost of a clay tile roof is $24,500, including labor and materials.
| Style | Average Installation Cost Per Square Foot |
| Mission Tile | $10 to $13 |
| Spanish Tile | $8 to $10 |
| French Tile | $9 to $11 |
| Flat Tile | $3 to $9 |
How Do You Know if a Clay Tile Roof is Right For You?
Clay tile roofing is beautiful, durable, eco-friendly, and energy efficient. However, it does not work for every roof type. While clay tiles perform equally well in both tropical and cold climates, the material requires roofing structures with sharp slopes.
Roofing contractors cannot install clay tiles on flat roofs. A slope of at least 4:12 is required, and you need to ensure your roof’s structure can support the weight of the tiles.
Ultimately, when deciding whether clay tile roofing materials are right for your home, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Clay tiles are more expensive than other options. However, their long lifespan and 100% return on investment help offset overall costs.
- Location: Clay tile roofs work for both tropical and cold climates.
- Roof slope and support: A professional roofing contractor can help you determine if your roof’s slope and structure are suitable for clay tile roofing materials.
FAQ About Clay Tile Roofs
The color of clay naturally softens with age, but the result is a minor aesthetic difference. The color of your new tile roof will last indefinitely, and the roofing material fades less than most. There are no artificial pigments for the elements to wear away. Most manufacturers warranty against fading for 50 years.
Clay tiles are uniquely beautiful and durable, but they are also heavy and expensive. Alternative types of roofing materials to consider include:
● Metal roof tiles are energy efficient and much lighter than clay tiles.
● Stone-coated steel offers the look of slate without the high price tag or weight.
● Concrete roof tiles perform the same as clay tiles for half the price.
● Slate roofing matches the durability and high-end aesthetics of clay tiles.
● Solar tiles offer advanced energy efficiency and savings.
Clay tiles are one of the most versatile roofing materials available, offering ample room for customization beyond the traditional flat or barrel shapes. Tiles can be shaped to cover any sloped roof, including tapered and domed roofs.
Many manufacturers created scalloped, diamond, and scale-shaped, high-end tiles for a unique aesthetic. Similarly, color variations are available, including glazed and unglazed options in traditional reds and browns as well as grays, blacks, blues, and greens.
Ready for a Clay Tile Roof?
Whether you’re looking for a historic, modern, or unique aesthetic, clay tiles can adapt to fit your needs. With so many design options available, your roof can truly become a one-of-a-kind work of art, unlike that pinch pot you brought home for Mother’s Day in the second grade.
If you are in the market for a new roof or want to explore re-roofing options, contact a local roofing contractor to learn about clay tiles and determine if your home is right for the durable and beautiful material.
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