Finding roofing products that align with your home’s curb appeal and provide adequate durability, longevity, and value can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Many homeowners select barrel tile metal roof systems to mimic the appearance of clay tile roofs, though even metal roofing has its issues.
Continue reading below to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each of these materials as well as a better alternative for achieving the same appearance with stronger results.
Traditional Clay Roof Tiles Versus Metal Barrel Tile Roofs
Clay roofs typically feature barrel tile shapes in terracotta color schemes to highlight a traditional Spanish or Tuscan-style home appearance. Unfortunately, clay is an extremely porous and fragile sediment, making it less than suitable for a roof in nearly any climate. Approximately 20% of clay tiles break during the installation process alone, leaving the rest ready to crack from even the slightest bit of pressure.
Walking on a clay roofing system can easily damage the tiles, making maintenance especially challenging. Maintenance is a must, considering the constant repairs and upkeep you will likely need to handle with such a fragile system. Environments subject to hail storms have the highest risks for clay roof damage.
Clay roofs also weigh quite more than many other roofing materials, requiring special installations and extra costs. Because of all these cons, many homeowners choose metal barrel tile roof systems that can mimic the appearance of clay but with better durability.
Metal Barrel Roof Advantages
A metal barrel roof features barrel tile finishes that look like clay, allowing you to achieve the style you desire without compromising as much on durability. The main advantages of selecting a metal tile roof over clay include the following:
- More color options: Metal roof panels come in a wide variety of color and style options, from primary blues and reds to subdued earth tones. Rather than one basic terracotta choice, you can select the shade and tone that best highlights your home.
- Reduced weight: Metal barrel vault roofing weighs substantially less than clay, offering reduced shipping and installation costs. The lighter weight load can also make future roof replacements easier.
- Improved installation requirements: Clay roof installments require extra underlayment materials because of the excess weight. Metal’s lightweight application makes the installation process faster, easier, and safer.
- Better climate flexibility: Clay tiles do not work well in climates with extreme temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles. Metal can handle nearly all temperatures, making it suitable for many climates.
- Stronger durability: Metal is water-resistant and more durable against impact and pressure. If you live in a hail-prone region, you may want to avoid fragile materials.
Barrel Tile Metal Roof Disadvantages
While a Barrel tile metal roof may be better than clay, it still comes with several disadvantages, including the following:
- Costs: Metal roofs typically cost more than many other roofing materials. Depending on the type of metal you select, an entire roofing installation can cost anywhere from $9,600 to $16,500, with zinc being the most expensive option.
- Installation requirements: Metal roofs are not as common as asphalt or other materials, which means fewer contractors have experience installing them. Metal tiles require very specific installation methods, so finding a qualified contractor for your system may take time.
- Dent risks: While metal may not break from hail, it can easily dent from impact. Dented roofing systems can dampen your home’s appearance and reduce its performance.
- Style: While metal barrel tile roof systems can mimic the appearance of clay, they will always have an appearance that looks more industrial. If you want something more traditional, metal may not work for you.
Is There a Better Option Than Clay or Metal?
Luckily, another roofing material option exists that combines the style advantages of clay and the durability of metal without all the cons. Composite synthetic roofing systems can mimic Spanish barrel tiles while offering optimal performance and longevity, creating the perfect solution to this seemingly impossible question.
Synthetic roofing systems feature tiles constructed of compressed recycled plastics and other sustainable materials, creating a water-tight bond for extreme weather resistance that can withstand nearly all climates. Unlike metal, composite roofs are easy to install, won’t dent from hail, and will seamlessly match your Spanish or Tuscan-style home as if it were clay. If you want a roofing system that offers the best value, longevity, and style, you should select a Brava composite roofing system.
Achieve Style and Durability With Brava’s Spanish Barrel Tile
If you’re interested in a barrel tile metal roof but want something more durable, look no further. At Brava, we offer the best composite Spanish barrel tile option on the market, featuring top-notch water and fire resistance, 50-year warranties, wind resistance up to 188MPH with ring shank nails and up to 211MPH with high wind screw installation, and Class 4 impact resistance (the highest rating).
With virtually zero maintenance requirements and endless architectural and aesthetically pleasing designs to match your home, Brava’s Spanish Barrel Tile will surely surpass your needs. Skip searching for a barrel tile metal roof and contact Brava Roof Tile today at (844) 290-4196 or request a sample online now!
