The Best Spanish Tile Roofing for Boca Raton, FL Homeowners

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Retirees love Florida, especially Boca Raton, an affluent area on Florida's southeast coast. The city was developed in the 1920s during a land boom. One developer and architect who played a role in its development was Addison Mizner, who drew from his experiences in Spain and Latin America, bringing the Mediterranean style to the city.

Boca Raton is warm year-round, with summer temperatures averaging 86ºF and winters a warm 75ºF. Only about six inches of rainfall annually, leaving the city mostly dry and humid. However, because it is situated along the coast, it is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, which bring high winds and significant amounts of rain.

The Mediterranean influence on the city and the hot, humid climate made Spanish tile roofing the preferred choice for buildings in Boca Raton. These tiles are typically made with clay, giving them color variations that help add character. One of the reasons these tiles are so popular in the Mediterranean style is because they can withstand heat and humidity. They typically last around 30 years in Florida but can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.

Considerations Before Tile Installation n Boca Raton

Before you install a tile roof in Boca Raton, Florida, there are a couple of factors you should consider. For example:

Roof Pitch

A spanish tile roof requires a roof deck with a 4/12 roof pitch for proper installation—at least. If your roof's decking doesn't have this pitch, you'll need to redo it.

Structural Support

All home’s are originally built to support the original roofing material they have. However, that does not mean that all roofs can support materials like Clay—and can collapse if they are not built with the proper structural support.

Underlayment

While tile roofs are resistant to rain, you should also have an underlayment on the roof to protect it from roof decking from water damage.

Cost

Tile roof costs can vary depending on the material you choose, not just in terms of materials but also labor. Make sure to get this information upfront.

Spanish Barrel Tile Materials: Advantages And Disadvantages

While traditionally made using clay, modern Spanish barrel tiles are made with a variety of materials, including metal, concrete, and even synthetic materials, and each material has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before choosing one.

Clay Barrel Tiles

Clay barrel tiles have been the preferred material for Mediterranean-style homes for centuries. Originally, they were made by hand and formed over a barrel to get their namesake barrel shape, then fired in a wood-fired kiln. You can still find centuries-old barrel tiles across countries in the Mediterranean, particularly Italy and Spain, which is a testament to their popularity, beauty, and longevity. Here are the advantages and disadvantages you should know:

Advantages

  • Lifespan: Clay Spanish tile roofing in Boca Raton, FL, typically lasts 30 years, but with the proper maintenance, it can last up to 100 years.

  • Maintenance: Clay roofs are relatively low maintenance, unlike materials like cedar shakes.

  • Beauty: There is no denying the beauty and elegance of clay tiles.

  • Durability: Clay is highly durable and weather-resistant, perfect for Boca Raton's weather.

Disadvantages

  • Weight: Clay is extremely heavy, so roofs require extra structural support.

  • Cost: Clay tiles are expensive and require a specialized roofing contractor, which adds to the cost. The weight of the material and the size of your roof will also affect costs.

  • Brittleness: While clay is strong and, as a whole, makes for a durable roof, individual tiles are brittle and can crack easily, requiring expensive repairs.

  • Maintenance Costs: While clay tile roofs are low maintenance when they require repairs, you need a clay roof expert, which creates added costs.

  • Fading and Flaking: While you can find clay tiles in many colors, the pain can flake or fade over time.

Concrete Barrel Tiles

Another option for Spanish barrel tiles is concrete tiles. Concrete is very similar to clay, with some minor differences.

Advantages

  • Lifespan: A concrete tile roof can last up to 50 years.

  • Paintable: You can paint clay tiles in any color, and they are easy to repaint.

  • Durability: Like clay, concrete tiles are durable and capable of withstanding Boca Raton's coastal climate.

Disadvantages

  • Weight: Like clay, concrete is extremely heavy, so a roof will require additional structural support to ensure it won't collapse.

  • Fading: While concrete tiles are paintable, the color will fade over time, and color matching for repairs can be difficult.

  • Cost: Concrete is as expensive as clay tiles and requires a specialized roofing contractor.

Metal Barrel Tiles

When you think of tile roofing, you don't necessarily think of metal, but metal roof tiles are a relatively new product—and therefore, choice—for Spanish tile roofs that Boca Raton, FL, residents consider. With metal roofing, you can get the look of a Spanish barrel tile roof without the weight of clay or concrete or any of the other drawbacks.

For instance:

Advantages

  • Availability: Metal roofing is easier to manufacture, making it possible for metal tiles to be more readily available.

  • Color Options: Metal tiles come in an array of colors.

  • Easy to Work With: Metal tiles are lightweight and easy to work with, making installation less complicated and eliminating concerns about structural support. It also means it is easier for roofers to install, so you shouldn't need a specialist.

  • Weather Resistant: Metal roofing can hold up well against Boca Raton weather.

  • Low Maintenance: Very little maintenance goes into metal roofing.

Disadvantages

  • Cost: Metal roofs are still an expensive option.

  • Noise: Rain and hail hitting the roof can make a lot of noise, which some may find bothersome.

  • Expansion: Metal expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations.

  • Dents: Metal can dent fairly easily.

  • Color Matching: Color matching can be circular if you ever have to replace tiles.

Synthetic Spanish Barrel Tiles

Synthetic, or composite, Spanish Barrel tile roofing is manufactured using a mix of recycled plastics and rubber, making it an eco-friendly option. These come in many colors are look almost identical to traditional Spanish barrel tiles

Advantages

  • Durability: These tiles are incredibly durable, without any of the brittleness you get with clay and concrete. They offer high impact and fire ratings, superior wind resistance, and more.

  • Weight: Synthetic roofing is extremely lightweight, so there is no need for additional structural support.

  • Colors: There are many color options with synthetic tiles, and brands often offer "Cool Roof" colors, perfect for Boca Raton.

  • Cost: Cost is both an advantage and a disadvantage. You'll pay less for synthetic barrel tiles than clay or concrete.

Disadvantages:

  • Appearance: Some brands of synthetic tiles can appear too shiny, making them look fake.

  • Cost: As mentioned, cost has advantages and disadvantages. While cheaper than clay and concrete, synthetic tiles cost more than roofing materials.

Installing a Spanish Barrel Tile Roof in Boca Raton

Every tile roof installation starts with an inspection, which ensures that your home is suitable for tile roofing, especially if you want clay or concrete tiles.

Contractors will check to make sure your roof has the correct pitch and can safely support the tiles' weight, and if your roof needs additional support trusses, they will add those before installing the new tiles.

After a thorough inspection, the crew will begin removing the old tiles and dispose of them. Once it's all removed, they'll ensure the framing is in good condition before installing the appropriate underlayment material—for Boca Raton, that means something waterproof to act as another barrier against tropical storms.

Finally, they'll start the tile installation, following the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a secure, durable roof.

Best Colors for Spanish Tile Roofs in Boca Raton, FL

Tile roofs come in an array of color options. There is no definitive color you should choose for your Boca Raton. However, it comes down to preferences.

Here are some ideas to help with your decision:

Match Your Home

One option is to choose a color that will match your home. If you have a brick house, you can choose a color that complements the brick’s red and brown. Alternatively, a darker color can be an excellent choice to add contrast if you have light-colored siding.

Select Color Combinations

Consider different color combinations that work well together.

Blue and gray homes pair well with dark gray and black roofing. Beige and tan homes collaborate with a more natural-toned tile roof, while white houses pair with darker roof colors.

Take these thoughts into consideration.

Mix Tile Colors

For a more unique look, consider mixing tile colors. This will create a more custom look to make your home stand out. Want to know how to do this? Use Brava Synthetic Tiles.

Brava's Synthetic Spanish Barrel Tiles: The Ultimate Choice

Brava Roofing Tile is a leading manufacturer of synthetic roofing, producing some of the highest-quality, realistic synthetic roofing materials on the market.

Our Spanish Barrel Tiles provide the perfect solution for those searching for a beautiful, durable tile roof, and Brava tiles offer numerous benefits. To name a few:

  • Class A Fire and Class 4 impact ratings—the highest rating products can earn.

  • The tiles can withstand winds up to 211 MPH with certain installation methods.

  • The tiles come in 13 standard color options, with each color varying between the tiles, creating a more realistic appearance.

  • Custom color options allow you to find the perfect color match for your home.

  • Advanced coloring technology ensures that the tiles are saturated with color, preventing fading, chipping, or flaking.

  • 50-year limited warranty

  • They can handle heat and moisture without mold or mildew concerns.

  • There is minimal expansion and contraction with temperature fluctuations.

  • The tiles are lightweight, eliminating weight concerns and making installation easier.

  • Brava tiles are easy to install; there is no need for specialist roofing companies or specialized tools.

  • Synthetic roofing is low maintenance; once you install a Brava roof, you only have to clean it occasionally.

  • Brava products are made using 100% recycled materials, reducing waste in landfills and allowing them to be recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

Brava’s Spanish Barrel Tiles in Action

More Boca Raton, Florida, residents are learning the value of synthetic roofing, and Brava has gone onto the roofs of many homes, with our Spanish Barrel Tiles being the most popular choice.

Here are some examples of roofing projects using our Spanish barrel tiles:

1. Waterfront Home with Medium Brown Tiles

The homeowner of this grand waterfront home chose to maintain a very natural-toned color story on their home's exterior, with brown brick accents and brown siding, and the darker roof tiles in Brava’s “Black Brown Blend” tiles. The lighter tones in the tiles draw from the siding, and the darker ones help add contrast, creating the perfect combination.

2. A Brownish Red Tile Roof

Much like the first homeowner, this one chose to keep things neutral. Brava’s “New Aged Terra Cotta” tiles are a deep brown with reddish hues that offer a hint of color, while otherwise maintaining a brown exterior. Instead of making the house appear dull, the darker tiles help to brighten the beige stucco.

3. A Classic Clay Color

This homeowner chose to go with a traditional color option commonly associated with natural clay tiles. “Tuscan Clay” is a reddish-brown tile, and it helps to brighten the cream-colored siding.

4. Red and Gray Tiles

“Mediterranean” is a unique tile option that is predominantly a reddish-brown, with dark gray, nearly black, and white coloring on some of the tiles. It pairs well with the natural, cream colored siding and ties together with the black gutters and downspouts.

5. A Vibrant Community

This apartment community opted for fun, vibrant “Cool Terra Cotta” roofs, which brighten the cream siding. This color isn’t just a vibrant option, the “Cool” in the name refers to it being one of Brava’s “Cool Roof” colors, which reflect more UV rays, keeping indoor temperatures comfortable and lessening the stress on cooling systems.

6. A Blend of Colors

As mentioned before, one option when it comes to roof tile colors is to blend color options. This is what this homeowner did, choosing to blend Brava’s two cool roof options: “Cool Terra Cotta” and “Cool French Clay.” The combination creates a mixture of lighter brown and red house with darker browns scattered randomly throughout.

Build Spanish Tile Roofing in Boca Raton, FL with Brava

Spanish tile roofing is a popular choice for homes in Boca Raton, Florida. While most immediately think of clay tiles for these roofs, there are many possible materials.

Synthetic roofing is becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking for Spanish tile, slate, and cedar shake roofing. Brava is a top brand, offering beautiful synthetic roofing that is realistic in appearance and has all the benefits of traditional materials, without the drawbacks.

Contact Brava today to learn more about our Spanish Barrel Tiles in Boca Raton—including our other roofing options we have available.