Terracotta roof tiles have been around for a very long time—thousands of years, in fact. Their use dates back as far as 10,000 B.C. in ancient China and the Middle East. From there, they made their way to Europe, where people began using them to roof homes and buildings in coastal regions. Many of those same roofs are still standing today, a testament to how durable and lasting these tiles really are.
Eventually, terracotta tiles found their way to the United States, particularly in warm, sunny states like California, Arizona, and Florida. These days, they’re a key part of the architectural style in those areas. With their distinct reddish-orange color and classic shape, terracotta tiles offer more than just weather protection—they bring charm and character to homes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what terracotta tiles are, why homeowners love them, the downsides you should know about, and a couple of solid alternatives to consider if you want that same stylish look without the heavy cost and maintenance.
What Are Clay Tiles? How Are They Made?
Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay. The clay is shaped into tiles, dried, and then fired at extremely high temperatures in kilns—large ovens that harden the material. This baking process is what makes terracotta tiles so strong and long-lasting.
In modern manufacturing, these tiles are made by pressing or molding the clay into shape. Once they’re formed, the tiles are dried out to prevent cracks. Then they’re coated in a glaze that gives them a waterproof finish and often enhances their color. Finally, they’re fired in the kiln, where they develop their signature rich red or orange hue.
This careful process gives terracotta its durability and beautiful finish, making it a favorite for both practical and aesthetic reasons.
The Different Shapes and Styles of Clay Tiles
Terracotta tiles mainly come in two shapes: rounded and flat. Each shape has a few style options depending on the look you want for your home.
Barrel (Mission) Tiles: These are shaped like half-cylinders and are placed in an alternating pattern—one side curves upward, the next curves downward. They’re the traditional barrel style and offer a very classic Mediterranean or Spanish look.
Spanish Tiles: These are shaped more like an “S,” combining the upward and downward curve in one tile. This shape is easier to install than Mission tiles and offers a similar look with less effort.
Flat Tiles come in a few forms:
Standard Flat Tiles: These are, as the name suggests, flat. They can overlap or interlock depending on the design. Interlocking ones have lips on the sides that fit together for extra stability.
French Tiles: Similar to flat tiles but with ridges or “flutes” built in for better drainage and more texture. They tend to sit lower than barrel tiles but still give a nice decorative effect.
Choosing the right shape and style will depend on your roof’s structure, your home’s look, and your personal taste.
Benefits of Terracotta Roofing Tiles
Terracotta roof tiles are beloved for more than just their looks. When installed properly, they bring a lot of perks to homeowners.
Aesthetic Appeal
There’s no denying that terracotta roofs are beautiful. Their warm, earthy colors add an elegant touch to homes—especially those with Spanish, Mediterranean, or Tuscan architecture. But they’re also surprisingly versatile and pair well with many exterior finishes, from stucco to stone to wood siding.
Long-Term Durability
These tiles are built to last. When installed correctly and maintained over time, a terracotta tile roof can easily last 50 to 100 years or more. They stand up well to sun, wind, rain, and even hail. Unlike wood or asphalt shingles, they won’t rot or get chewed up by bugs.
Fire Resistant
Terracotta tiles are non-combustible, which means they don’t catch fire. They carry a Class A fire rating—the highest you can get. This makes them an especially smart choice in areas prone to wildfires or hot, dry weather.
Strong Against Impact
Although they can break if handled improperly, terracotta tiles are actually quite tough once installed. They’re rated to withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter, and depending on the type, they may carry a Class 3 or Class 4 impact rating (Class 4 being the highest level of impact protection).
Wind Resistance
These tiles are heavy—and while that’s sometimes a downside (more on that later), it also helps them resist high winds. Their weight, plus their curved design, allows them to stay in place during storms. In fact, many terracotta tile roofs can withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour.
Rot and Insect Resistance
Thanks to the glaze applied during manufacturing, terracotta tiles form a strong barrier against water. That makes them resistant to rot, mold, and mildew. They also don’t attract termites or insects, though gaps should be sealed to prevent small pests like wasps from nesting underneath.
Environmentally Friendly
Clay is a natural material, and terracotta tiles can often be recycled. That means fewer roofing materials end up in landfills. Plus, because they last so long, you won’t need to replace your roof nearly as often.
Energy Efficiency
Terracotta tiles naturally help regulate your home’s temperature. They provide great insulation, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This can help reduce how much you use your HVAC system and save you up to 20% on your energy bills.
Disadvantages of a Terracotta Tile Roof
Terracotta roofs come with a long list of benefits, but they’re not right for everyone. Here are the potential drawbacks you should be aware of:
Heavy Weight
Terracotta tiles are much heavier than other roofing materials—about 11 pounds per tile. That adds up to 600 to 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet of roof. Many homes need structural reinforcement before installation, which adds both time and cost to the project.
High Cost
Installing a terracotta roof isn’t cheap. You can expect to pay anywhere from $21,000 to $60,000 depending on your roof size, home location, and job complexity. That includes materials, labor, and removing your old roof. If your roof needs extra reinforcement or weatherproofing (like an ice dam barrier in colder regions), you’ll pay even more.
Fragility During Installation
While durable once installed, terracotta tiles are fragile to handle. They can crack or break easily if dropped or stepped on. For that reason, it's important to hire experienced installers who know how to work with these tiles carefully.
Underlayment Replacement
Beneath the tiles is an underlayment that adds extra moisture protection. The problem? These underlayments usually last only about 20 years. Replacing it means temporarily removing and reinstalling the tiles, which can cost upwards of $5,400 to $7,600 depending on your roof’s size and condition.
Maintenance Requirements
Even though terracotta roofs are often called “low maintenance,” they still need regular inspections. You’ll want to check for cracked or shifted tiles and keep an eye out for mold, algae, or plant growth. It’s a good idea to inspect the roof once a year and after big storms.
Not Ideal for Cold Climates
Rapid temperature changes can cause terracotta tiles to crack. That makes them a poor choice for places with cold winters or frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
Slope Limitations
These tiles aren’t suitable for all roof types. They work best on roofs with moderate slopes. For lower-sloped roofs, you’ll need double underlayment. For steep roofs, terracotta may be too heavy and risky to install.
Alternatives to Terracotta Roofing Tiles
If you love the look of terracotta but aren’t sold on the price or upkeep, you’re in luck. There are two great alternatives to consider.
Metal Roofing
If you like the appearance of terracotta tiles but want something lighter and easier to manage, metal roofing might be worth a look. Many metal roofing systems are now designed to mimic the curved, barrel-style look of terracotta, giving you a similar aesthetic with fewer complications.
One of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is its versatility. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, so you're not limited to the traditional terracotta red. Plus, it's incredibly lightweight—metal panels typically weigh between 50 and 150 pounds per 100 square feet, which is a fraction of what clay tiles weigh. Because of this, metal roofing doesn’t usually require additional reinforcement, making it a good option for homes that may not be able to support a heavier material.
Metal roofs also perform well in nearly every climate. They’re naturally resistant to water and UV rays, and they hold up well under extreme temperatures and weather conditions. With proper installation, a metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 100 years, depending on the specific type of metal used.
That said, metal roofing does have a few drawbacks. While it's durable, it can dent from hail or falling branches. It can also be noisier than other roofing materials, especially during heavy rain. Aesthetically, some homeowners feel metal roofs look a bit more industrial and less warm or traditional than clay tiles. Lastly, metal roofing—especially in styles that replicate barrel tiles—can still be pricey and may require specialized contractors for proper installation.
Concrete Roofing Tiles
Another excellent alternative to terracotta is concrete roofing tiles. These tiles can closely resemble the look of traditional clay, including the same warm, earthy tones and curved profiles, but they come with a lower price tag and often greater durability.
Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water, and they’re molded under high pressure to achieve their shape. They're known for their strength and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain. Some styles are even manufactured with color-through technology, helping the color resist fading over time.
In terms of longevity, concrete tiles typically last 50 years or more with proper maintenance. They're also fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly since they’re made from natural materials.
However, concrete tiles are heavy—often even heavier than terracotta. This means your roof structure may need reinforcement before installation, which can add to the total cost. They can also be prone to chipping or cracking under pressure if not handled carefully. But for many homeowners, the trade-off is worth it for the combination of style, strength, and cost-effectiveness.
Brava Tiles: A Smart Synthetic Alternative
Brava is a modern solution for homeowners who love the look of traditional terracotta but want something that’s more practical and easier to maintain. These tiles are made from recycled plastic and designed to closely resemble the shape, color, and texture of real terracotta tiles—without the downsides of weight, fragility, or climate limitations.
One of Brava’s standout features is its wide selection of colors. Homeowners can choose from 13 earthy shades, ranging from classic terracotta red to unique options like green, gray, black, and even white. And if none of those match your vision, custom color matching is available to get the exact look you want.
Unlike clay tiles, Brava’s synthetic tiles are much lighter, weighing only about 257 to 430 pounds per 100 square feet. This makes them easier to handle and install, even on steeply sloped or flat roofs. Their lightweight design doesn’t compromise strength, either—Brava tiles are incredibly tough. They’re fire-rated at Class A, impact-rated at Class 4 (the highest available), and wind-tested to withstand gusts between 188 and 211 mph. You also won’t have to worry about cracking, rotting, or mold, as these tiles are made to handle extreme weather without breaking down over time.
Maintenance is minimal. Aside from an occasional rinse to clear off dirt or debris, Brava tiles require very little attention. While they do come at a higher price than some roofing materials—ranging from about $1,100 to $1,800 per 100 square feet—they offer an excellent return on investment thanks to their durability and long lifespan. A Brava roof can easily last 50 years or longer with proper care.
If you're looking for a roof that captures the beauty of terracotta but adds modern performance and convenience, Brava is a reliable and eco-friendly alternative. It's a strong choice for homeowners who want timeless curb appeal without the traditional headaches of clay roofing.
Reach out to Brava to learn more and see how this innovative roofing option could be the perfect fit for your home.
