Between their sustainability, durability and versatility, clay tiles are one of the world's favorite building materials. They can be traced back in ancient China as early as 10,000 B.C. Today, clay tiles are a stylish and enduring roofing material. They call back to an old tradition while also adding elegance to any home or building.

If you're considering a clay tile roof, you may have already realized how many styles and colors you have to choose from. Learn more about the different designs available, and how clay tiles can create a custom roof you'll enjoy gazing at for years to come.

An Introduction to Types of Clay Roof Tiles

Clay is a versatile roofing material because it can be molded into many different shapes. So, it is ideal for curved, tapered or irregularly-shaped roofs. Because wet clay can be hand-sculpted to produce unique textures and shapes, clay tiles come in many different styles. While they go by many names in different regions, the four main styles are:

• Mission tiles: Known as the original barrel-style shingle, mission tiles alternate between concave pans and convex covers to form the roof layout. Mission tiles can be made from curved barrels on both the top and bottom tiles, or have curved covers and flat pans underneath. They are also referred to as "pan tiles" for this reason. Mission tiles are common in Italian, French and Spanish architecture and throughout the Southwestern United States. They can be laid in neat rows or mortar-boosted for a less polished, more rustic look. The curved covers create a distinctive roof texture with shadows that shift dramatically as the sun moves.

• Spanish tiles: Spanish tiles also produce a barrel shape. Instead of using covers and panels, Spanish tiles have an S-shape for a one-piece design that's less labor-intensive to install. Spanish tiles create a ripple effect along the roof, and cannot be staggered the way mission tiles can.

• French tiles: Lower profile than barrel tiles, French tiles feature two flutes per tile. These two prominent grooves offer superior drainage and a textured aesthetic with enhanced shadows. They have an interlocking design with tabs on the sides and top.

• Flat tiles: Flat tiles can be applied in two ways. Interlocking tiles feature a channel on one side and a lip on the other, so they lock into place like puzzle pieces. Flat roofing can also overlap one another to create a multidimensional pattern, similar to how roofers apply wood shakes.

Clay Barrel Tile Roofing

Traditional clay barrel tiles are semi-cylindrical. Mission-style barrel tiles are laid in an interlocking pattern, with flat or concave tiles forming a base and rounded convex tiles placed on top to create a rippled or ridged surface. The mission-style tiles get their name from the Spanish Missions, which used these curved tiles as a more waterproof replacement for earlier roofing materials.

An older variation of the barrel roof style is the imbrex and tegula tiles used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. This style of barrel tile featured a wide, flat or slightly curved under piece called the "tegula" and a more narrow, semi-cylindrical piece called the "imbrex," which would cover the upturned edges of the tegula. With their roots in ancient history, barrel clay tile roofs can be found throughout the Mediterranean today.

Spanish S-shaped barrel tiles date back hundreds of years Spain and were first introduced to American architecture in Florida. They are easier for roofers to lay than other types of barrel tiles since they come in a single shape.

Barrel tiles are popular throughout the U.S., especially the South and Southwest, for their unique texture. Whether a roof features alternating waves and troughs in the Mission style or tighter ribs in the Spanish style, it can call to mind traditional Mexican architecture, ancient Mediterranean shrines or Chinese and Japanese temples. Barrel tiles can also be stacked on top of one another to create more dimension and texture.

While the corrugated appearance gives roofs a unique look, barrel tile roofs have been popular throughout history and in contemporary architecture for their water resistance. When paired with a waterproof underlayment, the tiles provide channels excellent drainage. Another benefit of barrel-shaped tiles is the added texture can hide imperfections in the roof base. The trusses of a roof will naturally expand and contract with changing temperatures. While this settling doesn't affect a roof's structural integrity, it can create dips. Barrel tiles can hide these imperfections without the added cost of leveling the trusses before installation.

Clay Shingle types of Roof tiles

Clay shingles are flat tiles that have no barrel or S-shape to provide texture or drainage. Flat clay shingles are also referred to as "slabs" or "books." They are usually rectangular with a smooth surface, although they can also come in weathered or warped textures to achieve a more time-worn or handmade look. Flat clay shingles can be laid flat, like slate, or overlap one another, like shakes. They can also interlock on the top and on one side. While French tiles feature deep grooves, they are often classified by manufacturers as a form of flat interlocking tile.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, most American clay tile roofs featured flat, rectangular tiles. While these flat tiles were usually nailed down through two peg holes on one end, roofers would also use mortar between the overlapping rows to keep the roof in place during high winds.

With a robust history in America, flat tile roofs can be found on many of Chicago's famous bungalows. They were also one of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's favored building materials. One of his well-known designs, the Coonley Estate, features a red flat tile roof. Flat clay tile roofing systems can also be found on private residences, museums and national park buildings all over the U.S.

Shingle clay tile roofs offer a clean, crisp look that can complement historical architecture or add a sleek and distinguished look to modern homes and buildings. The style of application can change the characteristics of the roof significantly. Overlaying clay tiles, which often require overlapping up to half of the roof tile, results in a considerably heavier roof. Interlocking tiles are much lighter, so if your roof cannot support the weight of overlapping tiles, you can still achieve the clay shingle look with interlocking tiles.

Flat clay tile roofs can last over 100 years with proper care and maintenance. Since they are heavier than barrel-style tiles, they are even more resistant to high winds. They are also energy efficient. Since clay is a strong insulator, clay shingles help buildings regulate their indoor temperatures, putting less strain on HVAC systems. When laid by a professional roofer, flat clay shingles are practically impervious to water and leaks. Since they are flat, clay tiles are also ideal for creating patterns or mosaics in roofing designs.

Custom Clay Tile Roofing

With so many types of clay tile roofs available, every clay roof is one-of-a-kind. Besides barrel versus flat shapes, clay tiles offer many opportunities for customization. For example, they can be shaped to fit along a curved, domed or tapered roof. Some clay tile roofs feature scalloped, diamond or scale-shaped tiles for an even more unique look.

While many prefer the natural reddish-brown of terracotta, clay can also be glazed to create vibrant colors and match any aesthetic. One popular use of clay tile is to replicate the color and texture of slate or even wood. Many builders favor an earth-toned roof, while green and blue tiles are popular, more brightly-colored options. Clay can also create a mosaic or repeating pattern. A roofer can also employ slight variations in unglazed terracotta tiles to create a more dynamic or weathered look.

A custom clay roof can give a home character or restore a historical building to its former glory. As expert clay roofers who have worked on private residences, historical buildings and large commercial properties, we can recommend the best tile structure and design for your building's architectural style and your preferred aesthetics.

Contact Huber & Associates, an award-winning Florida Roofing Company

If you're interested in a clay tile roof for your home, historic building or unique property, work with the experts at Huber & Associates. We work with superior clay tiles for the sturdiest and longest-lasting roof possible. We are also a Ludowici Crown Roofer, which also allows us to carry the prestigious Ludowici Shield Warranty. We've created clay roof masterpieces for pitched, domed and circular roofs and can meet any of your design and installation needs with precision, creativity and care.

Contact us to begin discussing your custom clay roof today.