Installing A Spanish Tile Roof On Your Home

Roofing Tips

Spanish Tile Roof

South Florida is famous for the variation of its architecture from the modern high-rises along the coastline, mid-20th century bungalow dwellings, to the Spanish colonial revival. In this article, we’ll discuss the origins of the Spanish tile roof and the benefits of installing one for your South Florida home.

A Brief History of Spanish Tile

The clay tile roof has origins in two parts of the world – beginning in China during the Neolithic Age (10,000 B.C.) and the Middle East. Clay tile found its way through Asian and European trade routes and, with colonization, into the New World by the 16th century. The application and use of clay tile today can be seen in the famous architecture of St. Augustine, Florida, the Jesuit missions of California, to the colonial cities of Central and South America.

The Benefits and Cost of a Spanish Style Roof

There are several types of clay tiles: the Spanish-style pantiles are made in a convex or rounded shape. The Barren Mission-style is more straight and tapered, similar to the Greek and Italian styles. Flat shingle is another style which is manufactured similar to roof slates, that can overlap with one another, or be attached with nails at roof sheathing. Some flat clay shingle designs can interlock at the top or side. Shingle tiles tend to have a slightly higher and more contoured profile.

The additional benefits of clay tile are that the material is rot, fire, and insect-resistant. In the roofing industry, clay tile has an A-class rating for weather resistance and longevity. Because of clay’s natural insulation, you save on energy costs keeping your home cooler during the hot Florida summer. You can expect to budget between $25,000 and $50,000 for a Spanish-style roof installation, although this can vary depending on the slope and pitch of your roof. On average, clay tiles cost between $10 to $20 per square foot.

Prior to installation, corrosion-resistant metal (for example, copper or lead) should be installed at gutters, flashes, and valleys. The standard is to use a #26 gauge (20-24 ounce) which extends a minimum of 12″ (30.5cm) beneath the tile from the edge. Depending on slope and pitch, your roof may require different gauge metal and extension. Consult with your contractor and ABC roofing technician for the best layout that suits your needs.

The popularity and use of ceramic tile in South Florida are seen as both aesthetic and practical, particularly the pantiles style. The convex shape helps divert rain run-off and ceramic is more heat and humidity resistant. Modern roofing standards require that tiles be placed on top of solid, wood sheathing, at a minimum of 30 lb. base sheets, or single-ply membranes. This practice ensures water-tightness underneath and between the tiles. Copper nails are also used for attached and interlocking shingle tiles since copper is a high quality, corrosion-resistant metal.

Installing a Spanish-style roof may not be the most cost-effective choice, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. A professional, high-quality, and well-maintained clay tile roof installation can have a lifespan of up to 50 years. The investment in a clay tile roof increases the market value of your home, reduces energy costs, and contributes to the aesthetic beauty of your home and neighborhood.

The Professionals

Contact ABC Roofing Corp directly for a free quote. A technician can guide you through the best quality clay tile available and how to keep your project on budget. If you’re simply in need of repairing a section, ABC Roofing has some money-saving coupons to help with your next roofing project, just present at the time of estimate. Serving South Florida residents from Jupiter to South Miami Dade.

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