Spanish barrel tiles are a Florida classic. Also called mission tiles, these tiles were first popularized in North America by Spanish churches. Now, centuries later, Floridians still love the look of these rounded roofing tiles. But with new metal barrel tile roofing making waves on the market, there is a way to keep the classic aesthetic and combine it with modern roofing technology.
But are metal barrel tiles a good idea for structures in Florida? And what should you know before investing in a metal tile roof? We’re PITCH Roofing, and we’re just the local roofers to answer these questions and any others you could have about metal tile roofing. Keep reading for our full breakdown of barrel tile roofs made from metal!
Metal Barrel Tile Roofing vs. Clay Tile
| Feature | Metal Barrel Tile Roofing | Traditional Clay Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 40–70 Years (High Durability) |
50–100 Years (Maximum Longevity) |
| Wind Resistance | 160+ MPH (Hurricane Rated) |
High (Heavy Weight Stability) |
| Aesthetic Versatility | Unlimited (Paintable in Any Color) |
Limited (Earth Tones Only) |
| Installation Method | Streamlined (Secure Sheet System) |
Labor Intensive (Individual Tiles) |
| Cost Range | $8 – $20 per sq. ft. | Varies Significantly (Higher Labor Costs) |
What Are Metal Barrel Tile Roofs and How Do They Work?
Metal barrel tile roofing shares some similarities to roofing with clay barrel tiles, but there are also crucial differences. In terms of similarities, both options offer a roof that’s made using the classic look of barrel tiles. These tiles got their name from the comparison to a barrel cut in half vertically, since each tile looks like the rounded half of a barrel. Because of their shape and overlapping installation, they help water move easily off your roof.
Where these roofs differ is in installation techniques. A traditional clay tile roof sees each tile installed individually over wooden trusses. Metal barrel tile roofing, on the other hand, is more streamlined. Tiles come in rows of metal roofing sheets, which contractors then drill down into place during installation.
This covers the essential premise behind a metal barrel tile roof. But how do these roofs perform in humid, hurricane-prone Florida? To answer this question, we’re going to look at all of the essential factors that you want to consider before committing to a metal tile roof replacement.
The “Hidden” Sheet Advantage
Love the mission-style look but hate the weight? Modern metal barrel tile roofing often comes in pre-formed sheets rather than individual tiles. This mimics the classic Spanish aesthetic you love while creating a lighter, more secure system that puts less stress on your home’s structure.
Aesthetics and Style
The look of barrel tiles has been highly sought after in Florida for centuries. So it stands to reason that when investing in metal barrel tile roofing, you want to make sure you’re still getting the timeless style that Floridians know and love. Well, good news: metal barrel tiles look just like clay barrel tiles. In fact, many homeowners struggle to tell the two apart!
Metal barrel tiles also come with some advantages over traditional clay tiles. With clay, you’re limited to the natural colors that clay comes in — reds and earth tones. With metal, however, many more options are available to you. Since metal roofs can be painted, you can get a tile roof in virtually any color you could imagine!
Coastal Rust Protection
Living on the Florida coast? While metal barrel tile roofing is typically made from galvanized steel, we recommend upgrading to aluminum for oceanfront properties. Aluminum offers 100% rust resistance, ensuring your barrel tile look stays pristine in salt air.
Roof Durability
If you want a roof that’s ready for the worst that Florida’s weather patterns can dish out, then there’s no better option than metal roofing. Metal roofs routinely resist winds up to 160 mph or more. While there is no way to guarantee that your roof will withstand a hurricane, metal roofs certainly give your property the best odds of standing strong.
Rust is a common concern that homeowners have when considering metal barrel tile roofing. Thankfully, however, rust is not a major concern for metal tile roofs. Steel is vulnerable to rust, which is why contractors generally use galvanized steel or Galvalume steel to protect against corrosion. If you really want to ensure 100% rust resistance, though, aluminum barrel tiles are the way to go.
Metal roofs stand up well to other Florida roof killers as well. From UV rays to mold to dents from storm debris, metal tiles are an excellent way to get your roof Florida-ready!
Longevity & Lifespan
Frankly, it’s hard to compete with clay tile roofing when it comes to longevity. Clay roofing tiles last for around 50 years on average. However, in truly exceptional circumstances and with diligent maintenance, they have been known to stay strong for 100 years or more.
While metal barrel tile roofs can’t last for 100 years, they can certainly hold up for a long time. Metal roofs last for 40-70 years on average, and metal tiles are no different. Despite being much more lightweight than clay tiles, you can expect your metal roofing tiles to last for a long time after installation!
Roof Replacement Costs
At PITCH, we understand that price is always an important factor in deciding what kind of new roof is right for your home or commercial property. While we don’t think that price should be the end-all-be-all, it’s reasonable to want to know how much your new roof will cost.
Calculating roof costs can be tricky, though. Let’s take metal barrel tile roofing, for example. How much your roof costs will depend on the brand of tiles you pick, the costs to transport them to your location, and the roofers you pick — and that’s all before considering unique roofing factors like chimneys or skylights. With all of these variables, it’s impossible to say how much a roof will cost without examining your roof ourselves.
We can still give you a price range for metal barrel tile roofing, however. Metal barrel tiles tend to cost between $8 and $20 per square foot. While this is far from a budget roofing system, it’s also well worth the up-front costs. Many homeowners think of metal tile roofs as investments in their properties, especially with the great curb appeal and longevity that metal barrel tiles can offer!
FAQs About Metal Barrel Tile Roofing
Metal barrel tile roofing typically costs between $8 and $20 per square foot. This price range varies based on the specific brand, color options, and the complexity of your roof (such as skylights or steep pitches).
Yes. High-quality metal barrel tile roofing is designed to replicate the classic Spanish “Mission” style so closely that it is often indistinguishable from clay. The main advantage is that metal tiles can be painted any color, whereas clay is limited to natural earth tones.
You can expect metal barrel tile roofing to last between 40 and 70 years on average. While traditional clay may last longer, metal offers superior resistance to cracking and is significantly lighter on your home’s structure.
Metal roofs are among the most wind-resistant options available. Metal barrel tile roofing systems are engineered to withstand wind speeds of 160 mph or more, offering excellent protection against Florida’s tropical storms and hurricanes.
Get a Free Estimate for Metal Barrel Tile Roofing
Metal barrel tile roofs have only gained in popularity in recent years, and we see no reason for this trend to stop. With great looks, durability, and return on investment, these roofs have a lot to offer Floridians. If you want to see if metal roofing tiles are a good fit for your home or business, all you need to do is start collecting roof replacement quotes.
At PITCH, we make it easy to find out how much your new roof could cost. Just call us at (727) 496-8498 or schedule your free estimate online! We’ll personally inspect your roof, discuss your options with you, and then prepare estimates for any materials or styles of roofing that you’re interested in. This is the best way to compare your options apples to apples!
Metal barrel tile roofing is an exciting new roofing technology that you won’t want to miss out on. If you think this could be the roof for you, reach out to the experienced Florida roofers at PITCH. As veteran Florida roofers, we have the expertise and skills to make sure the job is done right the first time!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
