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Why Spanish Tile Roofing is so Common in Hot Climates

28 May 2020 by Leslie Turner

Drive down any street in a hot coastal town, and you'll notice something about the houses: they mostly have Spanish tile roofs. What is it about these orange-red tiles that makes them so common in hot environments? Is it just their color, which evokes feelings of warmth and summer? Actually, it's more than that. Here are a few reasons why Spanish Tile Roofing is a great choice for homes in hot climates.

They reflect sunshine

The surface of the tiles is polished just enough to make it somewhat reflective without making it outright shiny. Why is reflection so important? Well, the more heat the roof reflects, the less heat gets absorbed through the roof. This leads to lower air conditioning bills and a cooler house in the summer — something that's really important in a hot climate.

They're good insulators

In addition to reflecting sunshine, Spanish tiles resist the transfer of heat. The outer surfaces can get warm without too much of that heat passing through to the side of the tile that's directly against the home. This further aids in keeping the home cool.

They don't become brittle in the heat

A lot of roofing materials, including shingles and cedar shakes, can become brittle due to over-exposure to heat. This might not happen overnight, but it happens slowly over time. Spanish tiles are made to be heat-resistant, so they are no more likely to crack after 20 years in the hot sun than when they're first installed. This makes the tiles incredibly durable, a tile roof can last 50 or even 100 years.

They withstand long periods of rain

Many areas with hot climates also suffer prolonged rainy periods. This can be tough on other types of roofing, which are designed to withstand a few rainy days, but not a month straight of heavy rainfall. Tile is incredibly water-resistant and won't leak, mold, or start distorting in response to the rain. It is important to have your tile roof looked over and have any cracked tiles replaced every few years, but one or two cracked tiles won't typically lead to a leak.

If you own a home in a hot climate, resist the urge to set your home apart with a creative roofing option. There's a good reason — actually, a lot of good reasons — why your neighbors all have Spanish tile roofs. They're perfect for this climate, you simply can't do any better.

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