Exploring Types Of Roof Tile: The Best Manufacturer Offering Each Type

When it comes to roofing, we all know that there’s a classic roofing material that has graced thousands of homes for generations: shingles. However, in the ever-evolving world of home design and construction, many new homeowners and those embarking on a roof replacement journey are setting their sights on a newer, more stylish alternative: roof tiles.

The appeal of tile not only lies in its aesthetic charm, but also in its exceptional durability and versatility. But, as with any choice in the roofing industry, not all tiles are created equal. That’s where we come in.

In this blog post, I’ll describe the different types of roofing tiles on the market, each with its own unique set of advantages. I’ll also inform you of the best manufacturers for each type of tile, so you can decide if you want to purchase from that company.

#1 Clay Tiles

Let’s start with one of the popular types of roof tiles in Florida, clay roof tiles. Though clay tiles can now be painted with several different colors, they are known for their classic orange-reddish color. Clay tiles have been adorning roofs for centuries and for a good reason. They exude a classic, timeless elegance that can transform your home into a thing of beauty. 

Over the years, clay tiles have seen several developments: they have become heavier, their manufacturing has improved, and we have seen some exciting new style options such as curved tiles. Whether you’re aiming for the feel of a Mediterranean villa, or a contemporary aesthetic, clay tiles come in a variety of styles and colors to match your vision.

Here are some features of clay roof tiles: 

• Clay tile roofs can withstand the harsh weather conditions of Florida with ease. You can expect your tile roof to last for more than 50 years.
  
• Clay roof tiles naturally regulate temperature, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can lead to savings on your energy bills.
  
• You get plenty of options such as Spanish tile, French-shaped tile, and more.
  

Clay Tile Manufacturer

Ludowici Roofing

As a premier roofing manufacturer in the United States, Ludowici stands at the forefront of the industry. Not many have a name as famous as theirs when it comes to clay roofing.  The company offers a varied range of clay tile roofs, giving you an option to choose from over 40 distinct designs for your roof. All of their variants are made from the finest quality terra cotta clay available on today’s market. Situated in New Lexington, Ohio, Ludowici’s commitment to quality extends to their sourcing of locally available raw materials, ensuring not only superior craftsmanship but also a sustainable, eco-conscious approach. 

#2 Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are a popular roofing material known for their durability and versatility. This type of tile roof is composed of a mixture of cement, sand, and water, which is molded into various shapes and sizes. Unlike clay tiles, which are fired at high temperatures, concrete tiles are cured through a natural drying process. This results in a sturdy, low-maintenance roofing option that can also mimic the appearance of traditional clay tiles while often being more cost-effective.

So, if you are seeking a durable and budget-friendly roofing solution, often turn to concrete tiles. Here are some of its features: 

• Concrete roof tiles are heavy and quite durable, thanks to the presence of cement. This helps them to last longer, even in Florida’s climate. 
  
• Due to its thick composition, concrete tile roofs offer great sound and wind resistance. These types of concrete roof tiles are also fire-resistant. 
  
• Though they are more affordable than clay roof tiles their lifespan is a bit shorter than clay. 
  

Concrete Tile Manufacturer

Eagle Roofing Products: The Biggest Concrete Tile Roof Manufacturer

Founded three decades ago in 1989 by Robert Burlingame, Eagle Roofing Products stands as the premier American-founded and owned concrete roof tile manufacturer. The company’s headquarters and initial production facility are situated in Rialto, CA.

Eagle Roofing Products takes immense pride in serving the entirety of the United States and Canada. With a comprehensive product line featuring nine distinct profile options and over 100 stunning color varieties, Eagle continues to be a trusted name in the roofing industry, delivering excellence in both quality and craftsmanship.

#3 Wood Shake Tiles

Wood shake tiles are the favored choice for many homeowners, not only in Florida but throughout America. These tiles are crafted from natural cedar and offer an authentic and warm aesthetic that complements various architectural styles. 

With their exceptional durability, they provide longevity and peace of mind by standing strong against the elements. Their sustainable origin aligns with eco-conscious living, and meticulous craftsmanship ensures the quality of each tile. Wood shake tiles, as an eco-friendly roofing solution, serve as a testament to both aesthetic appeal and responsible environmental practices, making them an ideal choice for those who value both style and sustainability.

Key Features:

• Wood shake tiles offer an authentic, rustic appearance that enhances curb appeal.
  
• Resistant to weather and pests, these tiles provide long-lasting protection.
  
• Sourced from renewable cedar, wood shake tiles are an eco-friendly choice.
  

#4 Metal Tiles 

Regardless if they’re metal panels or metal tiles, both styles are popular choices when it comes to choosing a roofing material in Florida.  

Metal tiles, just like panels, are strong and durable, which means they can stand up to harsh weather like heavy rain and strong winds. Plus, they last a really long time, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them often. 

Here are some of the features of metal tiles:

• One of the best things about metal tiles is that they come in lots of different styles and colors, so you can pick the one that matches your house perfectly. 
  
• They’re also energy-efficient, which means they can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, potentially saving you money on your energy bills.
  
• Steel and aluminum are the most popular metals used to make roofing tiles.
  

Metal Roof Tile Manufacturers 

Many of the popular roofing manufacturers make metal tiles. Such as: 

DECRA^Ⓡ

DECRA is an industry leader when it comes to metal tile roofs. They’ve got a unique method for coating steel sheets with natural stone granules, which makes the roof look sturdy and beautiful. With this technique, they offer a bunch of different roofing styles, colors, and textures, so you can choose the perfect one for your project.

They have two popular ranges, the DECRA Tile and the DECRA Villa Tile. While the former is a classic, barrel-style Spanish tile, the latter has a scalloped design.  

McElroy Metal

Another popular manufacturer is McElroy Metal. A renowned company in the roofing industry celebrated for its innovation and dedication to quality. Among their exceptional offerings is the Met-Tile roofing panel, a true masterpiece in roofing design. Met-Tile seamlessly marries the timeless appearance of ceramic tile roofing with the remarkable advantages and performance of metal roofing materials.

To know about other top companies, check out our blog post on the best metal roof manufacturers in Florida. 

#5 Slate Tiles 

Now let’s move on to the most premium type of roofing tile available on the market. A slate tile roof is one of the most beautiful, but also the most expensive among the types of roof tiles we discussed today on our list. Slate, as you may know, is a natural, fine-grained metamorphic rock that has beautiful color variations.  

These natural stone tiles have graced the roofs of historic buildings for centuries and continue to be a sought-after roofing material for both traditional and contemporary homes.  

Slate roof tiles are renowned for their elegance and aesthetic appeal. Their natural, earthy colors and textures add a touch of class and sophistication to any structure.
  

One of the most significant advantages of slate roof tiles is their remarkable durability. They have a lifespan that can exceed a century. 

Slate roof tiles require minimal maintenance. They are naturally waterproof and do an excellent job of shedding water and resisting moisture.

Slate Roof Manufacturer 

American Slate: 

American Slate boasts over four decades of business expertise and has forged robust partnerships with over forty of the world’s premier quarries, establishing itself as a prominent and highly regarded supplier of natural slate, sandstone, limestone, and quartzite within the United States. 

The company is a subsidiary of Vermont Slate Company and offers a range of natural slate roofing products. Some of the most popular, and our favorite, include the likes of Riverstone, Cupa 3, and Cupa 14.   

#6 Composite Tiles 

Composite roof tiles are a modern roofing choice that blends the classic look of materials like clay or wood with strong and long-lasting performance. Composite tiles look just like traditional materials and are tough and durable. They come in different styles and colors, so you can pick the one that matches your home’s style. Whether you want the rustic look of wood, the timeless charm of slate, or the classic style of clay, composite tiles can give you the same appearance, usually at a lower cost than the original. Here are some of the features of these types of roof tiles. 

• Composite roof tiles are typically lightweight, making them easier to handle during installation. This feature can reduce installation time and labor costs.
  
• Composite roof tiles are also easier to install. Their lightweight nature makes them simpler for roofing professionals to work with.  
  
• One of the key features of composite types of tile roofs is their versatility. You will have more chances to get a style or color for your tile roof according to your preferences. The ability to customize this type of roof tile is favored by customers. 
  

Composite Tile Manufacturer: 

DaVinci Roofscapes

DaVinci Roofscapes leads the pack when it comes to composite roofing. The tiles made by this U.S.-based manufacturer excel at both performance and durability. Their synthetic range has the capability to outlast even the natural slate and cedar shake options available on the market. Their roofing products meet all the standards. They come with a Class A fire rating, Class 4 impact rating, and a sturdy 110 mph wind-resistance warranty.  

DaVinci’s commitment to safety and longevity is evident. However, the true brilliance of a DaVinci roof shines in its capacity to deliver enduring elegance and a consistent source of homeowner satisfaction.

#7 Solar Roof Tiles

Last, but also the most recent entrance of roof tile on the market is the solar roof tile.  

Solar roof tiles are a cutting-edge innovation in the world of renewable energy and roofing. These tiles seamlessly integrate solar panels into the roof, providing a dual purpose of shelter and energy generation. 

Here is how they work: The concept of solar roof tiles or shingles works by having small solar panels affixed to a tile. These cells have two layers with different electrical charges. When sunlight hits these cells, it generates electricity. 

 
The tiles work by harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity for your home. 

Back in the day, if you wanted to make the best use of solar energy, you would need to install hefty solar panels on your roof. However, due to integrations and advancements in technology, solar shingles and tiles have gained popularity. 

This can push you forward on your quest to achieve sustainability, however, since they are new they are quite expensive. 

 
Solar roof tiles have the following features: 

• Solar roof tiles capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. 
  
• This clean and renewable energy source can significantly reduce or even eliminate your reliance on traditional grid electricity. 
  
• The excess energy that is generated from the panels is transferred back to the grid and adds to your credit. 
  

Top Solar Roofing Tile Manufacturers

Tesla – Pioneering Solar Roofing Technology

When it comes to cutting-edge solar roof tiles in the United States, Tesla stands at the forefront of innovation. Tesla’s Solar Roof is a prime example of its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. These solar roofing tiles come with a 25-year warranty and 24/7 protection from outages.  

SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors- Your Trusted Tile Roofing Contractor

We hope that you are now more aware of the different types of tile roofs that are out there and will be able to make a decision that will best suit your home and needs. We are your trusted tile roof installers, dedicated to providing top-quality roofing solutions that stand the test of time. With a deep understanding of roof tile types and the diverse range of tile roofs available, we bring expertise, craftsmanship, and reliability to every project. Whether you’re drawn to the classic allure of clay tiles, the modernity of composite options, or any other type in between, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at (813) 400-3329 to speak with one of our expert team members.