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A History of Metal Victorian Roof Shingles & Sheet Metal Tiles

The history of Spanish style roofing is characterized by gorgeous tiles used to create texture, color and detail where plain shingles would otherwise be drab and unappealing. Today, Spanish style roofing options are more popular than ever and bring in exciting design elements that can add class to any home or historic structure.

History

In Spain, mosaic tiles have been used for hundreds of years in the construction of palaces, cathedrals and more to create artistic and dynamic looks on walls, roofs, floors and more. In more modern history, the Spanish style roof earned its place among contemporary builders starting in Florida, where ceramic tiles were overlaid with one another to create water channels and provide a bright option that stood out from dark, flat asphalt shingles. Over time, underlayment and structural improvements have been made to improve the durability and service life of Spanish style roofing tiles and new technologies have allowed for metal and synthetic materials to replicate the appearance without the fragile nature of traditional ceramics.

Materials

Today, it is possible to create a Spanish style roof that is made of ceramic or concrete tiles or sheet metal rolled to look like tiles. Ceramic and concrete options can now be dyed in a wide range of colors from deep oranges and bright reds to luscious greens. The use of pigment powders in the making of the ceramics has kept Spanish style roofs trending as more people explore colors and patterns that reflect heat and add curb appeal. Today these tiles come with a number of structural improvements that allow them to be more easily installed and replaced than their predecessors, so it is easier to fix tiles that are broken in storms and prevent tiles from pulling up under high wind conditions. This added durability is a huge improvement for fans of Spanish construction.

In addition, some companies have begun offering Spanish style roofs made out of copper and other sheet metal options for even more durability. These options are lighter weight, longer lasting, and offer even more reflective properties than ceramic or concrete. Plus, most sheet metal roofing is designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof for many years to come. The addition of a Spanish style roof to your home or historic property can be just the thing you need to add value and beauty for both the short and long term.

Heather & Little provides numerous options for Spanish style roofing and other roof materials for homeowners across America. Our unique copper Spanish tiles are just one way for you to add a bit of flare to your home or building. For more information about the history of the Spanish style roof or about our roofing options or sheet metal work, visit Heather & Little online or call today for a consultation.

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And if you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, we’re here for that too. Tackling tricky challenges is our specialty and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting advice, with the same exacting attention to detail we bring to all our commissions.
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