02 Nov Spanish Tiles vs. Metal Roofing: Which Weathers the Storm Better?

While the 2022 hurricane season is finally winding down, it’s never too early to begin preparing for next year.

Perhaps you need to strengthen your existing roof. Or maybe you’re looking into how to repair the damage following recent tropical systems. In either case, there’s a fair chance that you’re looking into different roofing materials and how they perform under the stress of a storm.

Two top choices of homeowners? Spanish tiles and metal materials. So, let’s break it down to compare their strengths:

Seeking the Strength of Spanish Tiles in the Storm

If you have or want Spanish tiles for your roof, you’re in luck. This roofing material is not only beautiful and beloved on the First Coast, but it remains durable in the wake of hurricanes, too.

“Independent testing sponsored by TRI Alliance shows that with proper attachment, clay and concrete roof tiles can sustain winds in excess of 125 miles per hour that would strip off most other roofing materials,” according to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRI).

In other words, in terms of wind, a Spanish or clay tile roof could withstand a Major Category 3 hurricane, as rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

The only problem? You cannot account for debris, which will crack and damage the tiles at a high enough impact.

Muscling Through Hurricanes with Metal

Both metal and clay tiles post similar strengths:

• Resistant to rain and water damage
• Will not ignite when struck by lightning
• Are unlikely to be subject to mold or mildew growth
• And more

However, if you are looking for a material that is more impact-resistant in the wake of flying debris, then metal will prove more reliable. It is also more resilient in high-speed winds.

“Experience has shown that new metal roofs properly installed tend to survive high winds quite well,” the Florida Division of Emergency Management confirms. As a matter of fact, some metal roofing systems are known to stand up to Category 4 hurricanes with winds of up to 140 mph, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA).

In this regard, many homeowners may find metal roofing superior to Spanish tiling.

Calling for Help with Universal Roof & Contracting

Regardless of the roofing material you have — or would like to replace your current roof with — the team here at Universal Roof & Contracting has the knowledge, craftsmanship, and certifications necessary to get the job done!

From hurricane repair and recovery to total roof replacement projects, we’ve been trusted by local homeowners in Jacksonville and Central Florida for over 30 years!

Don’t wait for the storm to pass. Instead, proactively pursue your strongest Forever Roof yet with our team. Contact Universal Roof & Contracting today by dialing 1-855-ROOF-HELP to schedule your free roof inspection!

When you work with us, you’ll see how the difference is universal.