Spanish architecture was heavily influenced by that of Rome, which in turn had adopted much of its style from Greece. In addition, Greeks founded colonies in many parts of the Iberian peninsula; the modern city of Valencia was one such colony. For this reason, Spanish clay roof tiles roof tiles are very popular in many parts of the word. You are most likely to find Spanish roof tiles in places like Southern California and Florida in addition to Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Origins of Spanish Clay Roof Tiles

Terra cotta roofing tiles appear to have originated in many different parts of the world between three and four thousand years ago. These were regions in the world's drier, warmer climates, such as Egypt, the Indus Valley in Pakistan, and of course, the Mediterranean. The Greeks have had a tremendous influence on Mediterranean roof tiles, as this culture spread as far as Britain in the west and India in the east. During the Roman period, terra cotta roofing tiles could be found in almost every province. Iberia was one of the gems in the Roman imperial diadem; as a result, Spanish roof tiles retain a great deal of similarity to the terra cotta roofing tiles used by wealthy patricians of the Roman Empire.

Centuries later, when Spain was an imperial power in her own right, settlers and merchants who followed the conquistadores carried these Mediterranean roof tiles all over the world. Today, fine examples of Spanish clay roof tiles can be found in New Orleans, St. Augustine, Southern California and anywhere else that the Spaniards settled between 1500 and 1800.

The Manufacturing of Spanish Clay Roof Tiles

In many ways,  Spanish roof tiles are like a piece of fine ceramic pottery; the materials are very similar. However, it is extremely difficult to make these roof tiles individually, by hand. The reason is that they must fit together and interlock in place when they are installed. To insure uniformity, molds are created and the clay is poured into these. They are removed once they have dried, and then are kiln-fired at extremely hot temperatures in order to make them hard and durable. Clay-tile roofs can last for over one hundred years with only minimal maintenance.

Different Types

Originally, only homes located in Mediterranean climates could have Spanish clay roof tiles installed. Although quite durable, this material is not normally suitable for cold, rainy and snowy climates. However, today Spanish clay  roof tiles can be treated to stand up to harsh winter weather. These roofing materials are made in three grades; Grade One can last for many years of Montana winters, whereas Grade 3 is suitable only for the Southwest.