Mediterranean roof tile is quite ancient, dating back before the Mycenaean  Period of ancient Greece. Some of the earliest Mediterranean roof tiles found by archaeologists consist of fragments of terra cotta roofing tiles from a 4,000-year-old palace near the Peloponnese town of Lerna, some eighty kilometers southwest of Athens.

The Greeks ultimately founded colonies throughout the Mediterranean, establishing communities that still exist today, including the Italian cities of Naples and Syracuse as well as Marseilles, France and Valencia, Spain. It should come as no surprise then that Mediterranean roof tiles should be found throughout the region, though the exact style varies from one country to another. Because of multiple cultural influences throughout the centuries that included Celtiberians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors, Spanish roof tiles have a rather distinctive look.  Spanish clay roof tiles have also been carried to the New World, and are common throughout Latin America as well as former Spanish colonies in Florida, Louisiana, and the Southwestern U.S. It is not at all unusual to find Mission-style homes in Southern California that have such roofs installed; they are in fact very suited to the climate of this region.

Spanish clay roof tiles have a semi-circular shape, and are sometimes known as barrel roof tiles. In some styles of architecture, these barrel roof tiles are placed in alternating rows of convex and concave sides facing upwards. This can create some challenges if roof maintenance is required and workmen have to actually walk on the surface; fortunately, these roofs are very low-maintenance.

Remains of Mediterranean roof tiles that are thousands of years old are a testament to the durability of this material. A roof covered in kiln-fired barrel roof tiles is likely to last for a century or more. Such tiles are available for you to purchase today, but there are a few things to know.

First of all, keep in mind that Spanish clay roof tiles were designed for a warm, dry climate. If you live in a cooler, damp climate such as the Pacific Northwest or even a snowy climate, these tiles will have to be treated with special coatings in order to stand up to the ice and cold. Secondly, Spanish root tiles are considerably heavier than regular shingles. The design of the home should be able to withstand the extra weight.

These issues understood, Mediterranean roof tile makes a fine addition to any upscale custom home.  Mediterranean roof tile will add beauty and durability as well as value to your home, and require little maintainance.