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Tile profiles

Barrel Tile vs Flat Tile Roof: What Is the Difference in Florida?

In a barrel tile vs flat tile roof, barrel tile is curved like a half pipe or an S, while flat tile has a rise of one half inch or less. Both follow the same Florida attachment rules. Leaks and wind damage come more from underlayment, flashings and attachment than shape, and repairs must match your tile's profile.

By Josh Hildebrand, owner of Coastline Roofing · Florida license CCC1331076 ·

Spanish, S-tile, Mission, flat and low profile all describe tile shape. Here is what the words mean and which differences really matter on a Florida roof.

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The basics

What is the difference between barrel tile and flat tile?

Barrel tile is curved, like a half pipe or an S. Flat tile is nearly flat. The Florida installation manual separates them by how much the tile rises off the roof.

You will hear many words for tile shapes: Spanish, S-tile, Mission, barrel, flat, low profile. They all come down to one thing, which is how tall the tile stands. The FRSA-TRI Florida High Wind Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual sets the terms. Flat or low profile tile has a rise (the height of the top surface) of one half inch or less. Medium profile tile rises more than a half inch but stays low for its width. High profile tile has a larger rise for its width and is the classic curved barrel look.

Barrel comes in two forms. An S-tile is one piece that has both curves in it. Ludowici, a clay tile maker, makes Spanish tile with a pan portion built in. A two-piece Mission barrel is installed as pan tiles (the low channel) and cover tiles (the curved cap over the seam), as Ludowici's manual shows. Eagle Roofing, a concrete tile maker, sorts its concrete tile into flat, medium and high profile groups.

Who it affects: anyone replacing a roof, matching a repair or buying a home with tile. When it matters: when you pick a new roof, or when a roofer says the tile on your house is no longer made. Where: anywhere in Florida with a tile roof, and the rules in this guide apply statewide. For a wider look at materials, see our concrete versus clay roof tile guide.

Not sure what profile your tile is?

Josh usually flies a drone over a tile roof first, so the written photo report can show the shape, the color and any cracked or slipped tile. Coastline Roofing works all over Florida (license CCC1331076).

Call (941) 896-7793 or text your town and a photo.

Side by side

Barrel tile vs flat tile roof: how do they compare?

They differ in height, look and how many pieces go on a roof. They share the same Florida attachment rules and the same underlayment needs.

Barrel tile and flat tile compared using the FRSA-TRI manual and tile maker manuals
FeatureBarrel tile (high profile)Flat or low profile tile
Rise of the tileTall curved shapeOne half inch or less (FRSA-TRI definition)
How it is builtS-tile in one piece, or two-piece pan and cover (Ludowici)One piece with a flat top
Pieces per square (100 square feet)Ludowici lists 171 for its 13 1/4 inch Spanish tile and 225 for its 14 1/4 inch Mission barrelVaries by tile. Eagle lists about 88 tiles per square for its profiles
Weight per squareLudowici barrel: 800 to over 1,250 pounds depending on type and sizeDepends on the tile. Eagle's standard weight concrete profiles list 900 to 970 pounds
Layout rulesStraight bond or staggered layouts allowedFRSA-TRI says straight bond is not recommended for flat or low profile tile
Attachment in FloridaMechanical, foam adhesive or mortarSame three, same manual
Minimum slopeLudowici: 4:12 for Spanish and 5:12 for Mission clay tileFRSA-TRI manual covers tile down to 2:12 with adhesive set systems and specific underlayment

The slope row needs care. The Florida manual describes how to build a tile roof at several slopes. A tile maker's own minimum may be steeper, and the maker's instructions control the warranty and the product approval. Slope is written as rise over run, so 4:12 means 4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run.

Weight depends on the exact tile, not only the shape. Do not assume flat means light or barrel means heavy. Ask the roofer for the weight per square of the tile on the quote, and ask whether the structure was checked. The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRI Alliance) says the roof structure must support the weight of tile.

What matters

Which shape leaks more, handles wind better or costs more?

The sources point to workmanship, underlayment and attachment more than shape. Here is what we could confirm.

Leaks

We found no source that says one profile leaks more. Ludowici says most problems on tile roofs come from water moving through the joints by capillary action and wind driven rain, which is why the underlayment under any profile matters. See tile roof underlayment replacement.

Wind

The FRSA-TRI manual says flat, medium and high profile tile must each be attached to resist the wind force worked out for the building, using the local code's design pressures. So the answer comes from the attachment and the building, not the label. Read foam set versus mortar set.

Walking on the roof

OSHA says tile roofs have unpredictable fall hazards, including surfaces that become slick when wet. The Florida Division of Emergency Management says not to walk on tile at all. We did not find a source that ranks profiles for safety. See walking on a tile roof.

Repairs and matching

Florida's code lets salvaged tile be reused for repairs only if it matches the original in both material and profile. A barrel tile cannot stand in for a flat tile. If your profile is no longer made, see discontinued roof tile.

Cost words on a quote

We do not quote prices here. Quotes may list piece counts, two-piece systems, weight and trim tile for hips and ridges. For the sizes it lists, Ludowici's chart shows two-piece Mission tile needs more pieces per square than Spanish tile. Compare line items using our tile roof cost guide.

Look and style

Barrel tile has a tall, curved look and flat tile has a lower, cleaner line. That is a matter of taste. The TRI Alliance says tile comes in a multitude of shapes, profiles and colors, so match the look to your home.

Edges and valleys

Where does the shape change the work on a roof?

The shape changes how a roofer handles eaves, rakes, valleys and layout. Those details are where tile roofs most often leak.

The FRSA-TRI manual sets one minimum for every profile: a 3 inch headlap (the overlap between one course of tile and the next) unless the tile design limits it. Beyond that, the details change with the shape. At the eaves, it lists metal, rubber, concrete, clay, mortar or raised fascia closures. A mortar closure must have weep holes, at least 3/8 inch wide and one per tile, so water can leave.

At valleys, the manual says it is not recommended to install trim tile in the valley and that lugs may need to be removed so cut tile sits right. Valleys can be open or closed, with or without water diverters (small metal ribs that steer water). At gable ends, rake tile or a flush finish changes the layout. Each choice affects the flashing under it.

These are the places to ask about when comparing bids, and the places a drone photo shows well. Water that gets past a tile edge goes to the underlayment, so good flashing and fresh underlayment matter for every profile. Our guides on valley leaks and what to do when a roof is leaking cover what to do if you see a stain.

How to choose

How do you choose between barrel and flat tile?

Start with what your roof already has, then match style, structure and how the tile will be attached. Ask your roofer to put those answers in writing.

  1. Find out what you have

    Look for the profile name on old paperwork or on the back of a spare tile. A drone photo report can show tile shape, color and condition without walking the roof. Josh usually flies a drone over a tile roof first.

  2. Repairing? Match the profile

    Since the code requires like kind in material and profile for reused tile, a repair stays with your existing shape. If the profile is discontinued, a roofer can look at options.

  3. Replacing? Think about the whole roof

    A new roof can use any profile, subject to the slope, the frame and local rules. Check the weight per square and ask whether the deck and trusses were reviewed.

  4. Ask how it will be held down

    Ask whether the roofer will use fasteners, foam or mortar, and which product approval applies. Ask how hips, ridges and eaves will be anchored.

  5. Compare quotes on equal terms

    Ask each bidder to list the tile, the underlayment, the flashings, the attachment method and the permit. Our guide to roofing price per square shows what a quote should include.

If you are weighing tile against other materials entirely, read metal versus tile and tile versus shingle. Coastline does tile roof repair and replacement and leak diagnosis.

Reviews

What homeowners say about working with Coastline

★★★★★
"From beginning to end the roof was done in 2 days. One night the crew stayed until 8:00. Each evening before leaving the crew ensured the yard was cleaned. We are so happy, and our roof is beautiful!"
Sharon T.Roof replacement
★★★★★
"Russell was great to work with. He was prompt in coming out to assess our roof and very knowledgeable. ... The job was complete in 2 days once work began."
Bryan S.Roof replacement
★★★★★
"Josh was especially amazing. He was professional, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly so I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers and takes pride in his work."
Madison T.Roofing customer
Keep reading

Related guides

Tile Roofing

Tile roof repair and replacement in Palmetto and nearby counties.

See our tile roofing →

Tile Roof Cost in Florida

What drives the price of a tile roof and what a quote should list.

Read the tile cost guide →

Matching Discontinued Roof Tiles

What to do when the profile on your roof is no longer made.

See your options →

Also see walking on a tile roof and cracked tile: repair or replace.

FAQ

More questions

Is barrel tile or flat tile better in hurricanes?

The FRSA-TRI manual says each profile must be attached to resist the wind force calculated for the building. It does not rank barrel above flat. Storm studies compared attachment methods, and mortar set did worst. Ask how tile, hips, ridges and eaves will be attached and which product approval applies.

Is flat tile lighter than barrel tile?

Not by rule. Weight depends on the exact tile and size. Ludowici says its barrel tile runs from 800 to over 1,250 pounds per square, and Eagle lists 900 to 970 pounds for several standard weight concrete profiles. Ask for the weight per square on your quote and whether the roof structure was reviewed.

Can I replace barrel tile with flat tile?

On a full replacement, usually yes, if the slope, structure and local rules allow it. On a repair, Florida's code lets salvaged tile be reused only if it matches the original in material and profile. Ask the building department and the tile maker's product approval.

Do barrel tile roofs need a steeper slope?

It depends on the maker. Ludowici's manual calls for at least 4:12 for its Spanish tile and 5:12 for Mission tile, and says no clay roof goes below 3:12. The FRSA-TRI manual covers tile down to 2:12 with adhesive set systems and specific underlayment. Follow the maker's instructions.

Which tile profile is easier to walk on?

We found no source that ranks profiles for walking. OSHA warns of unpredictable fall hazards on tile roofs, including slick surfaces when wet, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management says not to walk on tile. A drone inspection avoids both problems.

Sources

  1. FRSA and TRI Alliance: Florida High Wind Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual, 7th Edition (12/31/2023)
  2. Ludowici: Barrel Tile Installation Manual (Spanish and Mission tile)
  3. Eagle Roofing: Technical specifications for concrete roof tile
  4. Eagle Roofing: Lightweight concrete roof tile (flat, medium and high profile groups)
  5. Tile Roofing Industry Alliance: Why weight matters
  6. Tile Roofing Industry Alliance: Frequently asked questions
  7. OSHA: Reducing Falls During Residential Construction, Installing Tile Roofs (fact sheet)
  8. Florida Division of Emergency Management: Tile roofs guidance for homeowners
  9. Florida Building Commission: Declaratory Statement DS 2020-022 staff analysis (Existing Building Code 706.5)

Know what tile you have before you decide

Coastline can inspect your tile roof and send a written photo report that shows the tile shape, the edges and any problem spots, so you can plan a repair or replacement.

Call (941) 896-7793 Text (941) 345-0072
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