Metal Roofs that look like clay tile or barrel tile are very popular when compared to the real clay or barrel tile. With one-seventh the weight of a clay tile roof, a metal tile roof is a perfect option when it comes to roofing your home. You’ll get lower maintenance, increased energy benefits, Class 4 insurance discounts and a lifetime warranty. All of this comes without sacrificing the look of a tile roof.
Roof Weight: Metal Tile vs Clay Tile
Clay or barrel tile roofs weigh between 600-1000 pounds per square and most homes are not even built to support that much weight. The cost to add the necessary support beams is typically between $10,000-$15,000 dollars. On the other hand, aluminum metal tile weighs about 50 pounds per square and steel metal tile weighs about 150 pounds per square. Both can be installed over existing composition roofs, which makes them a perfect tile roofing option.
Metal Tile Roof Coatings
There are 2 main metal tile roof coatings.
- Kynar paint is a baked-on paint with a limited lifetime warranty. Unlike older paint coatings that would fade over time or crack during a hail storm, the Kynar paint coating withstands fading and hail damage.
- Stone coating is adhered to the steel to provide a textured look. The stone coating is made up of tiny granules, much like the granules you would find on a composition shingle roof. The granules can be impacted by hail damage and fall off over time due to the expansion and contraction of the metal tiles.
Metal Tile Roof Profiles
There are 3 main profiles to choose from.
Stone Coated Steel Decra Tile

Metal Type: Steel
Foam Insert: No
Fasteners: Hidden & Exposed Screws
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Learn more about Decra Tile
Stone Coated Steel Decra Villa Tile
Manufacturer: Decra
Metal Type: Steel
Foam Insert: No
Fasteners: Hidden & Exposed Screws
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Learn more about Decra Villa Tile
Grande Tile by Classic Metal Roofing Systems
Manufacturer: Classic Metal Roofing Systems
Metal Type: Aluminum
Foam Insert: No
Fasteners: Hidden & Exposed Screws
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Learn more about Decra Villa Tile
Installation Methods
- Batten System. The Decra Tile roofing system is installed on what is called a “batten system.” 2×2 furring strips are laid evenly across the roof deck to provide a board for the shingles to be screwed into. The screws are drilled at the top and bottom of the shingle to keep it in place.
- Direct to Deck. The Grande Tile and Villa Tile are installed direct to deck. The screws are drilled directly into the roof deck. Direct to deck is the preferred installation among roofing contractors.
Can a metal tile roof be installed over a composition shingle roof?
- Yes. The edge of the shingle roof is cut back and the drip edge is removed. High grade synthetic underlayment is installed and the metal tile shingles are installed directly on top of the composition roof.
Will the stone coated granules fall off over time?
- Yes. Hail, tree limbs, and other damage can cause the granules to fall off of the roof. This exposes the steel panels, but it would take a long time for the steel to rot.
Are the metal tile panels interlocking or overlapped?
- Unlike the aluminum shake panels that are 4-way interlocking, the metal tiles are overlapping panels.
Is Metal Tile Roofing a good choice?
- Metal tile roofs are going to last a long time. They are a much more sustainable option than the classic clay tile roofs. Over time, the increased energy benefits, insurance discounts and resale value will pay off.
Metal roofing provides long-term benefits that many other roofing systems can’t provide. To view our other metal profiles of shake, shingle, sheet metal, corrugated & Thermobond Powder Coating!