Skip to content 
Materials - ROOFING TYPES
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay Tile Roofing 101:
Discover Benefits For Colorado’s Climate
Colorado’s distinctive climate, characterized by sun, snow, wind, and hail—often within a single day—demands robust roofing materials. Clay tile roofs are an excellent solution due to their remarkable resilience against these diverse elements. Their high thermal resistance helps maintain stable interior temperatures throughout the year, and their natural fire resistance offers added security during dry summer months.
Commonly found in Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, or mission-style architecture, clay tiles flawlessly enhance these design aesthetics, offering both practicality and visual appeal.
Benefits of Clay Tile Roofing
No one wants a roof collapsing on their heads, and clay tile roofs are built to last. From energy savings to superior weather resistance, clay tiles offer a combination of performance and aesthetics that’s hard to beat. Here’s why so many Colorado homeowners choose clay over other roofing materials.
- Longevity
Clay tile roofs can last 50 to 100+ years when properly installed and maintained.
- Energy Efficiency
Clay’s natural insulating properties reduce heat transfer into your attic, lowering your cooling costs in Denver’s hot summers.
- Fire Resistance
Clay tile offers Class A fire protection as a non-combustible material, an advantage in Colorado’s dry seasons.
- Low Maintenance
Clay doesn’t rot, warp, or attract insects. Individual tiles are easy to replace if damaged, making overall upkeep straightforward.
- Weather Durability
Clay tiles stand firm against snow, hail, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles. Their shape allows snow to shed efficiently, reducing structural load.
Clay Tile Roof Styles and Color Options
The most popular clay tile profiles used throughout the Denver area:
Spanish / Mission Style
Also known as S-tiles, these interlocking curved tiles form a distinctive ripple pattern across the roof. They create beautiful shadow lines that enhance curb appeal and are a classic choice for Mediterranean and Southwestern homes.
Flat / Slate Style
These rectangular tiles have a smooth, flat profile and offer a cleaner, more contemporary look. They’re perfect for modern builds or homeowners who want the durability of clay without the traditional curves.
Barrel Style
Barrel tiles are characterized by their large, rounded shape, which creates a prominent, undulating design. Their elevated arch produces deep shadow lines, contributing to a dramatic visual effect that complements high-end properties.
Popular colors in Denver
Colorado’s mix of sunshine, snow, and high altitude demands colorfast roofing. Luckily, clay tiles are naturally pigmented and kiln-fired, meaning the color goes deep and won’t peel or fade over time.
Clay tiles retain their look for decades with minimal maintenance, which is why they have existed for so long. Homeowners can select colors that align with HOA guidelines, local design trends, or personal taste, all while enjoying the peace of mind that their roof’s appearance will age gracefully.
- Terracotta
The timeless reddish-orange hue, ideal for Spanish and mission-style homes
- Sandstone
A warm, neutral beige that works beautifully with natural stone and stucco exteriors
- Charcoal
A sophisticated dark gray that adds contrast and modern flair
- Antique Red
A deeper, earthier take on terracotta for a more aged, rustic appearance
- Multi-blend Tones
Multi-blend tones – Custom color mixes that combine two or more shades for a textured, variegated
Clay vs. Concrete vs. Asphalt: What’s the Difference?
When choosing a roofing material, it helps to compare your top options side by side. Clay, concrete, and asphalt each offer unique benefits in terms of cost, longevity, and structural requirements. The chart highlights how these materials stack up for Colorado homeowners.
Repainting, Sealing, and Long-Term Care
Most clay tile roofs don’t require painting, but glazed tiles offer sheen and color options. Sealing isn’t typically necessary unless you want added moss or moisture resistance. We advise annual inspections and occasional power-washing with care.
Clay Tile Roofing in Historic & High-end Denver Neighborhoods
Clay tile roofing is a design signature in some of the city’s most prestigious and historic communities and can be seen while driving around the area. Notice the red-tiled rooftops of Boulder’s Mapleton Hill or the architecture of Denver neighborhoods like Belcaro, Montclair, and Hilltop. Clay tile adds timeless appeal while preserving a home’s character.
These areas often fall under strict design or preservation guidelines, so clay tile roofing can be a big plus, as it looks elegant and timeless. In historic Denver districts, roofing updates must maintain visual consistency with original materials and architectural periods. HOA-regulated communities may require pre-approval for roofing projects, especially regarding color, profile, or finish. And in luxury real estate markets, clay tile is often the preferred material for its premium look, long-term durability, and resale value.
At Forest Roofs, we understand these landmark neighborhoods like no one else in Denver. Our team is experienced in:
- Replacing old clay tile roofs while preserving historical accuracy
- Custom-matching tile colors and shapes for additions or partial replacements
- Managing permitting, HOA submissions, and historic board reviews
- Respecting local guidelines while delivering modern performance and energy efficiency