Choosing the Right Roofing Material in Colorado Springs: Why Homeowners Are Replacing Concrete Tile with Synthetic Spanish Barrel Tile
If you’re choosing the right roofing material in Colorado Springs, concrete and clay tile may seem like an obvious choice. They look beautiful. They feel premium. And for years, they’ve been associated with high-end homes.
But more and more homeowners in Colorado Springs are replacing their concrete tile roofs with something different — a synthetic Spanish barrel tile.
Why?
Because the climate in Colorado Springs is tough on traditional tile.
The Problem with Concrete and Clay Tile Roofs in Colorado Springs
Concrete and clay tiles perform differently in Colorado Springs than they do in dry, mild climates.
1. Freeze-Thaw Damage in Colorado Springs
Tile absorbs moisture. In Colorado Springs, we experience repeated freeze-thaw cycles — sometimes within the same 24 hours.
Water gets into the tile.
It freezes overnight.
It thaws during the day.
Then it freezes again.
Over time, this process makes tiles brittle. That’s why homeowners in Colorado Springs often see:
- Cracked tiles
- Broken corners
- Pieces sliding off roofs
- Leaks from deteriorated underlayment
If you’re dealing with leaks on a 25–30-year-old tile roof in Colorado Springs, the issue often isn’t just the tile — it’s the underlayment underneath it.
2. Weight and Structural Limitations
Concrete tile weighs 700–800 pounds per square, roughly double the weight of premium asphalt shingles.
Because of that:
- You can’t simply upgrade from shingles to tile without structural reinforcement.
- Walking on the roof requires precision.
- Repairs can cause additional breakage.
If you’re replacing a tile roof in Colorado Springs, this weight becomes an important factor when choosing the right roofing material for long-term performance.
3. Repair Challenges in the Colorado Springs Market
Tile styles and colors frequently go obsolete. That means matching replacement tiles can be extremely difficult.
It’s common to see patchwork repairs across Colorado Springs neighborhoods where new tiles don’t match the original roof color.
Repairs also tend to be expensive because of fragility and labor requirements.
The Alternative: Synthetic Spanish Barrel Tile
Many Colorado Springs homeowners are now choosing synthetic composite Spanish barrel tile instead of reinstalling concrete.
One example is a synthetic barrel tile product like Brava.
Here’s why that makes sense in Colorado Springs.
Why Synthetic Composite Spanish Tile Makes Sense in Colorado Springs
Much Lighter
A synthetic composite Spanish tile weighs approximately 281 pounds per square.
That means:
- No structural reinforcement required when upgrading from shingles
- Easier installation
- Reduced stress on framing
Class 4 Impact Resistant Roofing in Colorado Springs
Most high-quality synthetic tiles carry a Class 4 impact rating, the highest available.
In Colorado Springs, that matters.
Class 4 impact resistant roofing can qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts and provides significantly better hail resistance than traditional concrete tile.
No Freeze-Thaw Breakdown
Unlike concrete or clay, synthetic tiles do not absorb water.
That means:
- No moisture absorption
- No freeze-thaw cracking
- No progressive brittleness over time
This makes synthetic composite Spanish barrel tile particularly well-suited for homes in Colorado Springs and the surrounding Front Range.
More Durable Under Foot Traffic
Walking on concrete tile requires stepping precisely to avoid breakage.
Synthetic barrel tile is far more flexible and impact resistant, which reduces maintenance-related damage over the life of the roof.
Sustainable and Recyclable
Many synthetic tile products are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again in the future — unlike concrete tile that often ends up in a landfill.
Long-Term Warranty Protection
High-quality synthetic composite Spanish tile often includes a 50-year transferable warranty, which adds resale value and long-term peace of mind for Colorado Springs homeowners.
Should You Replace Concrete Tile with Synthetic in Colorado Springs?
If your current concrete or clay tile roof in Colorado Springs is:
- Cracking
- Leaking
- 25–30+ years old
- Showing widespread brittleness
You do not have to reinstall the same material.
When choosing the right roofing material in Colorado Springs, it’s important to consider:
- Local climate conditions
- Insurance implications
- Long-term durability
- Maintenance costs
- Structural load
For many homeowners in Colorado Springs, a synthetic Spanish barrel tile roof provides the same high-end appearance without the traditional drawbacks.
Tile Roof Replacement in Colorado Springs
At Homestead Roofing, we help homeowners evaluate:
- Concrete tile roof replacement options in Colorado Springs
- Synthetic composite Spanish barrel tile systems
- Insurance considerations
- Structural requirements
- Long-term maintenance expectations
If you’re trying to decide which roofing material makes the most sense for your Colorado Springs home, we can walk you through the pros and cons — without high-pressure sales tactics.
Final Thoughts
Concrete and clay tile roofs aren’t “bad.” They simply weren’t designed for aggressive freeze-thaw climates like we experience in Colorado Springs.
Synthetic composite Spanish tile offers:
- The same Spanish barrel look
- Less weight
- Greater durability
- Class 4 hail resistance
- Better long-term performance
If you’re in Colorado Springs and evaluating a tile roof replacement, choosing the right roofing material today could save you significant maintenance costs in the future.
