Why Choose Barrel-Vault Tile?

The most obvious advantage is appearance.

Barrel-Vault creates the architectural character of traditional high-barrel Spanish tile without requiring a homeowner to use conventional clay tile.

It can work especially well on:

• Mediterranean-style homes

• Spanish-style homes

• Stucco homes

• Custom homes

• Luxury homes

• Homes with stone exteriors

• Southwestern-inspired architecture

• Homes where architectural character matters

The curved profile creates shadows and depth that are difficult to achieve with standard asphalt shingles.

Class 4 Hail Impact Resistance

Minnesota homeowners don't have to be reminded that hail can be a serious roofing concern.

Unified Steel Barrel-Vault carries a Class 4 hail impact resistance rating. Westlake also states that the system meets the Very Severe Hail standard.

That makes impact resistance one of the major reasons homeowners may consider a stone-coated steel roofing system instead of conventional roofing materials.

Class A Fire Rating

Barrel-Vault Tile is Class A fire rated.

For homeowners investing in a premium roofing system, fire performance can be another important consideration when comparing materials.

Lightweight Construction

One of the major advantages of steel roofing is weight.

Traditional tile can be substantially heavier than many metal roofing systems. Unified Steel Barrel-Vault is designed as a lightweight roofing option, which can make it a practical alternative when homeowners want a tile appearance without the same material weight associated with conventional tile systems.

That doesn't mean every home is automatically suitable. Proof Builders still evaluates the existing structure, roof deck, roof geometry, and installation requirements before recommending a roofing system.

50-Year Transferable Limited Warranty

Unified Steel Barrel-Vault carries a transferable 50-year limited warranty according to Westlake.

A transferable warranty can also be valuable to homeowners who may eventually sell their property.

Warranty coverage is subject to the manufacturer's specific terms and conditions.

Is Unified Steel Barrel-Vault Good for Minnesota?

Minnesota is not traditionally associated with Spanish tile, but the performance characteristics of a stone-coated steel roofing system can make the material worth considering.

Minnesota roofs deal with:

• Hail

• High winds

• Snow

• Ice

• Freeze-thaw cycles

• Summer heat

• UV exposure

• Heavy rain

• Rapid temperature changes

Unified Steel Barrel-Vault is designed to provide resistance to hail, wind, and fire while maintaining a lightweight profile.

The manufacturer also describes Unified Steel systems as capable of supporting Above Sheathing Ventilation, which can contribute to energy performance when the system is installed using an appropriate assembly.

Barrel-Vault Tile vs. Traditional Spanish Tile

The biggest difference is the underlying material.

Traditional Spanish tile is generally made from clay or concrete.

Unified Steel Barrel-Vault uses steel with a stone-coated finish.

Traditional Tile

• Traditional tile can provide:

• Authentic appearance

• Excellent architectural character

• Long service life

• Significant weight

Unified Steel Barrel-Vault

• Barrel-Vault provides:

• Spanish tile appearance

• Lightweight construction

• Class 4 hail resistance

• Class A fire rating

• Wind performance

• Stone-coated steel construction

• 50-year transferable limited warranty

• Recyclability

Westlake states that Unified Steel products are 100% recyclable.

Barrel-Vault Tile vs. Asphalt Shingles

For many homeowners, this is less about which material is "better" and more about what they're trying to accomplish.

Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material and generally provide the lowest initial investment.

Barrel-Vault is a premium architectural roofing system.

You're paying for:

• A distinctive architectural profile

• Stone-coated steel construction

• Impact resistance

• Fire performance

• Long-term warranty coverage

• A roof that looks dramatically different from conventional asphalt

If you're building or renovating a custom home, the appearance of the roof can have a major effect on the finished exterior.