Top 6 roofing materials for curved roofs

By FL Specialty Roofing.  

Use this guide to learn more about the basics of curved roof design and the top materials suited for these structures. 

When we envision a roof, we often picture sloped sides converging at a peak. However, curved roofs present a modern twist on this classic design, showcasing the aesthetic possibilities of roofing in innovative ways. Choosing the right materials for these uniquely shaped roofs is crucial to both their function and appearance. 

FL Specialty Roofing has compiled a comprehensive guide on curved roofing, covering everything from the basics of curved roof design to the top six materials best suited for these distinctive structures. Whether you're considering a curved roof for its visual appeal or its functional benefits, this guide will help you navigate the essential aspects and material choices to achieve the perfect result. 

What is a curved roof? 

Curved roofs are roofs that curve in a convex or concave shape. In the early days, builders used curved roofs because bending tree branches into curved shapes for styles like thatched roofing was easier. Today, they are more specialized and difficult to install, with few contractors having the expertise to do the job.  

Characteristics of curved roof materials  

When considering curved roof materials, it may be surprising to learn that many options are available, with most materials suitable for the job. It goes without saying that you want an aesthetically pleasing roof material, but beyond that, what you want to look for in curved roofing materials is: 

Flexibility 

A material needs enough flexibility to follow the roof’s curves without cracking or breaking. Materials that can get bent or shaped without harm to their overall structural integrity are best. 

Durability 

Like any roofing material, you want an option that is as durable as possible and can withstand the elements with little to no damage. Curved roofs are not the most protective shape, but a durable material will help make them safer. 

Lightweight 

Heavy materials aren’t ideal for any home, but they can be even more difficult to support on a curved roof. Lightweight materials can be easily supported and installed. 

Weather resistance 

Weather resistance is vital for protecting your home, so the roofing material you choose should be resistant to rain, wind and UV rays and stand up well to fluctuating temperatures. This will ensure your roof isn’t damaged in bad weather, which could leave you at risk for leaks and interior damage. 

Fire resistance 

No matter where you live, protection from fire has its advantages. That makes choosing a material that offers fire resistance a good idea; wildfires are a concern, especially if you live somewhere that is prone to them. 

Low maintenance 

You don’t want to dedicate a lot of time to the maintenance of your roof. Avoiding materials that require more upkeep will ensure you have more time and money for other things.  

Longevity 

Finally, longevity is a must. You don’t want to have to replace the roof too soon. The longer a roofing material can last, the better. 

Six best roofing materials for a curved roof 

With curved roofs compatible with so many materials, the choice can come down to a homeowner’s preference. Some common options include: 

1 - Cedar shakes 

Cedar shakes are a well-loved option that works well on curved roofs, as shakes can be individually installed to ensure they support the roof’s curve. That doesn’t mean they aren’t without problems; while cedar shakes offer a degree of durability, they are still prone to warping, cracking and splitting in certain conditions. When exposed to moisture, they can also grow mold, mildew and rot. Beyond this, cedar shakes require a great deal of maintenance and the shape of the roof can make their maintenance more difficult. 

2 - Asphalt shingles 

Asphalt is the most common roofing material on the market, and it is very flexible and affordable which makes it great for curved roofs. You’ll have to hire a professional for a curved roof installation and any necessary upkeep, but they require significantly less maintenance than cedar shakes. You can expect asphalt shingles to last around 20 years. 

3 - Spanish tiles 

The half-round, curved Spanish barrel tiles make them the perfect shape for curved roofs. While this is a beautiful option that offers durability and is fairly weather-resistant, there are downsides. Spanish tiles are expensive and heavy and require additional structural support which makes installation an extensive project. 

4 - Concrete tiles 

Concrete comes in many shapes and can be easily molded to work as curved roof materials. Unfortunately, they have the same disadvantages as clay tiles, with cost and weight being major disadvantages. 

5 - Composite roofing tiles 

Composite roof tiles are one of the best roofing materials for curved roof homes. They are made from recycled plastics, rubber and other sustainable materials to create flexible, highly durable tiles. They can easily fit on a curved roof and come in styles resembling cedar shakes, Spanish barrel tiles and slate tiles. Composite tiles are highly weather-resistant and fire and impact-resistant.  

Composite roofing can last 50 years or more once installed, with virtually no maintenance necessary aside from occasional cleaning for appearances. 

6 - Metal roofs 

Metal roofing is another option that is considered the best roofing material for curved roof homes. Metal is a lightweight, durable material that is flexible and can be easily shaped to fit around the curve of a roof. It offers weather resistance and is great for hot climates, as the reflectiveness of metal will keep homes cooler. Metal roofs are also available in various colors, styles and patterns. The downside of metal is that it is expensive and can be noisy in the rain. 

Curved composite roofs from Florida Specialty Roofing 

The premium roofing contractors at Florida Specialty Roofing specialize in composite roofs in all shapes and sizes. We offer two of the top composite roofing brands on the market, which have products that are the perfect curved roof materials. There are also other materials to consider for curved roofing on our products page.  

Brava Roofing Tile 

Brava Roofing Tile is a company that specializes in composite roofing materials and is the best alternative for those who love the look of traditional Spanish barrel tiles, natural slate, and cedar shakes. Their process creates an authentic look that creates products that are not only incredibly durable, but aesthetically pleasing.  

Their products are weather-resistant, Class A fire-rated, Class 4 impact-rated and more. All three composite tile styles come in various color options to allow homeowners to find the perfect color to complement their homes. 

Davinci Composite Roofing 

DaVinci composite tiles also use a special molding process that results in beautiful, authentic composite cedar and slate tiles in various realistic color options. Like all composite materials, the construction of DaVinci products makes them superior to traditional materials and they have Class A Fire Ratings and a Class 4 Impact Rating. 

Curved metal roofing 

We offer metal roofing from top brands like Englert, Worthouse, DECRA and United Steel. Each company offers various colors, profiles and finishes that are perfect for a curved roof. Each brand is known for its aesthetics, durability and longevity, which makes them a safe choice for homeowners across the state. 

Asphalt shingle curved roofing 

Asphalt shingles are another option, and we offer top brands like CertainTeed and GAF. 

CertainTeed 

CertainTeed offers asphalt shingles in numerous colors and styles to give you plenty of options, no matter what your style. These are some of the highest-quality shingles that are backed by a strong warranty program. They offer three variations of their shingles: Landmark, Landmark Pro and Landmark Premium. 

GAF 

GAF shingles are the most common asphalt shingles in the nation. They are highly durable architectural shingles that are extremely weather-resistant and affordable for everyone. They offer many lines: Timberline HDZ and Timberline UHDZ, which come in many colors, and the slate-inspired Slateline and Camelot II, with nine color options between the two lines.  

Florida Specialty Roofing can help design the best curved roof 

Whether it is a curved roof for a residential home or multi-family units, Florida Specialty Roofing has you covered. We offer the top products to get the job done and our gallery is full of projects that speak to our expertise in roofing. 

Contact us today to learn more about what roofing materials are best for your curved roof project and we can get you started on the path to the roof of your dreams! 
 
Original article and photo source: FL Specialty Team