Boral Roofing is one of the most respected names in the roof tile industry, offering a comprehensive range of concrete and clay tiles that have been protecting Florida homes for decades. With manufacturing operations in the United States and a strong presence in the Southeast market, Boral has become a go-to choice for Pinellas County homeowners who want premium roof tile products backed by an industry-leading warranty.
This guide covers every Boral product line relevant to Florida homeowners, including detailed specifications, color options, pricing, and how Boral compares to competitors like Eagle Roofing and Ludowici. Whether you are building a new home in Palm Harbor or replacing the roof on your Clearwater bungalow, this review will help you determine if Boral is the right choice.
Boral Company Overview
Boral Industries has been manufacturing roofing products for over 40 years. The company produces both concrete and clay roof tiles at multiple manufacturing plants across the United States, including facilities in Florida that serve the Southeast market. Their tiles are engineered to meet and exceed Florida Building Code requirements, including the high-velocity hurricane zone specifications that apply to many Pinellas County properties.
Boral distinguishes itself through a combination of product variety, color technology, and long-term performance. Their concrete tiles use a proprietary color system that resists fading in Florida's intense UV environment, and their clay tiles are kiln-fired at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum durability.
Boral Concrete Tile Product Lines
Boral's concrete tile lineup includes profiles ranging from traditional barrel tiles to flat and shake-style options. Each profile is available in multiple colors and can be ordered with through-body color or surface-applied color treatments.
Barcelona 900 Series
The Barcelona 900 is Boral's flagship barrel-style concrete tile and one of their best-selling products in the Florida market. This S-shaped profile delivers the classic Mediterranean roofline that defines much of Pinellas County's residential architecture, from waterfront estates in Belleair to newer construction in Oldsmar.
The Barcelona 900 covers approximately 90 pieces per square (100 square feet) and weighs about 950 pounds per square installed. It is available in over 20 standard colors plus custom color options. The tile's interlocking design provides excellent water shedding, and when installed with Boral's recommended mechanical attachment system, it meets Florida's 180 mph wind zone requirements.
Popular Barcelona 900 colors for Pinellas County homes include Terracotta Blend, Autumn Blend, Charcoal, Riviera Clay, and Sable Blend. The aged and weathered color options have gained popularity for homeowners seeking a naturally weathered European appearance.
Saxony 900 Shake
The Saxony 900 Shake delivers the textured appearance of natural wood shake roofing with the fire resistance and durability of concrete. This profile has become increasingly popular in Pinellas County neighborhoods like Dunedin, Safety Harbor, and Palm Harbor, where homeowners want the warmth of a shake-style roof without the fire risk and maintenance burden of real wood.
Each Saxony tile features a deeply textured surface that creates realistic shadow lines mimicking split wood. The profile is lighter than the Barcelona at approximately 850 pounds per square, making it suitable for a wider range of residential structures. Color options include Driftwood, Charcoal Gray, Weathered Timber, and Cedar Brown, all designed to replicate natural wood tones.
Cedarlite 600 Series
The Cedarlite 600 is Boral's lightweight flat concrete tile, designed for contemporary and transitional home designs. At roughly 600 pounds per square, it is one of the lightest concrete tile options available, making it an excellent choice for Pinellas County homes where structural weight is a concern but the homeowner prefers tile over asphalt shingles.
The flat profile gives homes a clean, modern aesthetic that works well with both contemporary architecture and classic Florida ranch homes. The Cedarlite's low profile also reduces wind resistance compared to barrel tiles, making it a strong performer in hurricane-prone areas.
Boral Clay Tile Product Lines
Boral's clay tile collection represents the premium tier of their product line. Clay tiles offer unmatched color permanence since the color is fired through the entire body of the tile, making it impossible to fade or wear away. For Pinellas County homeowners who want a lifetime roof with zero color degradation, Boral clay tiles are among the finest options available.
One Piece S Tile
The Boral One Piece S is a traditional barrel-profile clay tile that has been a staple of Florida roofing for generations. Unlike two-piece mission tile systems that use separate pan and cover tiles, the One Piece S combines both elements into a single tile that is faster to install and less prone to displacement in high winds.
This profile weighs approximately 1,000 to 1,100 pounds per square and delivers the iconic rolling roofline associated with Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean architecture. The One Piece S is available in earth-toned colors including Classic Red, Vintage Red, Old Mission Blend, and Sunrise Blend. Each color is achieved through the firing process, ensuring that the tile looks identical in 50 years as it does on installation day.
Two Piece Mission Tile
The Boral Two Piece Mission system uses separate pan (flat bottom) and cover (rounded top) tiles to create a deeply sculpted roofline with dramatic shadow lines. This is the most traditional and historically authentic tile roofing system available, and it creates a visual impact unmatched by any other roofing material.
Two Piece Mission is heavier than One Piece S at approximately 1,200 to 1,400 pounds per square, requiring robust structural support. It is most commonly specified for custom homes, historic restorations, and high-end properties throughout Pinellas County. The higher installation cost reflects the additional labor required to properly lay and secure both pan and cover tiles.
Boral Color Technology and Options
Color performance is critical for Florida roofs, where intense UV radiation can fade lesser products within just a few years. Boral utilizes multiple color application methods depending on the product line:
- Through-Body Color (concrete): Pigment is mixed throughout the entire concrete, so the tile maintains its color even if the surface is chipped or worn. This is the most durable color method for concrete tiles.
- Surface Color (concrete): Color is applied as a slurry coating on the tile surface, offering a wider range of hues and multi-tone blends at a lower cost than through-body color.
- Kiln-Fired Color (clay): For clay tiles, mineral pigments are fired into the tile body at extreme temperatures, creating permanent color that will never fade regardless of UV exposure or weather conditions.
Boral's standard concrete color palette includes over 40 options ranging from warm terracotta tones to cool grays and deep charcoals. Custom color matching is available for projects requiring specific hues to match existing structures or HOA requirements common in Pinellas County communities.
Boral Warranty Coverage
Boral backs their roof tiles with one of the strongest warranties in the industry. The 50-year limited transferable warranty covers manufacturing defects including structural integrity of the tile body, resistance to freeze-thaw cycling (less relevant in Pinellas County but important for the warranty's completeness), and compliance with ASTM standards for concrete and clay roofing tiles.
The transferable aspect of Boral's warranty is a significant advantage for Pinellas County homeowners who may sell their property during the warranty period. When the home is sold, the remaining warranty transfers to the new owner, adding tangible value to the property. This transferability sets Boral apart from some competitors who offer non-transferable or limited-transfer warranties.
It is important to note that the warranty covers the tiles themselves, not the underlayment, flashings, or installation labor. Proper installation by a qualified contractor according to Boral's specifications is required to maintain warranty coverage.
Boral Pricing and Cost Comparison
| Product | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Installed Cost (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Boral Barcelona 900 | $4.50 to $7.00 | $10 to $16 |
| Boral Saxony 900 | $4.00 to $6.50 | $9 to $15 |
| Boral Cedarlite 600 | $3.50 to $5.50 | $8 to $13 |
| Boral One Piece S (clay) | $6.00 to $10.00 | $12 to $20 |
| Boral Two Piece Mission (clay) | $8.00 to $14.00 | $15 to $25 |
Boral vs Eagle: Cost Comparison
In the Pinellas County market, Eagle Roofing tiles generally cost 5% to 15% less than comparable Boral concrete profiles. Eagle achieves this through manufacturing scale as the largest concrete tile producer in Florida. However, Boral often offers premium color options and specialty profiles that Eagle does not match, making the comparison less straightforward for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics.
Boral vs Ludowici: Cost Comparison
Ludowici is the premier luxury clay tile manufacturer in the United States, and their products command a significant premium. Ludowici clay tiles typically cost $20 to $40 per square foot installed, roughly double the price of comparable Boral clay products. For Pinellas County homeowners who want high-quality clay tile without the Ludowici price tag, Boral clay represents excellent value. Boral's clay tiles deliver similar longevity and color permanence at a more accessible price point.
| Manufacturer | Concrete Installed (per sq ft) | Clay Installed (per sq ft) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boral | $8 to $16 | $12 to $25 | 50 years (transferable) |
| Eagle | $8 to $15 | N/A (concrete only) | 50 years |
| Ludowici | N/A (clay only) | $20 to $40 | 75 years |
Installation Requirements for Pinellas County
Installing Boral roof tile in Pinellas County requires compliance with the Florida Building Code and local permitting requirements. Here are the key installation considerations:
Structural Preparation
Before installation begins, the roof structure must be verified to support the weight of the chosen Boral product. Concrete tiles add 600 to 950 pounds per square depending on the profile, while clay tiles add 1,000 to 1,400 pounds per square. A structural engineer may need to evaluate older Pinellas County homes, particularly those built before the 2002 Florida Building Code update.
Underlayment Systems
Boral recommends a minimum of two layers of ASTM D226 Type I felt or one layer of ASTM D4869 Type IV synthetic underlayment for Florida installations. In the high-velocity hurricane zone, a self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment is required for the first 4 feet from the roof perimeter. Many Pinellas County contractors opt for full-coverage self-adhering underlayment for maximum water protection.
Mechanical Attachment
Florida Building Code requires mechanical attachment (screws, nails, or clips) for all tile installations in Pinellas County. The specific attachment method depends on the wind zone and roof slope. In areas requiring 180 mph wind resistance, every tile must be individually secured with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Boral provides detailed installation guides for each product profile specifying the appropriate attachment schedule.
Battens and Counter-Battens
Most Boral tile profiles are installed over horizontal battens (wood or metal strips) that create an air space between the tile and the roof deck. This batten system improves water drainage, enhances ventilation, and allows the tile to properly interlock. The air gap created by battens also provides thermal insulation benefits, reducing cooling costs in Pinellas County's hot climate.
Boral Tile Availability in Pinellas County
Boral roof tiles are readily available throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas County. Distribution channels include major roofing supply houses such as ABC Supply, SRS Distribution, and Beacon Roofing Supply, all of which maintain local branches serving Pinellas County contractors.
Standard colors and profiles are typically available with lead times of 1 to 3 weeks. Custom colors or specialty profiles may require 4 to 8 weeks. During peak hurricane season and the months following major storms, lead times can extend significantly due to increased demand across the Florida market.
Boral's Florida manufacturing presence gives them a logistics advantage over brands that ship from out of state. Local production means lower shipping costs, shorter lead times, and better availability of replacement tiles when individual repairs are needed years after installation.
Performance in Florida's Climate
Boral tiles are specifically engineered for the demands of the Florida climate. Key performance characteristics relevant to Pinellas County homeowners include:
- Salt Air Resistance: Both concrete and clay Boral tiles resist salt spray corrosion, making them ideal for coastal Pinellas County properties along Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Treasure Island.
- UV Stability: Boral's color systems are formulated for Florida's extreme UV environment. Through-body concrete color and kiln-fired clay color maintain their appearance for decades without significant fading.
- Algae and Mold Resistance: Concrete tiles can develop surface algae in Florida's humid climate, though this is cosmetic rather than structural. Boral offers algae-resistant surface treatments on select profiles.
- Thermal Performance: The air space between tile and roof deck reduces heat transfer, lowering attic temperatures by 20 to 40 degrees compared to direct-applied roofing materials.
- Hurricane Readiness: All Boral profiles carry Florida Product Approvals and meet the state's high-velocity hurricane zone requirements when installed per specification.
Who Should Choose Boral Roof Tile?
Boral is an excellent choice for Pinellas County homeowners who value product variety and want options beyond what the largest manufacturers offer. If you are drawn to a specific color blend, texture, or profile that other brands do not carry, Boral likely has a solution.
Boral clay tiles are particularly appealing for homeowners building custom homes or restoring historic properties where authentic clay roofing is desired at a more accessible price point than Ludowici. The transferable 50-year warranty makes Boral a smart investment for long-term homeowners and adds documented value at resale.
For homeowners comparing tile roofing to other materials, our concrete tile vs asphalt shingles comparison provides a detailed cost and performance analysis. If metal roofing is also on your radar, check out our guide on metal roof colors for Florida homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boral roof tile warranty?
Boral offers a 50-year limited transferable warranty on their concrete and clay roof tiles. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and guarantees structural integrity for five decades. It is transferable to subsequent homeowners, which adds resale value for Pinellas County properties.
How much do Boral roof tiles cost in Florida?
Boral concrete roof tiles cost approximately $4 to $8 per square foot for materials in Florida, with installed costs ranging from $9 to $16 per square foot depending on the profile and color. Boral clay tiles cost more, ranging from $10 to $20 per square foot installed. For a 2,000 square foot Pinellas County roof, expect to pay $18,000 to $32,000 for concrete and $20,000 to $40,000 for clay.
Is Boral or Eagle better for Florida roofs?
Both Boral and Eagle produce high-quality concrete roof tiles suitable for Florida. Eagle dominates the Florida market with wider distribution and slightly lower pricing. Boral offers a broader range of premium profiles and unique color options. For Pinellas County homeowners, the choice often comes down to preferred aesthetic, color availability, and contractor recommendation.
Are Boral roof tiles available in Pinellas County?
Yes, Boral roof tiles are available throughout Pinellas County through authorized distributors and roofing supply houses in the Tampa Bay area. Boral operates manufacturing facilities in Florida, ensuring consistent supply and shorter lead times for local projects.
What Boral tile profiles are most popular in Florida?
The most popular Boral profiles in Florida are the Barcelona 900 (a barrel-style concrete tile with Mediterranean appeal), the Saxony 900 Shake (which mimics wood shake texture), and the One Piece S clay tile for upscale properties. The Cedarlite 600 flat tile is also popular for contemporary and transitional home designs throughout Pinellas County.
How long do Boral roof tiles last in Florida?
Boral concrete tiles are designed to last 50 years or more in Florida conditions, and Boral clay tiles can last 75 to 100+ years. The tiles themselves rarely fail. The underlayment beneath the tiles typically needs replacement every 25 to 35 years, at which point the original tiles can be reinstalled.