Interlock Mediterranean Tile: Metal Tile Roofing Specs & Benefits
Quick answer
Interlock Mediterranean Tile is an aluminum, hidden-fastener roofing system that mimics the barrel-tile look at a fraction of the weight. Panels are 0.028-inch aluminum weighing about 70 lbs per 100 sq ft — roughly 96% lighter than concrete or clay tile — with an 18-inch coverage, and carry Interlock's non-prorated lifetime warranty.
What is Interlock Mediterranean Tile?
It is an aluminum roofing panel formed into the rolling barrel profile of Spanish or Mediterranean clay tile, finished in the Alunar coating with color-matched trims. The fasteners are hidden, which preserves the authentic tile appearance and lets the metal expand and contract freely. The result is the unmistakable look of a tile roof — without the crushing weight, brittleness, and structural demands of real clay or concrete.
Specifications at a glance
Panels are 0.028-inch aluminum with an 18-inch coverage, a 1.2-inch profile height, a 15-inch tile step, and a 9-inch module. The dry or wet weight is about 70 lbs per 100 square feet (roughly 0.70 psf) — about 96% lighter than concrete or clay tile and less than 4% of their weight. It installs over a minimum 1/2-inch sheathing, or optionally over an existing roof on 1x4 strapping spaced 15 inches on center, at a minimum slope of 3:12 with ice-and-water or 4:12 with synthetic underlayment. Ridge caps come in 48-inch lengths and gable caps in 49-inch lengths, secured with color-matched stainless or aluminum fasteners.
Why homeowners choose it
Clay and concrete tile are beautiful but extremely heavy, often require engineered roof structures, and crack under foot traffic or impact. Interlock Tile gives the same Mediterranean look while weighing a small fraction as much — a major structural and cost saving on both new builds and re-roofs — and it will not crack, break, rust, or absorb water. It is Cool Roof capable, low-maintenance, recyclable, installs over most existing roofs, and is backed by a non-prorated 50-year transferable warranty.
What to expect with installation
Authorized installers cover the deck with synthetic underlayment (or set spaced strapping for an over-roof application), then lay the tile panels from the eave up, interlocking each course. Fasteners are concealed and color-matched, and the panels are designed to move with temperature changes. As with all Interlock systems, following the minimum slope, underlayment, and fastening requirements keeps the warranty in force.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lighter is metal tile than clay or concrete tile?
Dramatically lighter — Interlock Tile weighs about 70 lbs per 100 sq ft, roughly 96% less than concrete or clay tile (under 4% of their weight). That usually means no special roof-structure reinforcement is needed, even on a re-roof.
Does it really look like a tile roof?
Yes. The panels are formed into a true barrel profile with a 1.2-inch profile height and hidden fasteners, so from the ground it reads as authentic Mediterranean tile — without the visible screws some metal-tile imitations show.
Can Interlock Tile go over my existing roof?
Often yes. It installs over solid 1/2-inch sheathing, and can also be applied over an existing roof on 1x4 strapping spaced 15 inches on center. Your installer confirms the approach for your home and code.
Will a metal tile roof crack or break like clay?
No. Aluminum flexes rather than shatters, so it will not crack under impact or foot traffic the way clay and concrete tile can, and it will not rust. It is also tested to UL 2218 Class 4 for hail impact.
Sources
- Interlock Tile Specification Manual — Product specifications
- ICC-ES ESR-1790 — Hidden Fastener Tile — Wind & impact ratings
Explore Interlock Metal Roofing
Last reviewed 2026-07-11 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing