Church Roofs in Omaha: Brava Tile Alternatives to Slate, Shake, and Spanish Barrel

When it comes to restoring or renovating historic church roofs in Omaha, many congregations face the same challenge: how to preserve the character and beauty of traditional roofing materials without sacrificing performance or straining the budget.

Slate, cedar shake, and Spanish barrel tiles have long been favored for their timeless look and connection to Old World craftsmanship. But in our harsh Midwestern climate, those natural materials often demand frequent maintenance, have high replacement costs, and may not offer the fire resistance or long-term durability churches need.

That’s why more churches in Omaha are turning to Brava roof tiles as a modern, low-maintenance alternative.

 

 

Church Roofs in Omaha Face Unique Pressures

Church buildings are often larger than residential properties and feature complex rooflines, steep pitches, and detailed architectural elements. They’re also highly visible community landmarks. The roofing material must balance form and function:

• Classic Aesthetics: The roof must maintain the church’s historic integrity and enhance its presence in the neighborhood.
• Durability: Omaha’s weather extremes, from hailstorms to heavy snow, demand a roof that won’t crack, rot, or degrade.
• Fire Resistance: Especially for churches with wood framing or in historic districts.
• Budget: Most religious organizations operate on tight budgets and need a long-term, low-maintenance solution.

Why Brava Roof Tiles Are Ideal for Church Roofs

Brava roof tiles offer the beauty of natural materials with none of the typical downsides. Whether you’re replacing cedar shake, slate, Spanish barrel tiles (or even asphalt shingles), Brava has a composite alternative that looks remarkably authentic while outperforming the original in nearly every category.

1. Brava Slate Tile vs. Natural Slate

Natural slate is undeniably beautiful but comes with a high price tag and considerable weight. It often requires additional structural support and skilled installers.

Brava Slate tiles offer:

• Authentic chiseled edges and rich color variation
• Lightweight composition that requires no structural reinforcement
• Class 4 impact resistance and Class A fire rating

2. Brava Cedar Shake vs. Wood Shake

Cedar shake is a classic choice for churches, but it degrades quickly, especially in high-moisture regions like Omaha. It also presents a fire hazard.

Brava Cedar Shake tiles:

• Replicate the split texture and color of real cedar
• Made from recycled materials that won’t rot, curl, or mold
• Maintain their appearance for decades without staining or sealing

3. Brava Spanish Barrel vs. Clay Tile

Clay barrel tiles create a dramatic, old-world look that works beautifully on mission-style churches. But they’re fragile and costly to install.

Brava Spanish Barrel tiles:

• Offer vibrant, fade-resistant colors molded into every tile
• UV-resistant and hail-resistant
• Weigh a fraction of traditional clay, reducing labor and shipping costs

 

A Smart Investment for Sacred Spaces

Choosing Brava roof tiles allows church leaders to honor their building’s architectural heritage while reducing future costs and liability. You get the peace of mind of a 50-year limited warranty, energy efficiency benefits, and resistance to fire, wind, and hail.

As one of Omaha’s leading roofing contractors, Nastase Contracting has installed premium roof systems on historic homes, luxury residences, and places of worship throughout the region. Our team can help you explore material options, understand costs, and protect your building for decades to come.

Let’s Protect What Matters Most

Whether your church roof is ready for a full replacement or you’re just starting to plan, we’re here to help. Request a consultation with Nastase Contracting to learn more about Brava roof tiles and what’s possible for your Omaha church.