ᐅ Smooth roof tile or curved roof tile?

Hello,
we are currently considering what the best roofing option for our new build is. A gable roof without dormers and no skylights.

Smooth clay tiles
or
Flat clay tiles or “Frankfurter Pfanne” (by this I mean curved roof tiles)

What are the differences or advantages and disadvantages?
Are there differences in weather resistance?
Do smooth tiles offer better protection against animals since they cannot crawl underneath as easily?
Can curved roof tiles better dissipate summer heat?
Approximately 90% of the south-facing side will be covered with photovoltaic panels. Does the choice of roof tiles affect anything regarding the installation of photovoltaic systems?

Thank you for your help.

Lately, some members of the forum have been advocating for metal roofing. It is also available with a tile appearance, but when it comes to photovoltaic panels, which will sooner or later be installed on almost every new build, it basically doesn’t matter what the roof looks like underneath the modules.
They are also very durable and affordable.
By the way, I have concrete roof tiles, Harzerpfanne style. So far, I haven’t noticed any issues.

Appearance and Cost – Appearance is limited anyway when using photovoltaic panels.

Otherwise, both options perform exactly the same job.

For the smooth bricks, make sure that hooks can be installed for the photovoltaic modules. If I remember correctly, this is not easily possible with all of them.

Whether using roof tiles or roof shingles makes no difference in the described situation. Both perform equally in terms of weather protection. The interlocking edges are designed to prevent water from running back underneath (although this can still occur during heavy rain, which is why the underlayment is installed), so animals cannot enter between the tiles. If animals do get into the roof structure, it usually happens near the eaves. This area must be properly sealed and ventilated by professionals.

Heat protection is provided by insulation and is not affected by the shape of the roofing material, whether tiles or shingles.

From an expert point of view, I recommend an affordable concrete roof tile (Harzer/Frankfurter style) since one side will be covered with photovoltaic panels.

In summary, it is purely an aesthetic choice.

I cannot support the suggestion to choose a zinc or aluminum roofing system here, as it is significantly more complex and therefore more expensive to install a photovoltaic system on such roofs.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

Fuchur schrieb:

For the smooth tiles, make sure that hooks can be installed for the photovoltaic modules. If I remember correctly, this is not easily possible with all types.

Our solar installer cut the necessary openings into the required tiles with a grinder. It worked without any issues for all of them. We also have "glazed" smooth tiles.