Concrete Tile Roofing
Concrete tile is molded cement roofing tile, one of the longest-lasting and most fire-resistant roofs available. Roof Doctors installs, repairs, replaces, inspects, and certifies tile roofs, including concrete tile, for homeowners across our service area. Licensed since 1987, no advance deposit.
What Concrete Tile Is and Who It Suits
Concrete tile is molded cement tile laid in overlapping courses over a waterproof underlayment, which is the real waterproofing layer. Manufacturers state it weighs roughly 9 to 12 pounds per square foot, about 850 to 1,200 pounds per roofing square, and they rate it Class A, the highest fire classification. It is a long-life, fire-resistant, premium roof that the structure must be built to carry.
Concrete tile tends to make sense when
- You want a long-life, fire-resistant roof and plan to stay in the home
- Your home's style suits tile, including Mediterranean and Spanish looks
- The structure can carry the tile's weight, or can be reinforced to
- You want individual tiles replaceable without redoing the whole roof
Trade-offs to consider first
- Concrete tile is heavy, so the framing must support the load
- It costs more than asphalt shingles to install
- Tiles are fragile underfoot and can crack from impact or foot traffic
- The underlayment beneath it will need replacing before the tile does
Concrete Tile Profiles
Concrete tile comes in the same three profiles as other tile; the profile is the shape, not the material.
Barrel (Spanish and Mission)
The classic curved barrel profile of Spanish and Mission roofs, with deep shadow lines.
Flat
A clean, low-shadow flat profile that suits contemporary and transitional homes.
Low-Profile
A gentle S-curve between barrel and flat, a popular all-around look.
What Roof Doctors Does for Concrete Tile Roofs
We work on tile roofs, including concrete tile, across the full range of roofing services. Each links to its own detailed page.
Install
Install a new tile roof, including the underlayment and battens.
Inspect
A documented condition assessment of the tile roof, with a written report and photographs.
Repair
Replace cracked, slipped, or broken tiles, repair flashing, and repair the underlayment beneath.
Replace
Full re-roof, including the underlayment and battens, when a replacement is the better call.
Certify
A roof certification for a real estate transaction where the roof qualifies.
Concrete Tile Across Our Service Area
Two things that matter for concrete tile across our service area.
Class A fire for high fire zones
Manufacturers rate concrete tile Class A, the highest fire classification, which matters in high fire zones.
Structural weight in seismic areas
Concrete tile is heavy, roughly 9 to 12 pounds per square foot, about 850 to 1,200 pounds per roofing square as manufacturers state it. In seismic areas the structure must be able to carry the load.
Underlayment and Lifespan
The tile usually outlasts the underlayment beneath it. Manufacturers describe concrete tile lasting 50 to 100 years, or lasting the life of the structure when properly installed. The underlayment, the actual waterproofing layer, is typically replaced every 20 to 30 years. When it reaches the end of its life, the roof is re-laid, which means the following.
Lift and Stack the Tile
The existing tile is carefully lifted and stacked so sound tiles can be reused.
Remove the Old Underlayment
The worn underlayment is stripped down to the deck.
Inspect and Repair the Deck
The decking is checked for dry rot or damage and repaired where needed.
Install New Underlayment
A new waterproof underlayment is installed, the layer that actually keeps water out.
Re-Lay the Tile
The tile is re-laid, with any cracked or broken pieces replaced and matched.
Order a Roof Inspection
Request an inspection and a knowledgeable technician will assess your concrete tile roof and its underlayment and provide a written estimate within 1 to 2 business days. No advance deposit.
Pick a time that works for you. It takes about two minutes.
Other Roofing Materials
Explore the other roofing materials we install, repair, and restore.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The most common residential roof: cost-effective and versatile.
Wood Shake Roofing
Cedar shake restoration and installation, a specialty since 1987.
Flat Roofing
Flat and low-slope roof systems, including single-ply membranes, for homes and commercial buildings.
Metal Roofing
Durable metal roofing, from standing seam to stone-coated steel, built for a long service life.
Synthetic Roofing
Engineered composite roofing that mimics shake or tile at a lighter weight.
Concrete Tile Roofing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a concrete tile roof last?
Manufacturers describe concrete tile as very long-lived, citing a typical lifespan of 50 to 100 years, or lasting the life of the structure when properly installed. The underlayment beneath the tile is the shorter-lived part and is typically replaced every 20 to 30 years.
Can you walk on a concrete tile roof?
Only carefully, and ideally not at all. Tiles are fragile underfoot and can crack from foot traffic, which is one of the trade-offs manufacturers note. If your roof needs attention, it is safer to have a roofer who knows how to walk tile assess it than to go up yourself.
Why do concrete tiles crack?
Impact is the usual cause: falling limbs, hail, debris, or foot traffic. Because tiles are individual and fragile underfoot, a cracked or broken tile is common and does not mean the whole roof has failed. Roof Doctors repairs tile roofs, including replacing cracked, slipped, or broken tiles.
Can a few broken tiles be replaced without redoing the roof?
Usually, yes. Because the tiles are individual, cracked or slipped tiles can be replaced and matched without redoing the whole roof. Roof Doctors repairs tile roofs and sources matching or salvaged tile where the original has been discontinued.
Does a concrete tile roof need a new underlayment?
Eventually, yes. The underlayment is the actual waterproofing layer and wears out before the tile, typically within 20 to 30 years as the sources describe it. When it does, the roof is re-laid: the tile is lifted, a new underlayment is installed, and the tile is set back down with any broken pieces replaced.
Is concrete tile too heavy for my house?
It depends on your structure. Concrete tile is heavy, roughly 9 to 12 pounds per square foot, about 850 to 1,200 pounds per roofing square as manufacturers state it, so the framing has to carry the load. A documented inspection confirms whether your structure can support concrete tile or whether a lighter option fits better.
Schedule Your Concrete Tile Roof Inspection
A licensed inspector will assess your concrete tile and the underlayment beneath it, document any issues, and provide a written estimate. No obligation, no advance deposit.