Roof Doctors
A tile roof partway through installation showing spaced wood sheathing boards beneath the tile on a California home

Skip Sheet Tile Roof Inspection

A skip sheet tile roof inspection assesses a tile roof set over spaced sheathing: the condition of the deck boards, how they are fastened, the underlayment beneath, and whether the deck suits the tile it carries. You get a documented condition assessment with photographs and a written report, from a licensed and liability insured contractor roofing since 1987. No advance deposit.

1987
Roofing since
400k+
Roofs inspected
Written
Condition report
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What a Skip Sheet Tile Roof Is

Skip sheathing, also called spaced sheathing, is a roof deck of narrow boards, commonly one-by-fours, laid across the rafters with gaps between the boards rather than a continuous solid deck. It was traditionally used under wood shakes and shingles, because the gaps let air reach the underside of the wood so it can dry from both sides. Concrete and clay tile, by contrast, are generally installed over solid sheathing, so a tile roof carried on spaced boards is worth a closer look.

A Spaced (Skip) Sheathing Deck

Narrow boards with gaps, built for wood shakes

  • Narrow boards, commonly one-by-fours, with open gaps between them
  • The gaps let air dry the underside of wood shakes and shingles
  • It does not provide a continuous support surface the way solid sheathing does
  • Gaps can widen over time as the boards dry and shrink
A Tile Roof on That Deck

Why the combination deserves inspection

  • Concrete and clay tile are generally installed over solid sheathing
  • A home re-roofed from wood shakes to tile often needs solid sheathing added first
  • The deck beneath the tile is what the inspection confirms
  • A written report documents the deck, fastening, and underlayment

What the Inspection Looks At

A skip sheet tile roof inspection focuses on the deck under the tile and the layers that keep water out. These are the core checks.

Deck Board Condition

We check the spaced boards for rot, cracking, and cupping, and for gaps that have widened as the wood dried, since the deck is what carries the tile.

Fastening to the Rafters

We confirm the boards are soundly fastened to the rafters, the connection the whole roof depends on.

Underlayment

We inspect the underlayment over the deck, the layer that catches any water that gets past the tile.

Deck and Covering Fit

We assess whether the deck suits the tile it carries, and document anything that needs attention in the written report.

Order a Roof Inspection

Two intake paths. Both connect you with a licensed inspector within 1 to 2 business days.

Homeowners

Homeowner Inspection

Have a tile roof over an older deck, or planning a re-roof? Request an inspection and a knowledgeable technician will assess the roof and provide a written report with photographs.

Pick a time that works for you. It takes about two minutes.

Realtors

Realtor Inspection

Managing a transaction? Ask about our roof inspection and certification for real estate, documenting the roof condition for buyers, sellers, and lenders.

Pick a time that works for you. It takes about two minutes.

Our Inspection Process

A clear, no-pressure process. We respond promptly and schedule inspections within 1 to 2 business days.

1

Schedule

Request an inspection online or by phone. We confirm a time and answer any questions before we arrive.

2

On-Site Assessment

A licensed inspector assesses the roof and the deck beneath the tile, using a drone where access requires it.

3

Document With Photos

We photograph the roof condition, capturing problem areas so you can see exactly what we find.

4

Written Report

You receive a written inspection report with the findings, photographs, and the roof condition documented.

5

Recommendations

We walk you through prioritized recommendations, from monitoring to repair or replacement, with no obligation.

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★
4.7 out of 5 across Roof Doctors' Google Business Profiles

★★★★★

“Prompt, very informative, and honest. Bill inspected my roof. No leaks. End of story. They had certified my roof a year prior. I am very satisfied with the level of service.”

EG
Eddie Gomez
★★★★★

“Showed up quickly during a storm, figured out problem, provided a solution.”

AL
April L.
★★★★★

“Troy was informative and professional. Would recommend to other home owners.”

MG
Ms. Gibson

Skip Sheet Tile Roof Inspection: Frequently Asked Questions

What is skip sheathing?

Skip sheathing, also called spaced sheathing, is a roof deck made of narrow boards, commonly one-by-fours, laid across the rafters with gaps between them rather than a continuous solid deck. It was traditionally used under wood shakes and shingles, because the gaps let air dry the underside of the wood.

Why does skip sheathing matter on a tile roof?

Concrete and clay tile are generally installed over solid sheathing, which gives continuous support, while spaced boards leave gaps. So a tile roof carried on skip sheathing is worth inspecting to confirm the deck, its fastening, and the underlayment are sound.

Can tile go over a skip-sheathed roof?

A home originally roofed with wood shakes over skip sheathing often needs solid sheathing added across the deck before it can carry a tile roof. An inspection documents the existing deck so you know what the roof is built on before any work is planned.

What does the inspection look at?

We check the spaced deck boards for rot, cracking, cupping, and widened gaps, confirm the boards are soundly fastened to the rafters, inspect the underlayment, and assess whether the deck suits the tile it carries. You receive a written report with photographs.

Do you require a deposit for an inspection?

No. Roof Doctors does not require an advance deposit, and an inspection comes with no obligation to schedule work with us. You receive the written report either way.

Schedule Your Skip Sheet Tile Roof Inspection

A licensed inspector will assess the tile and the deck beneath it, document the condition with photographs, and provide a written report. No obligation, no advance deposit.

Licensed and Liability InsuredNo DepositWritten ReportTile Roof Experience
Call (800) 913-1180

Schedule a Roof Inspection