CONCRETE TILE
Tile Valley and Hip Flashing Replaced
Before: a concrete tile roof with lifted tiles exposing worn valley and hip flashing. After: new metal flashing installed, photographed with the tile staged before it was re-laid.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing from a licensed and liability insured roofing contractor. Installing and repairing clay, concrete, and Spanish tile roofs since 1987, with written estimates, no advance deposit, and a workmanship warranty on every project.
1987
Roofing since
14
Insurance carriers
50+
Year tile lifespan
Tile Roof Pros and Cons
A tile roof is built from individual clay or concrete tiles laid in overlapping courses over a waterproof underlayment. The tiles shed most of the water and take the sun, wind, and impact, while the underlayment beneath them is the real waterproofing layer. Tile is one of the longest-lasting and most distinctive roofs available, but it is also heavy and premium-priced. Here is an honest look at where tile shines and where it does not.
Pros
Why homeowners choose a tile roof
- Very long service life; clay and concrete tile outlast most other roofs
- Noncombustible and fire-resistant, an asset in fire-prone areas
- Distinctive curb appeal and a wide range of profiles and colors
- Individual tiles can be replaced without redoing the whole roof
Cons
The trade-offs to weigh before you choose
- Heavy; the structure and framing must be able to carry the load
- Higher material and installation cost than asphalt shingles
- Tiles are fragile underfoot and can crack from impact or foot traffic
- Matching discontinued or salvaged tiles for a repair can be a challenge
Types of Roofing Tile
Roofing tile comes in three main families. The right choice depends on your home's style, your budget, and how much weight your structure can carry.
Clay Tile
Fired terracotta tile prized for its rich, color-fast tone and exceptional longevity. Clay is the traditional Mediterranean tile and can last 50 years or more, though it is the heaviest option.
Concrete Tile
Molded cement tile that mimics clay, wood shake, or slate at a lower cost. Concrete is durable and versatile, with a long service life and a slightly lighter weight than clay.
Spanish / Mission (Barrel) Tile
The iconic curved barrel profile that defines Spanish and Mission architecture. Available in both clay and concrete, it creates deep shadow lines and a classic Southwestern look.
Compare Roofing Materials
Tile is one of several roofing materials we install and repair. Explore the sibling material hubs to compare.
Tile Roofing Services
From matching a handful of cracked tiles to a full tile re-roof, these are the services we perform on tile roofs, each with its own detailed page.
Roof Repair
Replace cracked or slipped tiles, repair the underlayment, and match discontinued or salvaged tile.
Roof Replacement
Full tear-off and re-roof, including the underlayment and battens beneath the tile.
Roof Inspections
Documented condition assessment with a written estimate.
Roof Certification
Roof condition certification for real estate transactions.
Residential Tile Roofing
Tile is the signature roof of Mediterranean, Spanish, and Mission-style homes, and it rewards owners with decades of service. We install and repair residential tile with HOA coordination, careful tile handling, and homeowner-scale warranties.
Residential Roofing
Commercial Tile Roofing
Resorts, multifamily properties, and mixed-use buildings often choose tile for its longevity and architectural character. We install and repair commercial tile with structural-load planning, insurance claim support, and minimal disruption to your operations.
Commercial RoofingOrder a Roof Inspection
Two intake paths. Both connect you with a licensed inspector within 1 to 2 business days.
Homeowners
Homeowner Inspection
Wondering whether your tile roof needs a few tiles matched and replaced or a full re-roof? Request a roof inspection and a knowledgeable technician will assess your tile and underlayment and provide a written estimate.
Realtors
Realtor Inspection
Managing a transaction? Ask about our roof certification for real estate, documenting the tile roof condition for buyers and sellers.
How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost?
Tile roof cost depends on the tile type (clay costs more than concrete), tear-off of the old roof, any structural reinforcement needed to carry the tile's weight, and the complexity and pitch of the roof.
Concrete Tile Roof
$32,000-$42,000+
Concrete tile on a standard home, including underlayment, battens, and flashing.
Clay Tile Roof
$36,000-$55,000+
Fired clay tile, the premium option, with underlayment and flashing on a typical roof.
Structural Reinforcement
Varies
If the framing must be strengthened to carry the added tile weight, that work is priced separately after inspection.
How We Install a Tile Roof
A clear, no-pressure process. We respond promptly and schedule inspections within 1 to 2 business days.
1
Inspect and Structural Check
A licensed inspector assesses the existing roof and confirms the structure and framing can carry the weight of tile, recommending the right tile type for your home and budget.
2
Tear-Off
We remove the old roofing down to the deck, inspect the decking for dry rot or damage, and prepare a clean, sound surface.
3
Underlayment and Battens
We install new waterproof underlayment, the true water barrier beneath tile, and set the battens that anchor and space the tile courses.
4
Tile Installation
Trained crews lay the tile in overlapping courses to manufacturer specification, fastening each course for wind resistance.
5
Ridge and Flashing
We finish the ridges and hips with ridge tile and seal every valley, chimney, and vent penetration with proper flashing where water intrusion begins.
6
Cleanup
We complete a final walkthrough, clean the site including a magnetic nail sweep, and register your workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
Why Property Owners Choose Roof Doctors
Decades of tile roofing expertise, backed by real warranties and honest assessments.
1987
Roofing since
14
Insurance carriers
50+
Year tile lifespan
4.7
Google rating
Tile roofing specialists
We handle the details that matter on tile: confirming the structure can carry the weight, replacing the underlayment that actually keeps water out, and matching discontinued or salvaged tile on repairs.
No advance deposit
You pay after the work is completed to your satisfaction. No deposit required to schedule.
Licensed and liability insured
A fully licensed roofing contractor with General Liability Insurance on every project.
Recent Tile Roofing Projects
Documented before-and-after results from recent tile roofing work. Drag the slider to compare the before and after.
TILE
Tile Turret Apex Cap Replaced
Before: a tile turret with the apex tiles disturbed. After: a new color-matched metal apex cap and hip flashing formed over the turret peak.
Financing Available
Financing is available on qualifying roofing projects through our lending partners. Ask your inspector about current options.
Warranty Protection
Every Roof Doctors tile roof is backed by layered warranty coverage, including manufacturer protection on qualifying tile systems.
Manufacturer Coverage
Tile system coverage on replacements
Qualifying tile systems carry manufacturer coverage on the tile itself when installed to specification on a full replacement.
1 Year
Workmanship Warranty
Labor and materials on every project
Covers the quality of our installation and workmanship on all completed tile work.
2 Years
Roof Leak Certification
Optional purchasable certification
A purchasable 2-year certification. A $75 service fee applies per reported leak, and any covered repair is completed at no additional charge.
Optional add-on. Not available on roof replacements.
Storm Response and Insurance Claims
We Handle Your Insurance Claim
Storms, falling limbs, and impact can crack, slip, and displace roofing tile, and that damage may be covered by your homeowners insurance. Roof Doctors documents the tile damage, works directly with your adjuster, and processes claims within the Xactimate and Symbility estimating platforms.
Areas We Serve
Roof Doctors serves communities across California. Find your area or view the full directory.
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
Tile Roofing: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of tile roofs?
Tile is heavy, so the structure and framing must be able to carry the load, sometimes requiring reinforcement. It costs more than asphalt shingles, and individual tiles are fragile underfoot and can crack from impact or foot traffic. Matching discontinued or salvaged tile for a repair can also be a challenge.
Are tile roofs better than shingles?
It depends on your priorities. Tile lasts far longer, is fire-resistant, and delivers distinctive curb appeal, but it costs more and is heavier than asphalt shingles. Shingles cost less and install faster. Tile is often the better long-term value on a home built to carry its weight.
What is the life expectancy of a tile roof?
The tile itself is very long-lived. Concrete tile commonly lasts 40 to 50 years and quality clay tile can last 50 years or more, often outlasting the underlayment beneath it. Because the underlayment is the real waterproofing layer, it may need replacing before the tile does.
How much does a tile roof cost?
Cost depends on the tile type (clay costs more than concrete), tear-off, any structural reinforcement needed for the weight, and the roof's complexity and pitch. Concrete tile roofs cost less than clay. Every roof is priced from an on-site inspection and written estimate, with no advance deposit.
Can you match tile on an existing roof for a repair?
Usually, yes. We source matching or salvaged tile to blend a repair into the existing roof, even when the original tile has been discontinued. If an exact match is not available, we discuss the closest options with you before any work begins.
Should I repair or replace my tile roof?
Often you can repair. Because tiles are individual, we can replace cracked or slipped tiles and repair the underlayment without redoing the whole roof. When the underlayment has failed across the roof or the tile is at the end of its life, a full re-roof is the better call.
Do you require a deposit?
No. Roof Doctors does not require an advance deposit. You pay after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection
A licensed inspector will assess your tile roof and underlayment, document any issues, and provide a written estimate. No obligation, no advance deposit.
Licensed and Liability InsuredTile SpecialistsNo DepositWritten Estimate