Clay & Concrete Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tile can last well beyond 40 years in North Texas, but the tile is not what keeps water out. The underlayment beneath it is, and that underlayment usually needs replacing long before the tile does. Most tile work we do is an underlayment replacement with the original tile carefully lifted, stacked and reset.
Clay vs. concrete
| Clay | Concrete | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Through-body, holds color indefinitely | Surface-applied color that fades over decades |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavier |
| Cost | Highest | High |
| Brittleness | More brittle underfoot | More durable underfoot |
| Common use in DFW | Spanish and Mediterranean architecture | Broad range, including builder-installed tile |
The underlayment is the roof
Tile is a rain shield and a wear surface. The waterproofing layer is the underlayment beneath it, which in North Texas heat commonly reaches the end of its life in 20 to 30 years while the tile is still perfectly serviceable. If a tile roof is leaking and the tile is intact, the correct scope is usually a lift-and-relay: stack the tile, tear off the failed underlayment, replace damaged battens and decking, install new high-temperature underlayment, and reset the tile with replacements for breakage.
Structural considerations
Tile is heavy. A home framed for asphalt shingles generally cannot take tile without structural evaluation. If you are converting to tile rather than replacing existing tile, expect to involve an engineer, and be suspicious of any contractor who says otherwise.
Tile and hail
Hail can crack or shatter individual tiles, particularly older concrete tile that has absorbed water. Damage is often scattered rather than uniform, which makes documentation important for an insurance claim. Broken tile also leaves the underlayment exposed to UV, so it should be addressed promptly even when the roof is not actively leaking.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a tile roof last in North Texas?
- The tile itself commonly exceeds 40 years. The underlayment beneath it typically needs replacement at 20 to 30 years, which is the work most tile homeowners here eventually pay for.
- Can broken tiles be replaced individually?
- Yes, if a matching profile and color are available. Discontinued profiles are the main obstacle, which is why we recommend keeping salvaged tile from any repair on site.
- Should I walk on my tile roof?
- No. Tile breaks under concentrated weight and there is a correct way to traverse it. Cracked tile from foot traffic, including from other trades installing satellite dishes or HVAC, is a leading cause of damage we find.
- Can solar be installed on a tile roof?
- Yes, using tile replacement mounts or hooks rather than penetrating the tile itself. The install quality matters enormously here, and poorly mounted solar on tile is one of the most common sources of leaks we are called to fix.
Keep reading
Tile roof leaking?
We will tell you whether you need tile work or an underlayment replacement.
Or call (972) 999-8388