Request a free quote using the quote button on this page.
What this job is
Tile roof replacement is a full re-roof. The old roof system comes off. A new system goes on in its place.
That means more than new tile on top. It includes new underlayment, new flashing, and checks to the deck below. The tile you see is only one part of the system.
If you need a full new tile roof, see also our pages on roof tear off and re-deck and gutter replacement with a new roof.
Signs you need tile roof replacement
Some signs are easy to spot. Others show up only after tile is lifted.
Watch for these signs:
- Many cracked, slipped, or missing tiles across the roof, not just in one small spot.
- Leaks that show in more than one room or in new places after rain.
- Tile that is brittle and breaks with light touch or foot traffic.
- Stains on ceilings that keep coming back.
- Underlayment that is dry, torn, or crumbling at edges and valleys.
- A roof age where the underlayment is past its expected life, even if the tile still looks solid.
Process step by step
- First review. The provider looks at the roof, attic, and deck edges where they can be seen. They note tile type, roof slope, and access.
- Scope and quote. You get a written scope. It should list tear off, deck checks, underlayment, tile, flashing, vents, and clean up.
- Plan for weight and access. Tile is heavy. The crew plans how tile will be lifted, stacked, and moved without harm to the deck or yard.
- Tear off. Old tile is removed with care. Some tile may be saved if your scope says so and the tile is sound. Old underlayment and flashing come off.
- Deck check. The bare deck is checked for soft spots, rot, and weak areas. Bad sections are replaced as agreed in the scope.
- New underlayment. A fresh waterproof layer is installed across the deck. Valleys, edges, and penetrations get extra care.
- Flashing and battens. New flashing goes in at walls, chimneys, and vents. If the system uses battens, they are set to hold tile and allow drainage and airflow.
- Tile install. New or approved reused tile is set row by row. Cuts at edges and valleys are done with care to avoid cracks.
- Ridge and detail work. Ridge tile, hip tile, and end caps are set and secured. Seal points are checked.
- Clean up and final check. Debris is removed. The provider walks the roof and the ground with you to review the work.
Materials and options
You have two main tile choices.
Clay tile. Clay is made from fired earth. It holds color well and handles heat and sun well. It is a common choice in hot and sun strong areas. Clay can be more brittle than concrete, so handling matters.
Concrete tile. Concrete tile is made from cement and sand. It can be shaped to mimic clay or slate profiles. It is heavy and durable. Color may fade over time more than clay, but the tile body can last a long time.
Other choices affect the system:
- Profile. Flat, low curve, or high curve shapes change look and water flow.
- Color. Light colors reflect more sun. Dark colors absorb more heat.
- Underlayment type. This layer does the waterproof work. Ask what type will be used and how long it is rated to last.
- Tile life vs underlayment life. Tile can outlast the layer under it by many years. Plan for that fact. A roof that reuses old tile over new underlayment can be sound if the tile is still strong. A roof with new tile over old underlayment is not a full replacement.
Cost factors
We do not list price ranges on this page. Each roof is priced by its own facts. Factors that change cost include:
- Roof size and number of stories.
- Roof shape, slope, and number of valleys and edges.
- Clay tile vs concrete tile, and tile profile.
- Amount of deck work found after tear off.
- Underlayment type and flashing needs.
- Access for crews, tile lifts, and debris bins.
- Removal and disposal of old tile and old materials.
Get a written quote that breaks out these items. That makes it easier to compare providers on the same scope.
How to choose a provider
Ask direct questions and expect written answers.
- Ask if the quote is for a full replacement, with new underlayment and flashing.
- Ask how they will check deck strength for tile weight.
- Ask how tile will be handled to limit breakage.
- Ask what happens if deck damage is found after tear off, and how that change will be priced and approved.
- Ask for proof of licensing and insurance that the provider is required to show in your area, and check it yourself.
- Ask for a schedule, a clean up plan, and a single point of contact.
How the referral works
Request a free quote using the quote button on this page. Share your city and roof details, and get connected to a local provider who offers tile roof replacement. You then deal direct with that provider for quotes, contracts, and work.
FAQ
How long does tile roof replacement take?
Most tile roof replacements take several days to more than a week. The time depends on roof size, roof shape, tile type, and deck condition. Tile is heavy and needs careful handling, so work moves slower than light roofing. Your provider should give a clear schedule before work starts and update you if the deck needs extra work.
Can some tile be reused on a new roof?
Some sound tile can be reused in certain cases, but it depends on age, condition, and match. Cracked or brittle tile should not go back on. The underlayment under tile often wears out first, so a full job may lift tile, replace the underlayment, and then reset tile or install new tile.
Is tile a good choice for hot climates?
Tile can work well in hot and sunny climates. Clay and concrete tile handle strong sun well and can help keep heat off the deck when installed with proper airflow. The right underlayment and vent details still matter. A local provider can check if your roof shape, deck, and structure suit tile.
Why does deck condition matter for tile?
Tile adds a lot of weight to a roof. The deck and the framing below it must be strong enough to hold that load for years. During tear off, the crew can check for soft spots, rot, or weak boards. If the deck is not sound, it should be fixed before new tile goes on.
What is the role of underlayment under tile?
Underlayment is the waterproof layer under the tile. Tile sheds most water, but wind driven rain can get below it. The underlayment is the main barrier that keeps that water out. It often wears out before the tile does, which is why full replacement may be needed even when tile looks fair on top.
Areas we connect
We connect homeowners in these areas with local providers:
Common questions
How long does tile roof replacement take?
Most tile roof replacements take several days to more than a week. The time depends on roof size, roof shape, tile type, and deck condition. Tile is heavy and needs careful handling, so work moves slower than light roofing. Your provider should give a clear schedule before work starts and update you if the deck needs extra work.
Can some tile be reused on a new roof?
Some sound tile can be reused in certain cases, but it depends on age, condition, and match. Cracked or brittle tile should not go back on. The underlayment under tile often wears out first, so a full job may lift tile, replace the underlayment, and then reset tile or install new tile.
Is tile a good choice for hot climates?
Tile can work well in hot and sunny climates. Clay and concrete tile handle strong sun well and can help keep heat off the deck when installed with proper airflow. The right underlayment and vent details still matter. A local provider can check if your roof shape, deck, and structure suit tile.
Why does deck condition matter for tile?
Tile adds a lot of weight to a roof. The deck and the framing below it must be strong enough to hold that load for years. During tear off, the crew can check for soft spots, rot, or weak boards. If the deck is not sound, it should be fixed before new tile goes on.
What is the role of underlayment under tile?
Underlayment is the waterproof layer under the tile. Tile sheds most water, but wind driven rain can get below it. The underlayment is the main barrier that keeps that water out. It often wears out before the tile does, which is why full replacement may be needed even when tile looks fair on top.