Tile Roofing in Santa Monica
Clay and concrete tile roofs define Santa Monica's Spanish and Mediterranean homes. The tiles themselves can last for generations, but the underlayment beneath them doesn't. Here's how we repair, re-lay and replace tile roofs in Santa Monica.
Tile Roofs in Brief
- Clay and concrete tiles are long-lasting; most tile roof leaks come from failed underlayment beneath them, not the tiles.
- Broken or slipped tiles can usually be replaced individually.
- When the underlayment is worn out, tiles can often be lifted, new underlayment installed, and the original tiles re-laid.
- Matching older or discontinued tiles takes care; salvaged tiles are sometimes the best match.
- Walking on tile breaks it, so roof work needs careful foot placement or protection.
What we do on tile roofs
Tile repair
Replacing cracked, broken or slipped tiles and resetting loose ridge and hip tiles.
Underlayment replacement and re-lay
Lifting the existing tiles, replacing the underlayment and flashing, then re-laying sound tiles. Often the right answer for older tile roofs with leaks.
Tile replacement
Full replacement with new clay or concrete tile when tiles are failing or the roof needs a different system.
Flashing and penetrations
Valleys, walls, chimneys and vents on tile roofs need flashing built for tile profiles.
Choosing tile
| Clay tile | Concrete tile | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Traditional Spanish and Mediterranean | Wide range of profiles and colors |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavier |
| Color | Color fired through; holds color | Surface color can fade over time |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Why underlayment is the real issue
A tile roof is two systems: the tiles you see shed most of the water, and the underlayment beneath catches what gets past them. On many older Santa Monica homes, the tiles are fine while the original underlayment has dried out and cracked. Replacing tiles won’t fix that. An inspection tells you which problem you actually have.
Tile is heavy, and Santa Monica sits in an active seismic region, so changes in roof material or structural work go through the city’s permit process. See Santa Monica roofing codes. Santa Monica Roofing Pros are roofers in Santa Monica who work on tile regularly. Whether you need a Santa Monica roofing company for a few broken tiles or a full re-lay, the plan starts with what’s under the tile.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tile roof last?
The tiles can last for many decades. The underlayment beneath typically wears out much sooner and is usually what needs replacing.
Can broken roof tiles be replaced individually?
Yes, usually. Matching older tiles can be tricky, and salvaged tiles are sometimes the best option.
Can you reuse my existing roof tiles?
Often. Sound tiles can be lifted, new underlayment installed, and the tiles re-laid.
Is clay or concrete tile better?
Clay holds color and suits traditional homes but costs more. Concrete costs less and comes in more profiles, but its surface color can fade.
Related services and guides
Tile Roof Leaking?
Request a free inspection to find out whether it's the tile or the underlayment.