Do you have a tile roof that may need to be replaced, or are you in the market for a new roof altogether? If so, you may be asking, “how long does a tile roof last?”
Tile roofing typically lasts much longer than other roofing material options, like the popular asphalt shingles. But some factors play a role in the longevity of these roof tiles. We’re breaking down what to look for and how to assess when your roof may need replacement.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is a tile roof?
Chances are when you envision Italy and the homes that dot the landscape, you imagine tile roofs. The wavy, tan-colored tiles are picturesque and create a beautiful addition to any house. But tile roofs aren’t just for the Italians. These roofs are popular in the United States, from the Southwest to the Northeast.
The words “tile roof” can actually mean a roof made of the following:
- Terracotta tiles
- Clay tiles
- Ceramic tiles
- Concrete tiles
- Slate tiles
Each material is formed into an individual tile that is strong and durable. When installed by professional roofing contractors, these roofs can withstand weather events, fire, and time!
What is the lifespan of a tiled roof?
In general, these roofs will last 50 or more years. This lifespan makes these roofs much more durable than popular roofing alternatives, such as asphalt shingles.
Below are some of the benefits that help a tile roof outshine other roofing materials and make it a popular choice:
Design helps a tile roof last –
Tile roofs have a unique design that helps them outlast alternative materials. The engineering that goes into current tiles offers natural water shedding (preventing water damage) and proper ventilation. Both of these features are important to ensure roof longevity. It also means that tiles will last in both cold and warm climates – such as in Florida!
Colors and styles provide a unique look –
Unlike the traditional terracotta tan, today, tile roofing comes in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Not only do homeowners have the opportunity to choose from concrete tiles, clay tiles, cement tiles, and more, they can also choose from design options that go well with their property. When homeowners choose a roof with such a long life expectancy, it must complement their home!
A tile roofing system has a long lifespan –
As we’ve already mentioned, the lifespan of these roofs is a significant feature of this material. With proper roof installation, underlayment, and roof upkeep, tile roofs can easily last 50 years and some as much as a century. This means that homeowners who choose to use these roof materials for their roof replacement will likely not need to replace them again for as long as they own the home. The lifespan is one of the most common reasons people choose this type of roof when considering a roof replacement. Even a metal roof, which is known to last between 40 and 70 years, is behind the tile roof option. And the asphalt shingle option doesn’t come close, with a lifespan of approximately 25 years.
A tile roof doesn’t require much maintenance –
While all roofs require some level of maintenance, tile is a good option if the upkeep is a concern. Typically, maintenance will be minimal if you have concrete tile roof, slate tile, clay tile roofs, etc. Most often, the maintenance required is related to gutters and flashings and not the roof itself. Depending on the local climate and area, we recommend an annual roof inspection to identify any concerns. Algae and the natural accumulation of tree branches, leaves, and more should be removed and cleaned up to avoid unnecessary deterioration.
A tile roof can withstand a trying climate (like what we see in Florida) –
Fire, wind, and rain are common causes of roof problems. In addition, UV rays and heat bombard a home’s roof regularly. In Florida, we see the home damage that is regularly caused by our high heat climate. A clay tile roof and other tile materials, such as clay and slate, can sustain many of these trying weather elements. This is one of the advantages and ways that a tile roof lasts so long in any weather conditions. In the Southeast parts of the US, such as Florida, tile roofing has been proven to withstand sustained winds of 150 MPH. Damage to a shingle roof often begins at 50 MPH.
How Much Does A Tile Roof Cost?
For many of our customers, the next question after “how long does a tile roof last” is typically, “how much does it cost to install in Florida?”
This type of roofing is a case of “you get what you pay for.” While cheaper alternatives are on the market, they will often lack the beauty and design of more expensive tiles. They may also be made of lesser quality and need replacement more frequently. When installing a roof, you need a professional that will use the right materials, from underlayment to quality tiles. These components and the proper installation will ensure you get a roof that lasts and that will improve your home’s resale value, not subtract from it.
Choose roofers you can trust to help you choose quality roofing materials and avoid future roof repairs. Quality products and expert installation are critical to getting the longest lifespan out of your roof in Florida.
If you’re curious about the general idea of tile roof repair and installation costs, you can use an online cost calculator. Use these tools only as a guide. Labor costs can vary by different areas. The type of each roof affects the price tag as well. For questions or an exact quote, we recommend relying on a roofing expert in your area familiar with the type of roof you want and how long the roof will last. They can help you determine the actual project scope and final costs for your roof, area, and material choice – from clay tiles to metal roofing, slate roofs, and more.
A professional roofing contractor will know what’s best for your property and be able to supply options for your home, taking into account factors like your roof structure, local climate, budget, desired materials for your new roof, etc. Homeowners should get a custom inspection and cost inspection before beginning any project. At Allstate, we offer a free, no-cost, no-obligation inspection throughout Florida. Click here to schedule your free assessment and learn about the best types of roofing for your home.
What maintenance factors are most common with this type of roof?
Like anything, tile types of roofs should be inspected regularly to help avoid damage. A professional roofing contractor can assess all areas of your roof, including the underlayment and individual tiles. With tiles, you can typically avoid major damage with proper installation and upkeep.
If you notice problems with your roof, it’s important to get a professional inspection done as soon as possible. Roof leaks, water damage, broken or loose tiles are all factors that may indicate a potential problem. Don’t inspect the damage yourself; call a trained roofer who can safely look at your tiles and understands all types of materials, underlayment, flashing, and more.
How do I know if my tile roof needs replacing?
While we’ve addressed the question, “how long will my roof last,” there are signs you can look for that can extend the lifespan when addressed quickly. All roofs show signs of age, from concrete to slate tiles to shingles and metal roofing – if you pay attention. Below is a list of things to look for to ensure your roof will last its whole lifespan:
- Damaged, broken, or missing tiles. Just like shingles, tiles can sustain damage and should be investigated immediately to avoid a more significant problem. A qualified inspector will look at your entire roof, from underlayment to gutters and tiles. A quick replacement of a few tiles can help your roof last as long as possible.
- Water intrusion and spotting on your ceiling is one of the most common signs of a problem. Whether a new roof or an existing roof, any time leaks are becoming a problem, an inspection is necessary. While some may think that shingles are more likely to experience leaks, the truth is that both slate and concrete tiles – and all roofing materials – can have water problems during their life. If you see any of these warning signs, request an inspection immediately.
- If you notice a musty smell inside your home, whether or not the heat is on, you may have a roofing problem. This can be an early sign of water or moisture concerns.
- Algae buildup on your concrete or slate tiles can signal a problem that can be stopped early. Algae can, in some cases, begin to eat away at your tiles so getting it cleaned early is important.
What do I do if I have a problem with tiles?
If you have a broken roof tile, there is good news for you. Most of the time, roof tiles can be replaced, and unlike a shingle roof, it may only take one or two roof tiles – not the whole roof. This assumes there has not been damage to the other key areas of your roof like the underlayment, structure, etc.
Problems such as broken or cracked tiles are usually caused by excessive amounts of debris or extreme weather that can lead to a leak. You will need to get your tile roof leak fixed fast by an experienced roofing company in your area, such as Allstate Roofing. We can fix a broken tile roof by removing the damaged tiles and replacing them with new ones.
Tile roof Installation Services
A tile roof system must be installed by a professional, such as Allstate Roofing. The tiles tend to be extremely heavy and delicate. Concrete tile roofs can weigh up to triple the number of asphalt shingles, so relying on someone who knows how to handle the materials safely is critical. When we answer the question for clients, “how long does a tile roof last,” the response depends on an expert who knows how to install these materials properly.
If you are looking for a tile roof no-cost, no-obligation inspection, click here. Our team would be happy to give you the expert advice you need for all your roofing projects.
