Roof Types — Tile Roofing
Tile Roofing Contractor In Fort Lauderdale
Concrete and clay tile roofing for Fort Lauderdale homes — a durable, coastal-classic system engineered and installed for South Florida wind and heat.
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SINCE 2013
ShingleMaster
CERTAINTEED, GAF & IKO SHINGLES
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CERTIFIED ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Licensed
CCC1331129 / CBC1259476
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What Is Tile Roofing?
Tile roofing uses individual concrete or clay tiles fastened to a batten or direct-deck system over a waterproof underlayment. It is one of the most durable residential roofing systems available, with a typical service life of 30–50 years, and is a common choice across South Florida for its coastal aesthetic and long-term value.
Who Tile Roofing Is Right For
- Homeowners wanting a 30–50 year roofing system
- HOA communities with tile-mandated architectural guidelines
- Coastal and high-wind properties needing HVHZ-rated performance
South Florida Considerations
Tile itself is durable, but the underlayment beneath it does the real waterproofing work — when it fails, tiles can look fine while the roof still leaks. Mortar and adhesive can degrade under years of UV and heat, tiles can crack or slip after storms, and algae growth is common on shaded, north-facing slopes in our humidity. Concrete/clay tile roofs require engineer dead-load verification under HVHZ code.
Tile Roofing — In Depth
How Tile Roofs Are Installed
Concrete or clay tiles are fastened over a waterproof underlayment using a batten system or direct-to-deck mechanical fasteners, sometimes reinforced with mortar or adhesive foam at ridge and hip lines depending on the profile. The underlayment beneath the tile does the actual waterproofing work — the tiles themselves are primarily a durable, decorative wear layer and wind-resistant shell over that waterproof system.
Tile Profiles & Styles
Common profiles include S-tile (the classic barrel-shaped Spanish/Mediterranean look), flat tile (a more modern, streamlined appearance), and low-profile designs that read closer to a shingle roof from the street. Concrete tile is more affordable and widely available; clay tile carries a premium price but holds color and texture longer under UV exposure. We help match a profile to both your home’s architecture and your budget.
Why Tile Underlayment Matters More Than The Tile
Because tile itself isn’t a fully sealed system — water can work its way beneath individual tiles in wind-driven rain — the underlayment is what actually keeps a tile roof watertight. Underlayment has a shorter service life than the tile above it, typically needing replacement well before the 30–50 year tile lifespan is up. This is why a tile roof can look cosmetically perfect while still leaking: the problem is almost always underneath, not on the surface.
Maintaining A Tile Roof
Periodic inspection catches cracked or slipped tiles before they expose the underlayment to direct sun and rain. Keep valleys and gutters clear of debris, which can trap moisture against the tile and accelerate mortar or adhesive breakdown. Avoid unnecessary foot traffic on tile roofs — the material is brittle underfoot and easy to crack if walked on incorrectly, which is one reason professional installation and repair matters.
Repair Or Replace? Decision Factors
Repair usually makes sense when:
A small number of tiles are cracked, broken, or slipped, or there is an isolated leak at flashing — the underlayment and structure are otherwise sound.
Replacement usually makes sense when:
The underlayment has failed (recurring leaks despite intact-looking tiles), cracking is widespread, or the roof is approaching the upper end of its 30–50 year lifespan.
Common Questions
Tile Roofing, Answered Directly
Customer Reviews
What Fort Lauderdale Residents Are Saying
★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5 · 106 Google reviews
“Ricketts handled our roof repair after a bad storm and made the whole process easy — showed up when they said they would, explained what was actually wrong, and kept the property clean every day. Would recommend them to anyone in South Florida.”
A RICKETTS CONSTRUCTION CUSTOMER
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