Tile roof installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What tile roof installation is

Tile roof installation sets clay or concrete roof tiles over underlayment and battens, with flashing and fastening that keep wind and water out. People call when a tile roof is failing, when they want the look on a new build, or when the old tile has to come off so the structure below can be repaired.

Signs you need it

  • Cracked, slipped or missing tiles that expose the underlayment or battens
  • Tiles that rock or shift when the roof is walked or when a strong wind hits the slope
  • Wet or stained ceilings below the valleys, hips or penetrations
  • Broken or bent metal flashing at the ridge, chimney or wall step
  • Sagging in the roof line, which can mean the framing under the heavier tile is overloaded or rotted

What the pro does

  • Remove the existing tile by hand and stack it for reuse or disposal, spreading the load so it does not crowd one part of the framing
  • Inspect the sheathing and rafters for rot or sag, and sister or replace damaged members before the new tile goes on
  • Install underlayment and metal at the eaves, rakes, valleys and penetrations, then hang the battens at the spacing the tile needs
  • Set the field tiles and cut the tiles at hips, valleys and edges, fastening each tile where the wind requirements call for it
  • Set the ridge and hip caps, then check the whole roof for level and alignment before the crew leaves

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Tile type and weight, such as clay, concrete or a lighter profile, since weight changes the structural and labor needs
  • Roof size, pitch and the number of hips and valleys that need cut tiles
  • Condition of the rafters and sheathing under the tile, and whether structural repair is needed
  • Removal and disposal of the old tile, which is heavy and takes careful crew time
  • Whether the framing has been checked for the weight of the new tile
  • Lift, crane or staging access on a steep roof
  • Permit and inspection requirements

What a written quote should spell out

  • Tile manufacturer, profile, color and weight class of the product
  • Underlayment type and where it is used, plus batten size and spacing
  • Flashing and valley metal details, with each penetration and wall listed
  • Structural repair items, with any rafter or sheathing repair shown as its own line
  • Ridge, hip and starter tile details and the fastening method
  • Count of spare tiles left for future repair, and haul-away of the old tile

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Has the framing been checked to carry the weight of the tile you are installing?
  • What underlayment and batten size are you using, and how far apart are the battens?
  • Will you reuse any of the old tile, and how many pieces do you expect to break during removal?
  • How do you fasten the tile for wind, and which tiles get mechanical fastening?
  • How will your crew work safely on a steep tile roof?
  • Can you show me a finished tile roof with similar hips and valleys?
  • What is the manufacturer warranty on the tile, and what does your crew warrant for the workmanship?

Red flags

  • No structural check before a heavier tile goes on a roof framed for lighter covering
  • Old tile dumped on the roof surface or dragged across the field of the roof
  • Underlayment that is not lapped correctly at the valleys or eaves
  • A quote with no line for broken tile replacement, batten or underlayment
  • Refusal to name the tile manufacturer or show a sample of the tile

What you can do yourself

You can safely check the ceilings for stains and look at the roof from the yard with binoculars to note slipped or missing tiles. Tile roofs are heavy, brittle and steep, so do not walk on them, and leave removal and setting to a pro. Call a pro at once if you see sagging, broken tile, or water coming in near the valleys or chimney.

Licenses and permits

Tile roof installation is commonly done by licensed roofing contractors, and structural repair or reroofing often needs a permit. Check with your state and local licensing and building offices before work starts.

Tile roof installation questions

Can my house carry the weight of a tile roof?

Only a structural check can answer that. A pro or engineer should look at the rafters, sheathing and framing before tile goes on, and the answer may call for reinforcing the framing.

Can a few tiles be replaced without redoing the whole roof?

Often, yes, if the tile is still available and the underlayment under it is sound. A pro should match the profile and color and check the batten under the repair.

Why is tile hung on battens instead of laid directly on the decking?

Many tile systems use battens, which leave an air space under the tile so water drains and air moves. Some systems set tile directly on the deck instead. Ask the installer which system suits your tile and why.

How much upkeep does a tile roof need?

Tile needs periodic checks more than frequent replacement. Have a pro look at ridge mortar, loose tiles and valley flashing each year and after storms.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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