Tile is the long-life premium roofing system in master-planned Houston communities like Sweetwater, Riverstone, and parts of First Colony. Done correctly, a concrete tile roof lasts 50 plus years and a clay tile roof can last a century. The catch: the underlayment beneath the tile only lasts 25 to 35 years and must be replaced before the roof leaks. Most of the tile work we do in Houston is underlayment-only restoration, not full tile replacement, which saves homeowners 40 to 60 percent versus replacement.
- Cost?
- $10 to $18 per sq ft concrete, $14 to $25 per sq ft clay (installed).
- Lifespan?
- 50+ years tile, 25 to 35 years underlayment beneath.
- Underlayment-only restoration?
- Yes. Saves 40 to 60 percent when tile is in good condition.
- Brands?
- Boral, Eagle, Crown, Ludowici, Westlake Royal.
Concrete vs clay tile
Concrete tile. Boral, Eagle, Westlake Royal. $10 to $18 per sq ft installed. Heavier than clay (roughly 950 lbs per square). Color goes through the body of the tile in modern manufacturing so chips do not show. 50 plus year service life.
Clay tile. Ludowici, Crown, Santafe. $14 to $25 per sq ft installed. Lighter than concrete (roughly 600 to 850 lbs per square). 100 plus year service life on premium kiln-fired tile. The historically correct choice for Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial architecture.
Stamped metal tile profile. $11 to $16 per sq ft installed. DECRA and similar systems mimic tile aesthetically at one-fifth the weight. The right answer when framing is marginal or when a tile look is desired without the structural cost.
Why the underlayment is the actual roof
Tile sheds most water but is not waterproof on its own. The underlayment beneath the tile is what keeps water out of your home. In Houston heat, traditional 30 lb felt underlayment under tile lasts 20 to 25 years. Modern high-temp self-adhered membranes (Polyglass Polystick, Carlisle WIP 300HT) last 35 to 40 years.
If your tile roof is dry but 25 plus years old, the underlayment is approaching end of life. Underlayment-only restoration (lift tile, replace underlayment, reinstall tile) is significantly less expensive than full replacement and resets the clock.
Tile repair and broken tile replacement
Broken tiles from foot traffic, fallen limbs, or hail are common. We carry common Boral and Eagle profiles in stock and source discontinued profiles directly from manufacturers when needed. Salvage tile from the existing roof (from less-visible slopes) is a frequent solution for partial repairs that need a perfect match.
Structural considerations and weight
Concrete tile weighs roughly 950 lbs per square. Asphalt shingles weigh roughly 240 lbs per square. Adding tile to a home framed for asphalt requires structural engineering review and frequently requires sistering rafters or adding bracing. We coordinate with structural engineers when needed and recommend stamped metal tile when the framing cannot economically support concrete or clay.
Our tile installation process
1. Engineering review and tile selection. 2. Tile pad delivery and staging. 3. Tear-off (or tile lift for restoration). 4. Decking inspection and replacement of any soft sheets. 5. High-temp self-adhered underlayment across the full deck. 6. Battens or direct-to-deck attachment per tile manufacturer specification. 7. Tile installation with stainless or copper fasteners. 8. Hip and ridge installation with mortar or dry-mounted closure. 9. Final walk and warranty registration. Most projects complete in 7 to 14 working days.
Tile-trained crew
Specialized trade. We do not subcontract tile work.
Underlayment-only restoration
Save 40 to 60 percent when tile is in good condition.
High-temp self-adhered underlayment
35 to 40 year service life beneath the tile.
Stainless or copper fasteners
No galvanic corrosion. Lasts the life of the tile.
Profile matching
Stock common profiles. Source discontinued direct from manufacturer.
Insurance claim documentation
Specialized tile scoping that adjusters expect to see.
