Clay and concrete tile roofing in San Diego.
Tile is the San Diego roof — Spanish Mediterranean, mission, ranch, Mediterranean-modern. Done right, a tile roof outlasts two asphalt roofs. The secret isn't the tile — it's the underlayment, flashing, and battening under it. We install new tile and do lift-and-relay, specialized for the terracotta profile of SD architecture.
What's included in this service?
- New tile installation — Spanish S-tile, clay barrel, concrete flat
- Lift-and-relay — reuse existing tile over new underlayment and flashing
- Tile matching for partial repairs, salvage sourcing for discontinued profiles
- Proper batten installation per tile manufacturer spec
- High-temperature underlayment (required for tile in inland heat zones)
- Cricket and diverter installation at chimneys and wall junctions
- Valley replacement with proper metal valley liner
- Ridge and hip mortar, mechanical fastening per code
When do you need this service?
- Existing tile roof is leaking but tiles look solid (lift-and-relay candidate)
- Underlayment is 30+ years old (felt) or 20+ (synthetic early gen)
- New construction or major addition needing a tile roof
- HOA requires tile match with neighborhood
- Converting from shingle to tile for aesthetic match to home style
- Hip or ridge mortar failing with loose tiles
What do homeowners ask about Tile Roofing?
How long does a tile roof last in San Diego?
The tile itself — concrete, clay, or Spanish — lasts 50–100+ years. What fails is the underlayment beneath (15–30 years) and flashing (20–40 years). Most 'my tile roof is leaking' calls aren't about the tile. Lift-and-relay replaces the failed underlayment while keeping the good tile.
Can you match tiles on a partial repair?
Usually yes. For current production tiles (most Eagle, Boral, MCA profiles), we source fresh. For older or discontinued tiles, we use salvage from our stock or from controlled demolition. Perfect color match is rare on 20+ year roofs because of sun fading; visible-from-street match is usually achievable.
Why are tile roofs more expensive than shingle?
Three reasons: the tile itself costs 4–6× what shingle does, tile weighs 900+ lbs per square vs. 250 for shingle (more structural work, more labor to install), and proper tile installation requires battens, high-temp underlayment, and precise flashing detail. You pay more up front for 2–3× the lifespan.
Do I need to reinforce my structure for a tile roof?
If your home was built for tile (most SD homes from 1970s onward), no additional reinforcement. If converting from shingle to tile, a structural engineer assesses. We coordinate that if needed.
What about clay tile vs. concrete flat tile?
Clay lasts longer (often 75+ years), costs more, and handles UV better. Concrete is 25–30% cheaper, heavier, and lasts 40–50 years. For most SD homes looking to match the neighborhood, concrete flat or S-tile is the practical choice. For Mediterranean estates, clay.
Where do we offer Tile Roofing in San Diego County?
We provide tile roofing in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
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Homeowners who hired us for this
Our 1990s Spanish tile roof was leaking in three spots. Instead of a full tear-off, Top Pro did a lift-and-relay with new underlayment and salvaged 90% of the original tiles. Crew was meticulous. Passed inspection on the first visit.
Got four quotes for a full tear-off and reroof. Top Pro was the only company that actually pulled up into the attic to check for rot before quoting. Found damage the others missed. Fair price. Crew was on time every day.
Live three blocks from the ocean. Salt killed our old shingle roof in 12 years. Top Pro installed stone-coated steel with stainless fasteners. Clean lines, clean job site, and they coordinated the HOA design review paperwork.
Need tile roofing in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.