Maybe you’ve always liked the look of a red barrel-tile roof and you’re wondering if it makes sense on your house. Or you already have clay tile, and after the last storm you spotted a few cracked pieces and a stain on the ceiling. Either way, you want clay tile roofing in Clermont handled by someone who knows how these roofs actually work.
Clay tile is a big investment and it doesn’t behave like shingles. It’s heavy, it breaks if walked on carelessly, and the part that keeps water out is hidden underneath. You deserve straight answers about what your roof needs, whether that’s a few tiles or something more.
APC Roofing has worked on Central Florida roofs since 2017, including clay and concrete tile. We’re GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and your inspection is free. Call 407-270-1129.
How a clay tile roof keeps water out
Clay tiles are fired in a kiln, the same basic way bricks are. The tiles shed most of the rain and shade the roof from the sun. Underneath them, a layer of underlayment over the roof deck is what actually keeps the house dry. Water that gets past the tiles in a wind-driven storm runs down that layer and off the roof.
This is the most important thing to understand about tile. The tile itself can last a very long time. The underlayment beneath it usually wears out first. When an older tile roof starts leaking with no broken tiles in sight, worn underlayment is the usual suspect.
Clay or concrete tile?
From the street, clay and concrete tile can look alike, but they’re different products.
Clay gets its color from the clay and the firing, so the color runs all the way through and holds up well under years of Florida sun. Concrete tile is made from cement and sand, and many concrete tiles get their color from a surface coat that can fade over time. Concrete tile usually costs less up front and comes in more profiles. Clay is often chosen for its look and its color that stays put.
Both are heavy compared with shingles or metal. Both can crack under foot traffic or flying debris. If you’re comparing the two for your home, our Clermont tile roofing page covers both materials side by side.
Clay tile shapes
The classic Florida clay roof uses barrel tiles, the half-round shapes laid in alternating rows, sometimes called Spanish or mission tile. S-shaped tiles give a similar look with interlocking pieces. Flat clay tiles have a cleaner, more modern line. The shape affects how the tiles are fastened, how water moves across the roof and how easy it is to find matching replacements later.
Clay tile roofing in Clermont’s weather
The Central Florida sun doesn’t bother clay much, which is one of its strengths. The weather here is harder on the parts around and under it.
Heat and years of UV age the underlayment beneath the tile. Afternoon storms push rain sideways under the tile edges, so flashing at walls, valleys and roof penetrations gets tested constantly. During hurricane season, wind tries to lift tiles at the edges, hips and ridges, and flying branches can crack them. In Florida, tiles are fastened with nails, screws or roof-tile adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions for high wind, and that attachment matters as much as the tile.
Humidity also brings mildew and algae to tile surfaces, especially on shaded slopes. Gentle cleaning is fine. High-pressure washing can damage tile and push water under it.
Can my house hold a clay tile roof?
If you’re switching from shingles or metal to clay tile, the roof framing has to be able to carry the extra weight. That’s a question for a structural check, often by an engineer, before anyone orders tile. Homes built for tile from the start are usually ready for it.
When you’re replacing an existing tile roof, the main questions are the condition of the deck and whether your current tiles can be reused or should be replaced. Our tile roof installation page explains how a new tile roof goes on.
Repairing a clay tile roof
Single cracked or broken tiles can usually be replaced. Finding a match is the tricky part with clay. Older profiles and colors may no longer be made, so a close match may mean tracking down salvaged tiles or borrowing a few from a less visible area of the roof. You’ll know before any work starts whether a repair might show.
When the underlayment has worn out, the tiles over the affected area have to come off so new underlayment can go down. Depending on the roof’s age and how widespread the problem is, that may make more sense across the whole roof than one patch at a time. Our tile roof repair page goes into the options.
One practical tip: anyone who walks on a clay tile roof, including painters, AC technicians and satellite or solar installers, can crack tiles. If work is being done up there, ask them how they plan to walk the roof, and check for broken tiles afterward.
Storm damage and insurance
If a storm damaged your clay tile roof, you file the claim with your insurance company and you pay your deductible. We document the damage with photos, provide a written estimate and work with your adjuster. Be wary of anyone who offers to waive or cover your deductible.
How it works
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of the tile, flashing and, where we can tell, the underlayment, and hear whether it’s a repair or a larger job.
- The work gets done and the site gets cleaned up. Broken tile and debris leave with the crew.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
A small leak under tile can go unnoticed for a long time, because the tiles hide it. By the time a stain shows up on the ceiling, the deck may have been getting wet for months.
Clay tile questions from Clermont homeowners
Is clay tile better than concrete tile in Florida?
Neither is better for every home. Clay holds its color well in the sun and is often chosen for its look. Concrete usually costs less and comes in more styles. Both work well here when they’re installed properly.
Can you replace a few broken clay tiles?
Usually, yes. The challenge is matching older clay tile, which may mean using salvaged tiles. You’ll know ahead of time whether the repair might show.
Do clay tiles fade?
Clay’s color comes from the clay itself, so it fades very little. Some concrete tiles have surface color that can fade faster.
Why is my clay tile roof leaking if no tiles are broken?
The underlayment beneath the tile has most likely worn out, or flashing at a wall or valley has failed. An inspection can tell which.
Book a clay tile roof inspection in Clermont
Call 407-270-1129 or book online. The goal is a clay tile roof that keeps your house dry and still looks the way you want it to, with no surprise bill.
