Your tile roof looks fine from the street, but it’s getting older, a few tiles have slipped and you’ve heard the layer underneath is what really keeps the water out. Or you’re thinking about switching from shingles and want something that holds up to Florida sun and hurricane season. Either way, tile roof installation in Clermont is a big decision, and you want to get it right without paying for more roof than you need.
That makes sense. A tile roof is a long-term investment, and most homeowners only go through this once or twice.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured. We install concrete and clay tile roofs, and inspections and estimates are free. Call 407-270-1129 and a roofer will explain in plain words what’s going on with your roof.
Why tile works well in Clermont
Tile has been a popular choice across Central Florida for a long time, and for good reason. It doesn’t rot, it doesn’t burn and it shrugs off the UV that dries out asphalt shingles. The curved profiles also leave an air space between the tile and the deck, which lets some of the heat escape before it reaches your attic. In a Lake County summer, that helps.
The challenges are different from a shingle roof. Tile is heavy, it can crack if someone walks on it wrong or a limb falls on it, and it has to be fastened properly to stay put in hurricane-force wind. And the tile itself is only half the system.
The part of a tile roof you don’t see
On a tile roof, the tiles shed most of the water and protect what’s underneath from the sun. The underlayment beneath them is the real waterproofing layer. In Florida’s heat, that underlayment usually wears out long before the tiles do.
That’s why many tile roof “replacements” in Clermont are really a re-lay. The crew lifts the tiles, replaces the underlayment and flashing, swaps out any broken tiles and puts the roof back together. If your tiles are in good shape and a matching profile is available, this can be a smart way to get a new roof without buying all-new tile. If the tiles are brittle, badly cracked or no longer made, new tile makes more sense. You’ll see photos either way.
Concrete tile or clay tile
Both work well in Central Florida. The right choice depends on your home and your budget.
- Concrete tile is the most common tile on Clermont homes. It’s durable, comes in many colors and profiles, and costs less than clay.
- Clay tile holds its color for a very long time and has a classic look, especially in barrel profiles. It’s typically more expensive and can be more brittle under foot traffic. See our clay tile roofing in Clermont page.
You’ll also choose a profile: round barrel (S-tile) or a flatter style. Flat profiles often suit more modern homes, while barrel tile fits Mediterranean and Spanish-style houses.
What goes into a proper tile roof installation
A tile roof that lasts in Florida comes down to details:
- Structural check. Tile is much heavier than shingles. If you’re switching from shingles to tile, the roof framing has to be able to carry the weight, and that may call for an engineer’s review.
- Deck repair. Any soft or damaged decking is replaced before anything goes on top.
- Underlayment. A high-quality underlayment goes over the entire deck, since it’s the layer doing the waterproofing.
- Flashing. New metal at walls, valleys, chimneys and around vents and pipes. Tile roofs need flashing built for tile, not leftover shingle parts.
- Attachment. Tiles are fastened with approved foam adhesive, mechanical fasteners or both, following Florida’s wind requirements for your home.
- Hips and ridges. Sealed and fastened so wind-driven rain stays out.
Any estimate you get should spell these out, including what happens if the crew finds rotted decking.
How it works with APC Roofing
- 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 your tiles and underlayment, and you’ll hear whether a re-lay, a partial repair or new tile makes the most sense.
- Get your new roof and a clean yard. The crew protects your landscaping, installs the roof and cleans up broken tile, debris and stray nails before leaving.
If you’d like to spread out the cost, financing is available through partners including Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance. For smaller problems like a few cracked tiles, our tile roof repair in Clermont team can help.
Questions about tile roof installation in Clermont
How long does a tile roof last in Florida?
The tiles themselves can last for decades. The underlayment beneath them usually needs replacing sooner, which is why a well-installed underlayment matters so much.
Can my house handle a tile roof if it has shingles now?
Maybe. Tile is heavy, so the framing has to be checked before switching. If it needs reinforcing, you’ll know before any work is planned.
Can you reuse my existing tiles?
Often, if they’re in good shape and enough of them come off intact. Broken tiles are replaced with matching ones when a match is available.
How do tile roofs hold up in hurricanes?
A properly fastened tile roof handles high wind well. Most hurricane damage to tile comes from flying debris or tiles that weren’t attached correctly in the first place.
Do you also repair tile roofs?
Yes. Cracked, slipped or broken tiles and leaks under tile are all common repairs.
A roof you won’t have to think about for a long time
A tired underlayment doesn’t announce itself. It lets in a little water at a time, into the decking and the ceiling, and by the time you see a stain the repair is bigger.
Once your tile roof is done right, hurricane season is just weather. The house stays cooler and dry, and you know what’s over your head. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free inspection, or start with our free online estimate. You can also see all our tile roofing options in Clermont.
