You love the look of a tile roof, or your old tile roof is leaking and it’s time to start over. Either way, you’re looking at tile roof installation in Orlando, and it’s a big investment. You want to know if your house can carry the weight, whether clay or concrete makes more sense, and how to tell a careful installer from one who’ll cut corners you’ll never see.
Those worries are fair. Most of what makes a tile roof last is hidden under the tile, so you need a contractor who’ll explain it plainly.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured. We install concrete and clay tile roofs on homes across the Greater Orlando area, and estimates are free. Call 407-270-1129 to talk it through, or read more about tile roofing in the Orlando area.
Why tile works well in Central Florida
Tile has been a Florida favorite for a long time, and the climate is a big reason. Concrete and clay don’t break down in the sun the way asphalt does, so they hold up to strong UV year after year. The curved and raised shapes leave an air space between the tile and the deck, which helps keep heat from soaking straight into the attic. Installed and fastened correctly, tile also handles high wind well.
Tile does have trade-offs. It’s heavy, it costs more up front than shingles, and it cracks if someone walks on it carelessly. It also takes longer to install than a shingle roof. Most homeowners who choose tile do it for the look and the long life of the tile itself.
Clay or concrete tile?
Both are good roofs. They differ in a few ways that matter:
- Concrete tile is the more common choice on Florida homes. It comes in many shapes and colors, and it usually costs less than clay. It’s heavy, and its color can fade over the years. See concrete tile roofing for more.
- Clay tile is fired in a kiln, which gives it color that holds for a very long time. It’s often a bit lighter than concrete but more brittle, and it usually costs more. See clay tile roofing for more.
Shape matters too. Barrel and S-tile give the classic Spanish or Mediterranean look. Flat tile looks cleaner and more modern. The shape you pick affects how the ridges, valleys and edges get finished.
Making sure your house can carry tile
If you’re switching from shingles or metal to tile, this is the first question. Tile weighs several times more than asphalt shingles. Many homes built for tile handle it fine, but a house framed for shingles may need an engineer’s review before tile goes on. Lighter-weight tile products exist for some of these cases.
If you’re replacing an old tile roof with new tile, the framing was built for the weight, though any rotted decking still needs replacing.
What happens under the tile
This is the part that decides how long your new roof lasts, and the part you’ll never see once the job is done.
The deck. The old roof comes off down to the wood. Soft or rotted decking gets replaced so the new roof has a solid base.
The underlayment. The tile sheds most of the rain, but the underlayment beneath it is the real waterproofing. In Florida’s heat, a high-quality underlayment rated for tile is worth paying for, because replacing it later means lifting every tile.
Attachment. Florida’s building code and the tile manufacturer’s approvals set how tiles are fastened, with foam adhesive, screws or both, and how many fasteners go where. The edges, corners and ridges take the most wind, so they get the most attention.
Flashing and valleys. Metal flashing at walls, chimneys and pipes has to be shaped to fit the tile profile. Valleys get a metal pan and carefully cut tile so water runs cleanly off the roof.
The eave and ridge. Closures at the bottom edge keep out birds and wind-driven rain, and set the first row of tile at the right angle. Ridges and hips are sealed and fastened against wind, and they can be vented to let attic heat escape.
When storm damage or age calls for a new tile roof
Many Orlando-area tile roofs get replaced because the underlayment wore out or a storm did serious damage. If storm damage is behind your new roof, a roofer can document it with photos and measurements and provide a written estimate. If you file a claim, you file it yourself and you pay your own deductible. APC Roofing works with your adjuster so everyone is looking at the same facts.
If your tile roof only has a few problem spots, it may not need replacing at all. See our tile roof repair page first.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free estimate. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see the condition of your current roof and get a written estimate that names the tile, the underlayment, the attachment method and how the valleys, edges and ridges will be finished.
- Get your new roof installed and your property cleaned up. The crew protects your landscaping, installs the roof and hauls away the old materials.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Questions about tile roof installation in Orlando
How long does a tile roof installation take?
Longer than a shingle roof. Tile is heavy, each piece is set by hand, and the edges, valleys and ridges take careful cutting. Your estimate will include a timeline for your home.
Is concrete or clay tile better for Florida?
Both work well here. Concrete is more common and usually costs less. Clay keeps its color longer and is often a little lighter. The right one comes down to the look you want, your budget and your home’s structure.
Can I put tile on a house that has shingles now?
Sometimes. Tile is much heavier than shingles, so the framing has to be checked first, and some homes need an engineer’s review.
Do you install tile roofs on commercial buildings?
APC Roofing works on light commercial buildings as well as homes. Ask about your building during the estimate.
A roof that looks good and lasts
Waiting on a worn-out tile roof usually costs more in the end. Once the underlayment fails, water reaches the deck, and the rot spreads quietly until it shows up on a ceiling. Planning the new roof before that happens keeps the job simpler.
Done right, a new tile roof is one you don’t have to think about for a long time. It looks the way you wanted, the house stays dry through storm season, and there’s no surprise bill. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free estimate, or start with our free online estimate.
