Maybe your shingle roof is getting old and you’ve always wanted the look of tile. Or the tile roof you already have is leaking, even though most of the tiles look fine from the driveway. Either way, a tile roof installation in Kissimmee is a big decision, and you want to know it’ll be done right before anyone carries a single tile up a ladder.
It’s normal to feel unsure here. Tile is heavy, the work underneath it is hidden once the job is done, and it’s hard to tell a careful installer from a fast one by looking at a finished roof. You deserve a contractor who explains what’s going on under the tile, not just what it looks like on top.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and we’ve been roofing since 2017. Your inspection and estimate are free. Call 407-270-1129 to get started.
The part of a tile roof you never see
A lot of homeowners are surprised to learn that the tiles aren’t what keeps the rain out. They shed most of the water and take the sun, but in a hard, wind-driven Florida storm some water always gets under them. The underlayment beneath, the sheet laid over the roof deck, is what actually stops the leak and guides that water back out at the eave.
That’s why a good tile roof installation spends so much time on what goes down first. Rotten or soft decking gets replaced. The underlayment has to be a product made to sit under tile in Florida heat, because the air trapped under the tiles gets very hot through a Kissimmee summer and wears out a lower-grade sheet early. Then the flashing goes in at every valley, wall and pipe before the first course is set.
If you already have tile and it’s leaking, the underlayment is usually the reason. Tile itself lasts a long time. The sheet under it wears out sooner, and the fix is often to lift the tiles, put down new underlayment and relay the good tiles on top.
Clay or concrete tile for a Kissimmee home
Both are common in Central Florida, and both handle the climate well. They’re made differently, though, and that shows up over time.
Clay tile is shaped and then fired in a kiln, so the color goes all the way through. Years of strong sun barely change it, and it absorbs very little water.
Concrete tile is a mix of sand and cement, cured rather than fired. It usually costs less than clay and comes in plenty of profiles and colors. Many concrete tiles get their color from a surface coat, so the face can fade in the Florida sun over the years, and a chipped edge shows the gray underneath. That matters if you ever need a few tiles replaced and want them to match.
Shape is the other choice. Barrel and S-shaped tiles give the classic Mediterranean look you see across Osceola County. Flat tiles sit lower and can pass for slate from the street. We’ll walk you through what fits your home’s style and your budget.
Switching from shingles to tile? Check the weight first
Tile weighs several times more per square foot than asphalt shingles. A house that was built for tile has rafters sized to carry it. A house that was built for shingles may not.
Before a shingle-to-tile conversion goes ahead, the roof framing should be reviewed by an engineer, and some homes need reinforcement. Lightweight concrete tiles exist too, and they can make tile possible on a roof that couldn’t carry the standard kind. It’s better to learn this during the inspection than after the tile is on the roof.
How tile is held down in hurricane country
Wind pulls hardest at the edges, corners and ridge of a roof, and Kissimmee sees its share of tropical storms and hurricanes from June through November. A tile roof here has to be attached to meet the Florida Building Code and the tile maker’s instructions.
Depending on the tile and the system, that can mean screws or nails through each tile, a roofing foam adhesive set under the tiles, or a mix of the two, with clips where the product calls for them. Fastening gets tighter around the perimeter, where uplift is strongest. The ridge and hip caps get attached to a nailer board rather than relying on mortar alone, since old mortar cracks and lets caps work loose.
The details that decide whether it leaks
Most tile roof leaks start at a detail, not in the middle of a slope. These are the spots that deserve the closest look:
- Valleys. A metal valley liner carries water from two slopes. If tiles are cut too close or debris piles up, water spills out sideways under the tile.
- Walls and chimneys. Flashing has to run up the wall and under the tile, with a raised edge that sends water back down. A bead of sealant is not a substitute.
- Pipes and vents. A flat shingle-style boot can’t seal against a curved tile. Tile needs flashing shaped to the profile.
- The eave. Barrel tiles leave open ends at the bottom course. A proper closure keeps birds and wind-blown rain out while still letting water drain.
Questions about tile roof installation in Kissimmee
How long does a tile roof installation take?
Longer than a shingle roof. Tile is heavy, it’s set one piece at a time and the underlayment work has to be done carefully. You’ll get a realistic timeline with your estimate.
Can you reuse my existing tiles?
Often, yes, when the tiles are in good shape and the problem is the underlayment. Some tiles break when they’re lifted, especially older ones, so replacements may be needed. If your profile is discontinued, a close match is possible, but the color may differ a little.
Is concrete or clay tile better in Florida?
Both work well here. Clay holds its color longer and absorbs less water. Concrete usually costs less and offers more choices. The right pick depends on your home, your roof framing and what you want to spend.
Do you work with insurance after storm damage?
Yes. You file the claim with your insurance company and pay your own deductible. We document the damage with photos, give you a written estimate and work with your adjuster.
How your tile roof gets done
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate. We’ll check the tile, the decking, the flashing and the framing.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos and hear plainly whether you need a full install, new underlayment under your existing tile, or just a repair. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Your roof gets done and the site cleaned up. The crew installs the system to code and the manufacturer’s specs, then cleans up before leaving.
Putting off a worn underlayment rarely saves money. Water that gets past it soaks the wood deck slowly, and by the time a stain shows on your ceiling, the repair has grown.
If you’re still comparing materials, our Kissimmee tile roofing page covers repair and upkeep too, and our Kissimmee roof replacement page explains how a full reroof works with other materials. You can see everything we do locally on the Kissimmee roofing page.
The goal is a tile roof you don’t have to think about: dry inside, solid through storm season, and installed by people who showed you what was under it. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free inspection.
