Your concrete tile roof looks fine from the street, but there’s a water stain on the ceiling that keeps getting bigger after every afternoon storm. Or the roof is getting older, your insurance company is asking questions about it, and you’re not sure whether concrete tile roofing in Orlando can be fixed or has to be replaced. Tile jobs aren’t small, so you want to get this one right.
That’s a reasonable thing to worry about. A lot of roofers would rather work on shingles, and a tile roof handled carelessly ends up with more broken tile than it started with. You deserve a roofer who knows tile and will tell you plainly what yours needs.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured. Your inspection and estimate are free. Call 407-270-1129 to set up a visit.
Why concrete tile roofing in Orlando is so popular
Concrete tile is one of the most popular roofs on Orlando-area homes, and for good reason. It doesn’t burn, it doesn’t rot, and it handles the sun far better than asphalt. It comes in flat and curved, Spanish-style profiles and in a wide range of colors. A well-installed concrete tile roof can last for decades.
It isn’t the only tile option. Clay tile has its color fired all the way through, while concrete tile’s color sits closer to the surface and can fade over the years. If you’re weighing the two, see our clay tile roofing page.
What Orlando weather does to a concrete tile roof
Sun and heat. The tile handles UV well. The underlayment under it is another story. Heat builds up under the tile all summer and slowly bakes that layer until it cracks and stops shedding water.
Afternoon storms. Heavy, wind-driven rain finds any gap at walls, chimneys, valleys and roof vents. On a tile roof, the flashing at those spots is often the first thing to fail.
Hurricane season. From June 1 through November 30, strong wind can lift tiles that aren’t properly attached, and flying debris can crack them. Ridge and hip tiles along the peaks take the most wind.
Humidity. Algae and mildew grow easily on the rough surface of concrete tile. It’s mostly cosmetic, but cleaning it with a high-pressure washer can damage the tile, so go gently or ask a roofer first.
The underlayment does the real work
This part surprises a lot of homeowners. On a tile roof, the tile protects the roof from sun, wind and debris, but the underlayment below is the layer that keeps water out of your house. In Florida’s heat it usually wears out well before the tile does.
So a leaking concrete tile roof often doesn’t need new tile. It may need a lift and relay: the crew carefully removes and stacks the tile, puts down new underlayment and flashing, then sets the same tile back in place. Good tile gets reused, and the waterproofing is brand new.
Concrete tile roof repair in Orlando
Many tile problems are small, local repairs:
- Cracked or broken tiles from storms, falling limbs or foot traffic
- Tiles that slipped out of place
- Loose or damaged ridge and hip tiles
- Worn flashing at walls, chimneys and skylights
- Leaks around vent pipes and other things that come through the roof
Tile breaks easily when you step in the wrong spot. A lot of tile damage comes from people who were on the roof for some other reason, so it matters who you let up there. Our tile roof repair page covers repairs in more detail.
Concrete tile roof installation and replacement
When the underlayment has failed across most of the roof, tiles are breaking all over, or you’re changing roof types, a new installation makes more sense than chasing leaks.
A few things to know before you start. Concrete tile is heavy, so if you’re switching from shingles, the roof framing has to be checked to make sure it can carry the weight. Florida’s building code also sets how tile has to be fastened to resist wind, and the work needs a permit and inspection. A good estimate spells out the underlayment, the flashing and how the tile will be attached, not just the tile color.
You can see all our options on the Orlando tile roofing page.
Storm damage and insurance
If a storm cracked or lifted your tile, document it before anything changes. You file your own claim with your insurance company, and you pay your own deductible. We photograph the damage, give you a written estimate and work with your adjuster. Our hurricane damage roof repair page walks through that process.
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 and hear whether you need a repair, a lift and relay, or a new roof. You decide what happens next.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. The crew handles your tile with care and cleans up before leaving.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Questions about concrete tile roofs
How long does a concrete tile roof last in Florida?
The tile itself can last for decades. The underlayment beneath it usually needs replacing first, and that’s what most “tile roof replacements” are really about.
Can I replace just a few broken tiles?
Yes, if the underlayment beneath them is still sound. We’ll match the profile and color as closely as we can and show you samples if your tile has been discontinued.
Can my house handle concrete tile if it has shingles now?
Maybe. Concrete tile is much heavier than shingles, so the framing has to be checked before you switch.
Is concrete or clay tile better for Orlando?
Both work well here. Concrete is more common and comes in more styles. Clay keeps its color longer. We’ll walk you through the trade-offs for your house.
A tile roof you can count on
A leak under a tile roof can go a long time before you see it. Water runs along the old underlayment and soaks into the wood deck, so by the time the ceiling stains, the damage underneath has had time to spread. You don’t have to fix everything at once. It just helps to know where you stand.
The next storm rolls through and the ceiling stays dry. That’s what you’re after: a sound tile roof, no surprise bill, and confidence that you made the right call. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free inspection, or start with our free online estimate. Trust matters.
