A tile roof is a big decision and a long-term one. You’re probably weighing the look you want against a list of worries: whether the house can hold the weight, whether tile survives a Kansas winter, and whether the crew you hire has actually installed tile before. Get any of that wrong and you’re living with it for decades.
Tile roof installation in Overland Park goes well when the planning happens before the first tile goes up. Most of what decides how a tile roof performs here is out of sight: the framing, the underlayment, the flashing and how each tile is fastened.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified contractor, licensed and insured, in business since 2017, and we install clay and concrete tile. Our nearest office is in Shawnee. Call 913-398-5020 for a free inspection and estimate.
Before tile roof installation in Overland Park: can the house carry it?
This is the first question, and it has to be answered before anything else. Tile is several times heavier than asphalt shingles. If you’re replacing an existing tile roof, the framing was built for that weight, though rot or past leaks can weaken it, so it still gets checked once the old roof is off. If you’re switching from shingles or another light material, a structural engineer should review the rafters, spans and supporting walls first. The result may be “go ahead,” “reinforce first,” or “look at lightweight tile instead.”
Choosing the tile
Clay and concrete both work in Overland Park, and the right one depends on your house and budget. Clay is fired, holds its color and absorbs little water. Concrete costs less, comes in more profiles and is often heavier. For a cold climate, the tile you pick should be rated by its maker for severe freeze-thaw exposure. That rating matters more here than almost any style choice. Our pages on clay tile roofing in Overland Park and concrete tile roofing in Overland Park go through each.
What happens during a tile roof installation
Every roof is a little different, but a tile installation generally runs in this order.
Tear-off and deck check. The old roof comes off down to the wood deck. Soft or rotted sheathing gets replaced so the new roof has a solid base.
Underlayment. This is the layer that actually keeps water out. Tile sheds most rain, but some wind-driven rain and snowmelt always get underneath. Heat builds up under tile in summer, so the underlayment needs to be a type that handles that heat. Along the eaves, cold climates call for extra protection against ice dams, where meltwater backs up under the bottom courses.
Battens and layout. On many tile roofs, wood strips called battens run across the slope and the tiles hang from them. The layout is set so the rows line up and the cut pieces at the edges are as clean as possible.
Fastening. Each tile is fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local code. Rows at the edges, hips and ridge get extra fastening because wind pulls hardest there.
Flashing. Valleys, walls, chimneys, plumbing vents and any other openings get metal flashing sized for tile, which sits higher than shingles. Most tile roof leaks start at flashing, not in the open field, so this step deserves the most care.
Hips and ridge. The caps along the top and the hips are set and sealed so wind and water can’t get under them.
Winter and hail planning
Two Kansas City concerns shape a tile install. Snow can slide off a tile roof in a sheet, so some homeowners ask about snow guards above doorways and walkways. And spring hail can crack tile, which is one more reason to buy tile with a strong rating and to keep a few spare tiles from the original batch. Matching later is much easier when you have the same product on the shelf.
How long does it take?
Longer than a shingle roof. Tile is heavy to move, slow to cut and set, and the flashing takes more time. You’ll get a realistic timeline with your estimate, and weather can stretch it.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 913-398-5020 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll hear whether tile makes sense for your house, which tile fits, and what the job includes, in writing.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. The crew installs the roof and cleans up before leaving.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance if you’d like to spread out the cost.
If your existing tile roof only has a few problems, you may not need a new one at all. Our tile roofing in Overland Park page explains when repair or a re-lay is the better path.
Tile roof installation questions
Can tile go on a house that has shingles now?
Sometimes. A structural engineer needs to confirm the framing can carry tile. If it can’t, reinforcement or lightweight tile may be an option.
Can you reuse my existing tile on a new roof?
Often, yes, if the tile is in good shape. It’s taken off by hand, stacked, and reinstalled over new underlayment. Some tile always breaks in handling, so a few replacements are normal.
Do I need a permit for a new tile roof?
In most cities, re-roofing requires a building permit. Your estimate should make clear who is responsible for it.
Is a tile roof worth it in Kansas?
For many homes, yes, if the tile is rated for freeze-thaw, the house can carry the weight and the underlayment and flashing are done right. For others, a high-quality shingle or metal roof is the better fit. We’ll talk through both.
A tile roof built for here
A tile roof that’s planned for our winters and our hail can protect your home for a very long time. Call 913-398-5020 or book your free inspection online, and you’ll get a clear plan and a written estimate before you commit to anything.
