Your concrete tile roof has been on the house for 20-some years. It’s faded to a chalky version of its old color, there are dark stains on the north side and, after the last big rain, a spot showed up on the bedroom ceiling. Concrete tile roofing in Palm Coast is built to last, so it’s frustrating to wonder whether you need a repair or a whole new roof.
You don’t want to be talked into replacing tile that still has years left in it. You also don’t want to keep patching a roof that’s quietly failing underneath. What you need is a straight read on your roof.
APC Roofing is GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured. We install, repair and replace concrete tile roofs in Palm Coast, and the inspection and estimate are free. Call 386-259-8425.
Why concrete tile roofing is so common in Palm Coast
Walk through almost any Florida neighborhood built in the last few decades and you’ll see a lot of concrete tile. There are good reasons for it:
- It’s durable and stands up to sun, heat and heavy rain.
- It’s usually less expensive than clay tile while giving a similar look.
- It comes in many shapes and colors, from barrel and S-tile to flat styles that look like slate or wood shake.
- It doesn’t burn, which is one reason it’s popular on Florida homes.
Properly fastened, concrete tile also does well in high wind. Its weight helps it stay put, and Florida’s building code sets specific rules for how each tile has to be attached.
How concrete tile ages on the Flagler coast
Concrete tile is tough, but it does change over time, and Palm Coast’s climate speeds some of that along.
Fading
Many concrete tiles are colored only on the surface, with a coating over a gray concrete body. Years of strong UV wear that coating down, which is why so many older concrete roofs look washed out. Through-colored tiles, where the color is mixed into the concrete, hold up better. Fading is cosmetic, but it’s often the first sign a roof is getting older.
Stains and growth
Concrete is porous. It absorbs some moisture, and in Palm Coast’s humidity that feeds algae, mildew and lichen, especially on shady slopes. Most of it is cosmetic. Cleaning should be done gently, because high-pressure washing can damage the surface and break tiles.
What’s underneath
As with any tile roof, the concrete isn’t the main water barrier. The underlayment below it is. Heat builds up under the tile all summer and slowly breaks that layer down. On many older concrete roofs, worn underlayment causes the leaks while the tiles still look solid.
Salt and metal
Salt air near the coast corrodes flashing and fasteners. When metal at a wall, valley or roof penetration gives out, water finds the gap.
Concrete tile roof replacement, or new underlayment?
There are usually three paths, and the right one depends on what the inspection finds.
A repair fits when the problem is local: a few cracked tiles, a slipped row, a leak at one pipe or wall.
A tile lift and re-underlay fits when the underlayment is worn out but most of the tiles are still sound. The tiles come off and get stacked, a new underlayment and new flashing go down, and the good tiles go back on with replacements for any that broke.
A full concrete tile roof replacement fits when the tiles themselves are worn, a lot of them are cracked, or matching replacements can’t be found. The roof gets new tile along with everything underneath it, installed to current Florida code.
Our tile roof repair in Palm Coast page explains the smaller fixes. For a bigger project, see what goes into a roof replacement in Palm Coast.
Concrete or clay?
If you’re picking a material, clay keeps its color longer and won’t absorb as much moisture, but it’s more brittle and usually costs more. Concrete is heavier, more affordable and comes in more styles. Our clay tile roofing page covers the other side of that choice.
Switching from shingles to concrete tile? Concrete is heavy, so the roof framing has to be checked before the switch.
How it works
- Book your free inspection. Call 386-259-8425 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of the tile, the flashing and any problem areas, and you’ll hear which of the three paths makes sense and why. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. Tile jobs take longer than shingle jobs, so you’ll get a realistic schedule before work begins.
A leak under concrete tile tends to be slow and hidden. By the time a stain reaches the ceiling, water may have been reaching the deck for a while, so an older roof is worth a look before the next rainy season.
Concrete tile questions from Palm Coast homeowners
Can my old concrete tiles be reused?
Often, yes. If the tiles are sound, they can be lifted, stored and reinstalled over new underlayment. Some breakage is normal, so replacement tiles are part of the plan.
Why does my concrete tile roof look faded?
Most likely the surface color has worn away in the sun. It’s usually cosmetic, but on an older roof it’s a good reason to check what’s underneath.
Is concrete tile heavier than clay?
Generally, yes. That’s why the roof structure should be checked before switching to concrete tile from a lighter material.
Does concrete tile hold up in hurricanes?
When it’s fastened to current Florida code, it performs well in wind. Older roofs may have weaker attachment and are worth checking before storm season.
Keep your concrete tile roof doing its job
Call 386-259-8425 or book your free inspection online. You’ll find out what your roof really needs, with no pressure and no surprises, and you’ll end up with a dry house and a roof you trust. Your satisfaction is our reputation.
