Tile roofs aren’t common in Johnson County, which is exactly why owning one, or wanting one, can feel a little lonely. Maybe you bought a home with a clay tile roof and you’re not sure who in the area knows how to work on it. Maybe a few tiles cracked after a hailstorm. Or maybe you love the look and want to know if tile roofing in Shawnee is a smart choice with our winters.
Those are good questions, and they deserve answers from someone who’ll be straight with you about where tile shines and where it struggles in Kansas.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed and insured, and in business since 2017. We repair and install clay and concrete tile, and your inspection and estimate are free. Call 913-398-5020 to have your tile roof looked at.
How a tile roof actually keeps water out
Many tile owners are surprised to learn that the tiles aren’t the waterproof layer. They shed most of the rain and shield what’s underneath from sun and hail, but the real water barrier is the underlayment beneath them. Tiles overlap loosely, and in wind-driven rain some water always gets under them and runs down the underlayment to the eaves.
That matters for repairs. A tile roof can look perfect from the street while the underlayment beneath it is worn out. And when the underlayment fails, the fix usually means lifting the tiles, replacing the underlayment and setting the same tiles back down.
Clay vs. concrete tile in a Kansas climate
Clay tile is fired in a kiln, holds its color for a very long time and absorbs little water. Clay tiles are made in different grades, and in a place with hard freezes, the grade matters. Ask whether the tile is rated for severe weathering before you buy.
Concrete tile costs less than clay and comes in many shapes and colors. It’s heavier and absorbs more water, which makes freeze-thaw a bigger concern. Water soaks in, freezes, expands and can slowly flake the surface or crack the tile over many winters.
Learn more on our clay tile roofing in Shawnee and concrete tile roofing in Shawnee pages.
Tile roofing in Shawnee, KS and the weather
Freeze-thaw. Kansas City winters swing above and below freezing over and over. Any tile that soaks up water gets stressed each time it freezes. Tile rated for freeze-thaw climates holds up far better.
Hail. Large hail can crack or chip tile, and broken pieces let sunlight and water reach the underlayment. Cracked tiles are often easy to spot from the ground, which helps after a storm.
Snow and ice. Snow sits on tile like any other roof, and ice can build at the eaves. Snow guards are common on tile roofs to keep sheets of snow from sliding off onto entries and gutters.
Tile is heavy
Clay and concrete tile weigh much more than asphalt shingles. If you’re thinking of switching from shingles to tile, the roof framing has to be checked to make sure it can carry the load, and sometimes it needs reinforcing. Lightweight tile products exist, but they still weigh more than shingles. This is the first question to answer, before you fall in love with a color.
Tile roof repair: what usually goes wrong
- Broken tiles. Hail, falling limbs and people walking on the roof are the usual causes. Satellite installers and other trades often crack tiles without knowing it.
- Worn underlayment. The most common reason an older tile roof leaks, even when the tiles look fine.
- Flashing at walls, chimneys and valleys. Mortar and metal at these joints age and crack.
- Ridge and hip caps. These can loosen or lose their mortar or fastening over time.
A single cracked tile can usually be replaced on its own. Matching an older tile can take some searching, since colors and profiles change over the years. See tile roof repair in Shawnee for more.
A note of caution: don’t walk on your tile roof or pressure-wash it. Tile breaks underfoot if you step in the wrong spot, and a pressure washer can force water under the tiles and strip the surface.
Is tile right for your Shawnee home?
Tile is a beautiful, long-lasting roof when it’s the right tile on the right structure. It may be a great fit if your home’s style suits it and the framing can carry it. If hail resistance and weight are bigger concerns, metal or impact-rated shingles might serve you better. You’ll get an honest comparison either way. If you’re ready to move forward, our tile roof installation in Shawnee page explains what goes into a new tile roof.
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 get photos of your tile, flashing and underlayment where we can see it, plus a written estimate with your options.
- The work gets done and the site gets cleaned up. Tiles are handled carefully, and the crew clears the debris before leaving.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Tile roofing questions from Shawnee homeowners
Can tile roofs handle Kansas winters?
Yes, when the tile is rated for freeze-thaw conditions and the underlayment and flashing are done right. Low-grade or very absorbent tile is the bigger risk.
Can you replace just a few broken tiles?
Usually. Individual tiles can be swapped out. The trick on an older roof is finding a close match.
Why is my tile roof leaking when the tiles look fine?
The underlayment under the tiles may be worn out. That’s the real water barrier, and it often wears out before the tiles do.
Does hail break roof tiles?
Large hail can. After a big storm, a free inspection tells you whether tiles are cracked. If you file an insurance claim, you file it and pay your own deductible. We document the damage and work with your adjuster.
A tile roof you can stop worrying about
A cracked tile or worn underlayment can let water into the decking for a long time before you see a stain, and decking repairs under tile mean more tiles lifted.
Get it looked at now, and you can enjoy the roof you chose, knowing what’s under it. Call 913-398-5020 to book your free inspection, or start your estimate online.
