The layer under the tile is the roof
A tile roof in Orlando is really two roofs. The tile on top turns away most rain and shades the deck. The underlayment underneath is what keeps water out of the house. In Florida heat that hidden layer usually lasts about 20 to 25 years, so a tile roof from the early 2000s can look perfect from the street and still leak in three rooms.
Signs the underlayment is going:
- Ceiling stains under a tile roof that looks intact
- Cracked or shifted tiles showing dark, brittle felt beneath
- A tile roof 20 years old or more that has never had underlayment work
If the tiles are sound, an underlayment replacement can be the right call. We lift the tile, install new underlayment, replace broken pieces and relay the rest. If many tiles are brittle or out of production, a full replacement is usually better value. You get photos and both prices.
Concrete or clay
Tile is the required look in many Orlando HOA communities with Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes. Both types are heavy, fire-resistant and good for 30 to 50 years.
| Detail | Concrete tile | Clay tile |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28,000 to $50,000 on a typical home | Usually more than concrete |
| Look | Wide range of colors and profiles | Natural clay color that holds over time |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavy, varies by profile |
| Where you see it | Most tile subdivisions | Higher-end and custom homes |
Getting a tile roof through your HOA
Most HOAs publish approved manufacturers, colors and profiles. The path to approval looks like this:
- Read the guidelines for the approved list.
- Get real samples so the board sees the tile in hand.
- Submit the application with the product details the HOA asks for.
- Wait for written approval. We put the job on the calendar once you have it.
On repairs we match existing tile as closely as we can. Some older profiles are no longer made, and we tell you before work starts if an exact match is not available.
Inside a tile replacement
- Permit and inspections pulled under license CCC1326792
- Old tile and underlayment removed to the deck
- Deck repair and re-nailing to current Florida code
- Underlayment rated for tile
- Flashing, valleys, ridges and hips detailed
- Tile set in foam or mechanically fastened, per code and product approval
- Cleanup and a final walkthrough
- A free wind mitigation inspection arranged after the job
Tile takes longer than shingles, often three to seven days on site. Our guide on how long a roof replacement takes lays out the full timeline, permits included.
Tile work by our own installers
We never hand a tile roof to a subcontractor, and one of the owners is on site during the job. For a large tile project, financing can spread the cost.
Weigh tile against other materials in our shingle vs metal vs tile guide, or book a free roof inspection.
