Why tile roofs leak
Concrete tiles shed most of the water, but they aren't watertight on their own. The real waterproofing is the underlayment beneath them. Over time, sun that gets through gaps and heat from the roof deck dry it out until it cracks and crumbles. Water that slips past the tiles then reaches the wood.
Signs of underlayment failure
- Leaks in a roof where the tiles look fine
- Stains near valleys, walls or the lower edge of the roof
- Brittle, torn felt visible at eaves or under a lifted tile
- Roof is around 20 years old or more
Lift and relay
- Remove and stack the tiles, setting aside broken ones
- Strip old underlayment and battens; inspect the deck
- Install new high-performance underlayment and flashings
- Install new battens where needed
- Relay the original tiles, replacing broken pieces
Why not just replace the tiles?
Concrete tile is expensive and long-lasting. Reusing it keeps your home's look and saves the cost of new tile. If many tiles are broken or the style is discontinued, switching to shingles or metal may make sense — check your HOA.
Spot repairs
If the problem is limited to a valley or wall, a partial lift and relay of that area can be an option.
Tile roof leaking? Call (505) 448-1467.
Common questions
How long does tile underlayment last?
Often around 20 years for standard felt; newer synthetic underlayments are designed to last longer.
Is a lift and relay cheaper than a new roof?
Usually cheaper than buying new tile, but it's labor-intensive, so it's not a small job.
Can you walk on tile without breaking it?
Carefully, yes. Some breakage is normal, and we replace broken pieces.