Tile roofing delivers exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and iconic Florida aesthetic. Natural resistance to wind, fire, and decay makes tile ideal for coastal living.
Tile offers unmatched longevity and performance in Florida's demanding climate.
Concrete tile lasts 40-50+ years, clay tile can exceed 75-100 years. Best long-term value despite higher upfront cost.
When properly installed with mechanical fasteners and foam adhesive, tile roofs withstand extreme wind events better than most materials.
Thermal mass and air gap beneath tiles reduce heat transfer, lowering cooling costs by 20-30% compared to shingles.
Tile roofing has protected Florida homes for over a century. Its proven longevity and superior performance make it the ultimate investment for homeowners planning to stay long-term.
Whether you choose concrete or clay, tile delivers decades of reliable protection with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for coastal and high-end properties.
Most popular tile option in Florida. Made from portland cement, sand, and water. Cost-effective with excellent performance.
Premium natural material with unmatched durability. Fired clay provides superior color retention and longevity.
Tile shape affects aesthetics, water shedding, and installation complexity.
Your best fit depends on structural capacity, long-term ownership goals, and the look you want for the home.
Concrete tile usually provides the strongest value for homeowners who want tile performance without clay-level cost.
Clay is the premium lifespan option, while concrete remains a high-performing system when properly installed.
Profile choice changes curb appeal significantly, from clean modern flat tile to classic Spanish barrel shapes.
Tile installation requires specialized technique and attention to Florida wind codes.
Engineer evaluates roof framing capacity for tile weight. Issue stamped letter confirming adequacy or specifying reinforcement.
Install two layers of underlayment for secondary water barrier. Self-adhering membrane in valleys and vulnerable areas, synthetic in field.
Install horizontal battens for proper tile spacing and drainage channels. Use mechanical fasteners (screws or clips) rated for tile weight and wind loads.
Set field tiles from eaves to ridge with proper overlap and headlap. Every tile mechanically fastened per code (High Velocity Hurricane Zone requires one fastener per tile minimum).
Apply polyurethane foam adhesive at perimeter and ridge areas for enhanced wind resistance. Install ridge and hip tiles with mortar or dry-set systems.
Broward and Miami-Dade counties require HVHZ Product Approval with tested wind ratings. Every tile must be mechanically fastened, foam adhesive required at roof edges.
Tiles tested as complete assembly (tile + fastening + foam) for wind uplift resistance. Look for Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approvals.
Lighter colors reflect more heat and stay cooler. Blended or tumbled finishes hide algae and aging better. Consider HOA requirements for color and profile restrictions.
Common questions about tile roofing in Florida
Concrete tiles typically last 40-50 years in Florida, while clay tiles can last 50-100+ years. The tiles themselves are extremely durable, but the underlayment needs replacement every 20-30 years. Proper maintenance and periodic re-fastening can extend tile life even further. Many historic Florida homes still have their original clay tiles from the 1920s-1940s.
Tile roofs weigh 800-1000 lbs per square (10x heavier than shingles). Most Florida homes built since 1990 are designed for tile, but older homes may need structural reinforcement. We require a structural engineer's evaluation and stamped letter before tile installation. Reinforcement typically involves adding roof trusses or rafters, which adds cost but ensures safety and code compliance.
Clay tiles are natural, lighter, more expensive, and longer-lasting (50-100+ years). They maintain color better and are preferred for historic or high-end homes. Concrete tiles are heavier, more affordable, and last 40-50 years. Modern concrete tiles come in wide color ranges and profiles. Both perform excellently in Florida, so choice often comes down to budget and aesthetics.
Properly installed tile roofs perform very well in hurricanes. Each tile is mechanically fastened (screwed or clipped) and foamed at edges per code. Wind damage usually comes from flying debris breaking individual tiles, not wind uplift. Broken tiles are easily replaced. In major hurricanes, tile roofs often outperform other materials when surrounding structures fail and create projectile hazards.
Get a free estimate and structural evaluation. We'll discuss tile options, installation process, and costs before any commitment.
