- Proudly Serving Los Angeles County, CA
- (310) 919-7587
Tile roofs are a classic part of many Los Angeles neighborhoods. From Spanish and Mediterranean to Mission-style homes, clay and concrete tiles have shaped the area’s look for generations. At LA Roof Kings, we have over 20 years of experience installing, repairing, and replacing tile roofs across Los Angeles County. If you want a roof you can trust, we use quality materials and include a written warranty with every job. Every project starts with a free inspection.
Most tile roofs in Southern California are made from either clay or concrete, and both work well in our climate. Clay tiles have the classic terracotta color that suits Spanish and Mediterranean homes, and they keep their color for years. Concrete tiles cost less, come in more colors and styles, and can look like clay, wood shake, or slate. You can pick from shapes like the curved Spanish barrel for a traditional look, flat interlocking tiles for a modern style, or low-profile tiles that look like slate. Both types are heavy, fire-resistant, and made to last for decades. The right choice depends on your home’s style, your budget, and its construction. We’ll go over the pros and cons with you during your inspection.
Tile roofing covers a wide range of work, and we handle it all.
One thing that surprises many homeowners is that the tile often outlasts the waterproof layer beneath it. In many cases, the fix is not new tile at all, but underlayment replacement with the existing tile carefully lifted and reset. If the damage runs deeper, a full roof replacement may be the better long-term call. For smaller, isolated problems, straightforward roof repair is usually enough.
A tile roof only performs as well as the work underneath it. Here is how we approach a tile installation from start to finish.
Step 1. Roof Assessment and Planning
We start with a close look at the existing structure. We check the decking for water damage or rot, review rafter spacing, and confirm your framing can carry the added weight of tile, which is much heavier than asphalt shingles. This tells us whether the deck is ready for tile or needs reinforcement, and it shapes both the timeline and the estimate. The timeline itself depends on the size and complexity of your roof, and you get a realistic schedule after the inspection.
Step 2. Underlayment and Flashing
With a sound deck, we install a synthetic underlayment made for tile. This is the real waterproof layer beneath the tile, and it has to be secured to handle the weight and the movement that come with our temperature swings. Before any tile goes down, we flash every vent, chimney, and skylight, since those penetrations are where leaks usually start.
Step 3. Tile Layout and Installation
Tiles are set to a layout planned around your roof’s slope, valleys, and ridges. Each one is fastened with corrosion-resistant nails or screws, and the overlap is checked constantly so water sheds away from the structure rather than into it. This is where craftsmanship matters most, because a poor layout or weak fastening undermines the whole roof.
Step 4. Ridge, Valley, and Edge Treatment
Ridges, hips, valleys, and edges need custom tile work and metal flashing to shed water cleanly and resist wind uplift. We use weather-sealed ridge caps and trim that match your tile profile, so the finished roof is both watertight and visually consistent.
Step 5. Final Inspection and Cleanup
Once the tile is set, we inspect the whole roof for proper fastening, correct overlap, and sealed flashing, and we confirm there are no gaps where water could enter. We clear the site of debris and hand you a written warranty that spells out coverage and basic maintenance.
Tile is a great fit for our climate, and not just because it looks good. Strong sun and long, hot summers wear out lighter materials quickly, but tile keeps its color and shape for decades. Both clay and concrete tile have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest and most important in wildfire areas across Los Angeles County. Tile also reflects heat, creating an air gap that helps keep homes cooler and can lower cooling costs during our long summers. This supports the cool roof goals in California Title 24. Because of all this, tile roofing in Los Angeles is a long-term investment that pays off over time, not just a quick bargain.
Tile roofs need little maintenance, but not none. Look out for cracked or slipped tiles, especially after strong winds or if someone has walked on the roof. Water stains on ceilings often mean the underlayment has failed, not the tile. Check for debris in the valleys, broken tiles at the edges, and granules in the gutters. Getting your roof inspected once a year helps catch small issues before they become expensive.
Tile roofing costs more than many other materials, and the price depends on things like your roof’s size and slope, whether you choose clay or concrete, the condition of the underlayment and framing, and if the tiles can be reused or need replacing. Since tile is heavy, some older homes may need extra support, which can add to the cost. Online prices are just rough estimates. The best way to get an accurate price is with a free on-site inspection, where we check everything and give you a written quote.
Experience matters with tile roofing. If the tiles are set wrong or the underlayment and flashing are not done right, the roof will leak, no matter how good it looks. We have worked on tile roofs throughout Los Angeles County for over 20 years, and we are fully licensed under California Contractor License #600662. As a family-owned business, you talk to real people who answer the phone and back up our work with a written warranty. We always give you an honest opinion about whether your roof needs a small repair, a reset, or a full replacement, and we never recommend more than you need.
We look at your roof and give you an honest assessment before you spend a dollar.
We know how LA roofs age and what actually holds up in this climate.
The name on the truck is the name on the license, and that shows in how we treat every job.
California Contractor License #600662.
The tile can last 50 years or more, and clay tiles often last longer than other parts of the house. The underlayment underneath is usually the limiting factor, lasting about 20 to 30 years. Most tile roofs need the underlayment replaced once or twice while the original tiles remain.
Usually, yes. Cracked or slipped tiles can be swapped out individually, and a failing underlayment can often be fixed by lifting and resetting the existing tile. A full replacement is only needed when the tile is severely damaged or the structure underneath has serious problems.
The tile acts as a shield, but the real waterproofing comes from the underlayment below. As that layer ages, it can dry out and crack, letting water in even if the tiles look fine. Usually, the solution is to replace the underlayment, not the tiles.
Yes. Both clay and concrete tile carry a Class A fire rating, the highest level, which is a real advantage in the wildfire zones across Los Angeles County. Installation with sealed edges adds another layer of protection.
Tile roofs need less maintenance than most, but still require some care. We suggest an annual inspection, debris removal from the valleys, and checking the flashing after storms. Moss or algae in shady areas can be cleaned off. The tiles themselves do not wear out like asphalt shingles.
Both clay and concrete tiles work well in our area. Clay keeps its color longer and has the classic terracotta look, but it costs more. Concrete is more affordable, comes in more styles, and can look like clay, slate, or wood shake. The weight and your home’s framing also matter, and we help you consider these factors during the inspection.
The best way to find out how your tile roof is doing is to have an expert check it in person. Call LA Roof Kings at (310) 919-7587 to set up your free inspection. We look at both the tile and the underlayment, then explain your options and give you straightforward pricing.
