You have decided on a tile roof. Good choice. In San Diego, tile roofs last longer than almost any other option, and they look great doing it. But before the crew shows up, you should know what you are getting into.
Tile installation is not like other roofing jobs. It takes longer, costs more, and requires a different kind of expertise. Here is what happens from start to finish.
The Installation Process
First, your contractor will inspect the roof structure. Tile is heavy. A square of concrete tile weighs around 900 pounds - roughly three times what asphalt shingles weigh. Many San Diego homes, especially older ones, need structural reinforcement before tile goes on.
If your home needs reinforcement, that happens first. The crew adds support to the rafters and sheathing. This is not optional. Skipping this step leads to sagging rooflines and worse problems down the road.
Once the structure is ready, the crew installs underlayment. This waterproof layer is your real protection against leaks. The tiles on top handle sun, wind, and impact. The underlayment handles water.
This is important: tile roofs fail at the underlayment, not the tiles. The tiles themselves last 50 to 100 years. The underlayment lasts 25 to 40 years. Plan for underlayment replacement at some point, even if your tiles are perfect.
After underlayment, the crew installs battens - horizontal wood strips that the tiles hook onto. Then comes the tile itself, row by row from the bottom up. Each tile overlaps the one below it. The pattern creates channels that direct water down and off the roof.
Edges, valleys, and ridges get special treatment. These areas see the most water flow and take the most abuse. Your contractor should use proper flashing and specially shaped tiles in these zones.
Expect the job to take one to two weeks for an average San Diego home. Larger homes or complicated rooflines take longer. The crew will need clear access around the house and somewhere to stage materials.
After installation, walk the property with your contractor. Look for debris, check that gutters are clear, and make sure all the trim pieces are in place. Get your warranty documentation and keep it somewhere safe.
Peak Builders has installed tile roofs across San Diego County for over fifteen years. We handle everything from Spanish colonial clay to modern concrete profiles. If you are considering tile, we can assess your roof structure and give you a straight answer about what the job will involve.
