Clay tile roofs are everywhere in San Diego. Drive through La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, or any of the older neighborhoods near the coast and you will see them on house after house. That terracotta color is practically part of our architectural identity.
But clay tile is not for every home or every budget. Here is an honest look at what you are getting into.
The Case for Clay Tile
Clay tile lasts. We are talking 75 to 100 years if the roof is installed correctly and maintained. Some tile roofs in Southern California have been protecting homes since the 1920s. The tiles themselves are essentially baked earth. They do not rot, rust, or degrade from sun exposure.
San Diego weather suits clay tile perfectly. The material handles our dry summers, occasional heavy rain, and year-round UV exposure without complaint. Clay tiles are also fireproof, which matters if you live anywhere near wildfire-prone areas.
The look is the other major draw. Nothing else quite matches the character of a real clay tile roof. Concrete tiles come close but not quite. Asphalt shingles designed to mimic tile are not fooling anyone.
Now the other side.
Clay tile is expensive. Material costs run significantly higher than asphalt, and installation takes longer because it requires more skill. If your roof structure needs reinforcement to handle the weight - and many do - that adds more to the project.
The tiles are fragile in a specific way. They handle weather fine but crack under foot traffic. Every time someone walks on your roof - HVAC technicians, satellite installers, holiday light crews - there is a chance of breaking tiles. You need to keep spare tiles on hand for repairs.
Finding matching tiles for older roofs can be difficult. If your home has vintage tiles from the 1950s, you may need to source replacements from salvage yards or specialty manufacturers.
Maintenance is not complicated but it is necessary. The tiles last nearly forever, but the underlayment beneath them does not. Expect to replace the underlayment once or twice over the life of the tiles. That means removing all the tiles, installing new underlayment, and putting the tiles back - a significant project.
Peak Builders installs and repairs clay tile roofs throughout San Diego. If you are considering clay tile for a new construction or re-roof, we can walk you through the specifics for your situation.
