A tile cracked. Or several did. Maybe from foot traffic, maybe from something falling on the roof, maybe just age. Now you need to deal with it before water gets through.
Tile roof repair is different from other roofing work. Here is what you should know before calling a contractor.
Why Tiles Break
Clay and concrete tiles are durable against weather but brittle under impact. The most common causes of broken tiles:
Foot traffic from people who do not know where to step. Tiles can only support weight at certain points. Satellite installers, HVAC technicians, and careless contractors break tiles every year.
Fallen branches during Santa Ana winds or storms. Even small branches can crack tiles if they fall from height.
Age and weathering eventually weaken tiles. Decades of temperature cycles, UV exposure, and occasional stress add up.
Settlement and shifting of the roof structure can stress tiles, especially around valleys and ridges.
The Repair Process
Replacing individual tiles is straightforward if you have matching tiles available. The roofer removes the broken tile, checks the underlayment underneath, and sets a new tile in place. Tiles interlock, so accessing the broken one usually requires lifting adjacent tiles carefully.
Matching matters. New tiles should match the existing roof in profile, color, and size. Mismatched tiles are obvious and can affect how water flows.
For older roofs, matching can be challenging. Manufacturers change product lines. Colors fade over time. If you cannot find exact matches, options include salvage yards with vintage tiles, specialty manufacturers who create custom matches, or replacing a larger area with tiles from a less visible section of your roof.
Keep spare tiles if possible. When your roof was installed, extra tiles should have been left behind. Store them somewhere accessible. Having matching tiles on hand simplifies future repairs.
Check the underlayment when tiles are removed. The tiles protect the underlayment from UV, but water can still get under cracked tiles. If underlayment shows damage, address it during the repair.
Prevention helps. Establish that anyone accessing your roof knows how to walk on tiles. Clear overhanging branches. Inspect annually for damage.
Peak Builders repairs tile roofs across San Diego. We work with clay, concrete, and slate tiles, and we can help source matching materials for older roofs.
