First Roofing Contractor
Tile roof installed by First Roofing Contractor on a Southern California home

Tile Roofing.

Clay and concrete tile roofing built for Southern California’s Spanish, Mediterranean, and mission-style homes — engineered for decades of sun, heat, and coastal air.

  • Licensed
  • Bonded
  • Fully Insured
Roofer installing a tile roof, with underlayment and battens laid and tile staged across the roof

What Is Tile Roofing?

A Roofing System Rooted in Southern California Architecture

Tile roofing uses fired clay or cast concrete tiles, laid in an overlapping pattern over underlayment and, on some profiles, battens. It’s the roofing system most closely associated with the Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, and Mission-style homes found throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties.

Tile’s natural material properties fit the local climate well: it reflects heat rather than absorbing it, its thermal mass helps keep attics cooler through long summer afternoons, and it resists embers and UV degradation without the surface wear other materials can show over time.

The tradeoff is weight. Tile roofing is heavier than shingle or metal systems, so an older home’s structure may need a review to confirm it can carry the added load — something we check during your inspection.

  • The defining roof for Spanish Revival and Mediterranean-style homes
  • Reflects heat and resists UV and ember exposure
  • Individual tiles are field-replaceable when damaged
  • Structural review recommended for older homes before installation

Why Choose This System

Is Tile Roofing Right for Your Home?

Tile is a long-term architectural decision as much as a roofing one. This is education, not a recommendation — a real answer starts with an in-person inspection.

Exceptional Material Lifespan

Clay and concrete tile can remain serviceable for many decades when properly installed and maintained.

Architectural Authenticity

The defining look for Spanish, Mediterranean, and Mission-style homes across Southern California.

Heat & Fire Resistance

Naturally reflective and non-combustible, with strong long-term resistance to UV degradation.

Low Maintenance, Field-Repairable

Routine care is mostly periodic inspection of the tile, flashing and underlayment; individual cracked or slipped tiles can typically be replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof.

Tile is usually a strong fit when…

  • Your roof structure is engineered — or can be reinforced — for tile’s weight
  • You’re prioritizing long-term lifespan over the lowest up-front cost
  • Your home’s architecture suits tile, or you want a roof that matches it
  • You’re comfortable with occasional individual-tile maintenance over time

Tile is heavier than shingle or metal, so older homes may need a structural review before installation — we check this during your inspection.

Schedule a Free Roof Inspection  →
Aerial view of a roof stripped to the deck with tile staged in stacks across it during a re-tile
Home with tile staged on the roof and a First Roofing Contractor job-site sign in the yard
Aerial view of the finished re-tiled roof

Re-Tile · Tile Lift & Relay

Re-Tile: Renew the Underlayment, Reuse Suitable Tile

On many tile roofs the tile outlasts the layers beneath it. A re-tile replaces those layers and puts suitable existing tile back on the roof — so you renew what’s underneath without automatically replacing tile that is still in good condition.

  • Carefully remove the existing tiles and set the reusable ones aside
  • Inspect the roof deck as appropriate, repairing it where needed
  • Remove the aged or damaged underlayment and install new underlayment
  • Complete the necessary flashing and detail work
  • Reinstall the salvageable tiles and replace any that are damaged or unusable

What to know

Not every tile can be reused. Which tiles go back on the roof — and how many replacements are needed — depends on inspection and on the condition of your tile, and replacements may differ slightly in color or profile from weathered originals. Widespread tile damage can point to a full replacement instead.

Styles & Profiles

Tile Roofing Styles

Tile profiles vary significantly in look, weight, and installation method — the right one depends on your home's architecture. Spanish S, Mission and Flat describe a tile's shape; concrete and clay describe its material, and many profiles are made in more than one.

Spanish S-profile terracotta roof tiles, close-up

Profile

Spanish “S” Tile

The classic barrel-wave profile most associated with Southern California Spanish Revival homes.

Two-piece Mission barrel roof tiles, close-up

Profile

Mission (Two-Piece) Tile

Traditional pan-and-cover clay tile styling with a historic mission aesthetic.

Flat concrete roof tiles in gray and brown tones, close-up

Profile

Flat Tile

A cleaner, linear profile suited to more contemporary Mediterranean or European-inspired homes.

Concrete S-profile roof tiles in terracotta tones, close-up

Material

Concrete Tile

Cast tile available in a wide range of colors, textures, and profiles — typically the more budget-flexible option for the same architectural look.

Clay barrel roof tiles in red terracotta, close-up

Material

Clay Tile

Fired clay that holds its color permanently and won’t fade or need repainting — the traditional material behind the classic terracotta look.

Materials, Manufacturers & Colors

Tile Manufacturers & Colors

We install concrete and clay tile from established manufacturers. Tile color and texture are set at the factory, so the most accurate way to preview them is through each manufacturer’s own catalog.

Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products

Manufacturer of concrete and clay roof tile in a wide range of profiles and colors.

Explore More Colors (opens the manufacturer’s website in a new tab)
Eagle Roofing Products

Eagle Roofing Products

Manufacturer of concrete tile roofing systems, including S-tile, flat, and low-profile options.

Explore More Colors (opens the manufacturer’s website in a new tab)

Manufacturer logos shown reflect brands First Roofing Contractor currently works with. Certification status, specific product availability, and warranty details are set by each manufacturer and confirmed with you at the time of your estimate.

A Complete Tile Roofing System

What’s Under Your Tile Roof?

A tile roof is more than the tiles you see from the outside. Each component works together to support the roof, manage water, and help protect the home.

Hover over each number to discover how every component helps protect your home.Tap each number to discover how every component helps protect your home.

Cutaway diagram of a complete tile roofing system showing roof tiles, ridge tiles, tile battens, underlayment, roof deck, valley flashing, pipe and penetration flashing, drip edge and eave metal, roof rafters, and attic insulation

How It Works

Our Tile Roofing Installation Process

01

Inspection

On-site assessment, including a structural review for tile weight.

02

Tear-Off

Removal and disposal of existing roofing materials.

03

Deck Inspection

Damaged sheathing identified and replaced.

04

Underlayment

Heavy-duty, tile-rated underlayment installed.

05

Battens & Flashing

Battens and flashing details installed per profile.

06

Tile Installation

Tile installed and fastened to manufacturer specification.

07

Final Walkthrough

Ridge/hip trim, inspection, and site cleanup.

Not Sure Where You Stand?

Tile Repair vs. Replacement

Repair May Make Sense

  • A limited number of tiles are cracked, slipped, or missing
  • The underlayment beneath the tile is still sound
  • A leak is isolated near a single penetration or flashing detail
  • The tile field is otherwise intact and properly seated
vs

Replacement Worth Considering

  • The underlayment has aged out or failed, even if the tile looks fine
  • A major storm has displaced tile across large sections of roof
  • Persistent leaks trace back to worn underlayment rather than the tile itself
  • Extensive tile breakage from impact or foot traffic over time

Not Sure If You Need a Repair or Replacement?

Schedule a professional inspection — on a tile roof, this often means evaluating the underlayment specifically, not just the visible tile. When the tile is in good condition but the underlayment is not, a re-tile may be an option, and isolated tile and flashing repairs can be handled separately from a full replacement.

Get Your Free Estimate  →

Recent Work

Tile Roofing Projects

Drag the slider to compare before and after.

Tile Roof Replacement — after
Tile Roof Replacement — before
BeforeAfter

Tile Roof Replacement

📍 Laguna Beach, California

Aerial view of a completed multi-tone tile roof on a home at dusk
Completed tile roof
Completed terracotta tile roof on a coastal home with the ocean behind it
Completed tile roof, coastal home
Close view of a multi-tone S-profile tile roof above a balcony
Tile roof detail

What Affects The Cost?

What Affects the Cost of a Tile Roof?

Tile projects have a wider cost range than other roofing systems — largely because weight, profile, and structural needs vary so much by home.

01

Roof Size

Larger roofs require more tile, underlayment, and labor.

02

Roof Pitch & Complexity

Steep or complex rooflines take longer to safely tile.

03

Tile Material & Profile

Clay, concrete, S-tile, and flat-tile profiles carry different material costs.

04

Structural Reinforcement

Older homes may need framing review or reinforcement before tile installation.

05

Underlayment Tear-Off

Removing and disposing of old underlayment (and tile, if not being reused).

06

Tile Salvage

Existing tile that can be reused reduces material cost; unusable tile must be replaced.

07

Flashing & Weep Screed

Detail work at eaves, valleys, and penetrations.

08

Accessibility

Pallets of tile are heavy — site access can affect hoisting and labor cost.

Get Your Free Estimate  →

Warranties

Manufacturer & Workmanship Warranties

Manufacturer Warranty

Tile manufacturers back their material against defects for a period set by the manufacturer — tile itself often carries very long material warranties, confirmed once you've selected a specific product.

Workmanship Warranty

Our workmanship warranty covers the quality of our installation labor, including underlayment and flashing work, separate from the manufacturer's material warranty. Exact terms are confirmed at the time of your contract.

The workers were dependable and stayed on schedule while still paying attention to the details.
Brandi L., Thousand Oaks, California · Yelp review

Licensed • Bonded • Fully Insured

CA Contractor License #1098685 Verify license on the CSLB website (opens in a new tab)

Start With an Inspection

Schedule Your Free Tile Roof Inspection

Tell us about your tile roof and what you’re experiencing. Our team will review your information and help determine the right next step.

Prefer to pick a time? Book your free inspection online (opens Calendly in a new tab)

Request a Free Estimate

-OR-

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Book Your Free Inspection

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Licensed • Bonded • Fully Insured|CA Contractor License #1098685

Free Roof Inspection

What to Expect From Your Free Roof Inspection

Prefer to pick a time? Book your free inspection online (opens Calendly in a new tab)

Exterior roof condition assessment

Inspection of visible flashing, penetrations, and vulnerable roof areas

Evaluation of visible leaks or roof damage

Photos of relevant problem areas when applicable

Professional guidance on repair vs. replacement options

Discussion of appropriate roofing materials and options

Clear written estimate for the recommended work

No Pressure. Just Clear Information About Your Roof.

Our goal is to help you understand the condition of your roof and the options available before you make a decision.

Prefer to talk it through? Call us:(818) 304-9575

Flexible Payment Options

Financing Options for Your Roofing Project

Financing options are available through GreenSky®, subject to credit approval and program terms. Explore available financing options and learn more about the application process on our Financing page.

GreenSky — Convenient financing options available

Customer Reviews

Trusted by Our Customers

AC

Reseda, California

Google review

Hello, I had a new roof installed, including solar panel removal and reinstalled. The crew was exceptional! The job was completed within one week. Jonathan and his staff were professional and efficient. Great Job!

Daniel J.

Anaheim, Orange County, California

Yelp review

This is a review on behalf of my parents, who insisted on going with First Roofing Contractor even though I advised them to go with a different company. Let me tell you, they were right! Everything was done exactly as expected, and they truly went above and beyond to make us happy. Absolutely a pleasure to work with. Our roof looks amazing and all my neighbors are asking who did it. Thank you, First Roofing Contractor, and sorry I doubted you!

Brandi L.

Thousand Oaks, California

Yelp review

I had my roof completely redone recently, and the whole process was pretty smooth. The workers were dependable and stayed on schedule while still paying attention to the details. I was impressed with how they managed the cleanup each day so things didn't feel chaotic. There were a few slight interruptions from the weather, but they communicated what was going on and adjusted quickly. In the end, the roof turned out great and I'm glad I decided to move forward with it.

Common Questions

Tile Roofing FAQ

Clay and concrete tile can remain serviceable for many decades — often longer than the underlayment installed beneath it, which is why underlayment condition matters as much as the tile itself.

Where We Work

Residential Roofing Across Southern California

Licensed, bonded, and insured residential roofing services throughout four Southern California counties.

Los Angeles County

Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, and more

Orange County

Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, and more

Riverside County

Banning, Beaumont, Blythe, and more

Ventura County

Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, and more

Ready to Explore Tile Roofing for Your Home?

Schedule a free inspection and get a clear, written estimate — no pressure, just information.