Clay and Concrete Tile Roofing in Central Florida
The Timeless Appeal of Tile Roofing
Tile roofing has long been a defining feature of Central Florida's residential architecture. Drive through neighborhoods in Windermere, Longwood, Lake Mary, or Lake Nona and you will see tile roofs everywhere, especially on homes built during the 1990s and 2000s building boom. The Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired designs that remain popular in the region pair perfectly with the rich textures and warm tones of clay and concrete tile.
Beyond aesthetics, tile roofing is a practical choice for the Florida climate. Clay and concrete tiles offer exceptional durability, excellent wind resistance, and natural thermal insulation that helps keep your home cooler during the summer months.
How Long Does a Tile Roof Last?
One of the most compelling reasons to choose tile is its longevity. A well-installed tile roof can last 25 to 30 years or more, significantly outpacing the 15 to 20 year lifespan typical of asphalt shingle roofs. While the upfront investment is higher, the extended service life often makes tile the more cost-effective option over the long term.
Premium Underlayments for Tile Roofs
The underlayment beneath a tile roof is critically important because tiles are not fully waterproof on their own. Water can travel beneath the tiles, so the underlayment must provide a reliable secondary barrier. We use only premium, self-adhering underlayment products specifically designed for tile applications:
- Polyglass Polystick TU PLUS: A high-performance, self-adhering underlayment with excellent adhesion and waterproofing properties
- Owens Corning Titanium PSU 30: A synthetic underlayment engineered for superior durability and long-term UV resistance
- CMI PS SecureGrip HT: A high-temperature peel-and-stick underlayment designed to perform under the extreme heat that builds beneath tile roofs in Florida
Concrete Tile Brands
Concrete tile is the more affordable of the two tile types and is available in a wide range of profiles and colors. The two leading manufacturers we work with are:
- Eagle Roofing Products: One of the largest concrete tile manufacturers in the United States, offering flat, low-profile, and high-profile tile designs in dozens of color blends
- Westlake Royal Roofing: A trusted name in concrete tile with a broad selection of profiles designed to complement virtually any architectural style
Clay Tile Brands
Clay tile is the premium option, offering deeper color that never fades because the pigment is fired into the material during manufacturing. Our preferred clay tile suppliers include:
- Santa Fe: An American manufacturer producing high-quality clay tiles well-suited to the Florida market
- Verea: An imported clay tile brand known for its authentic Old World aesthetics and rich color palettes, popular among homeowners seeking a distinctive, upscale look
What Does a Tile Roof Cost?
Tile roofing typically costs 2.5 to 3 times more than a standard asphalt shingle roof. The higher price reflects the cost of the materials themselves, the specialized labor required for proper installation, and the premium underlayments needed beneath the tile. However, when you factor in the dramatically longer lifespan and the unmatched curb appeal that tile provides, many homeowners find the investment well worthwhile.
Trust Your Tile Roof to the Experts
Southern Traditions Roofing is a GAF Certified Plus Installer with extensive experience in both clay and concrete tile roofing throughout Central Florida. Whether you need a full tile roof replacement or repairs to your existing tile system, we deliver quality workmanship backed by our commitment to doing the job right.
Call us at (407) 579-6397 for a free estimate on your tile roofing project. License CCC#1332902.
