How To Maintain a Tile Roof

Concrete & Clay Tile Roofing in Southern Colorado

If you want to boost your home’s curb appeal, don’t overlook the roof. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or upgrading an aging system, few materials transform a home like a concrete or clay tile roof.

At Colorado Front Range Roofing, we recommend tile roofing for homeowners who want longevity, energy efficiency, and architectural character. With proper maintenance, a tile roof can last 50–100+ years, making it one of the most durable and cost-effective roofing systems available in Southern Colorado.

Why Choose Concrete or Clay Tile Roofing?

Longevity
Concrete tile roofs are engineered to last 50+ years, and clay tiles can exceed 100 years with proper care. While other roofing materials need full replacement multiple times over a home’s life, tile is often a once-in-a-generation investment.

Durability
Tile roofs perform exceptionally well against:

• Hail

• Snow loads

• High winds

• Intense UV exposure

Unlike asphalt, tile doesn’t rot, curl, or degrade rapidly under temperature swings.

Fire Resistance
Tile roofing is Class A fire-rated, the highest rating available—an important advantage in wildfire-prone regions and often a factor in insurance savings.

Energy Efficiency
Tile creates a natural thermal barrier. Air circulates beneath the tiles, reducing attic heat in summer and heat loss in winter—lowering HVAC strain and energy bills.

Curb Appeal
From Spanish and Mediterranean to modern and Southwestern styles, tile roofs add depth, texture, and long-term visual value unmatched by shingles.

Tile Roof Maintenance: What Homeowners Need to Know

Tile roofs are low-maintenance, but they are not maintenance-free. The tiles themselves are extremely durable, but the roofing system relies on underlayment, flashing, and accessories that require monitoring.

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

Have your tile roof professionally inspected:

• Once per year

• After major hail, wind, or snow events

Inspections check for:

• Cracked or displaced tiles

• Worn underlayment

• Flashing issues at chimneys, skylights, and valleys

• Ridge and hip cap integrity

⚠️ Improper foot traffic is the leading cause of tile damage—always use a tile-experienced contractor.

2. Keep Valleys, Eaves, and Gutters Clear

Debris buildup is a common cause of tile roof leaks.

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and dust

• Keep valleys and gutters flowing freely

• Prevent moisture dams that force water beneath tiles

This is especially important in windy or tree-dense areas like Monument, Woodland Park, and Trinidad.

3. Stay Off the Roof (The Golden Rule)

Concrete and clay tiles resist hail but are brittle under direct foot pressure.

• Walking on tiles can cause hairline cracks that aren’t visible from the ground

• Cracks allow water to reach the underlayment

Professionals use walking boards, ladders, or drones to avoid damage.

4. Monitor the Underlayment (Critical)

The underlayment is the true waterproof barrier beneath tile.

• Typical lifespan: 20–30 years

• Warning signs: interior leaks, brittle felt, black paper in gutters

A Tile R&R (Remove & Reset) allows tiles to be reused while replacing the underlayment—restoring full protection without replacing the roof.

5. Inspect Flashing & Penetrations

Metal components often fail before tile does.

Check:

• Chimney flashing

• Vent pipe boots

• Skylight curbs

• Valley metal

Loose or corroded flashing is one of the most common sources of tile roof leaks.

6. Bird Stops & Wildlife Protection

Bird stops seal the gap at the eaves created by curved tiles.

• Prevent birds and rodents from nesting

• Protect drainage paths

• Reduce underlayment deterioration from acidic droppings

7. Moss & Efflorescence

• Efflorescence (white powder) is normal on concrete tile and cosmetic only

• Moss or algae should be treated with low-pressure methods—never pressure wash

Tile Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles

Feature Tile Roofing Asphalt Shingles

Lifespan 50–100+ years 15–30 years

Fire Rating Class A Class B–C

Energy Efficiency Excellent Moderate

Weight Heavy (800–1,200 lbs/sq) Light (250–300 lbs/sq)

Cost Higher upfront Lower upfront

Tile costs more initially but delivers lower lifetime cost, better performance, and higher resale value.

Do Tile Roofs Leak?

Rarely due to the tile itself. Leaks typically come from:

• Aged underlayment

• Improper installation

• Broken or slipped tiles

• Flashing failure

DIY repairs often cause additional damage—tile systems require specialized expertise.

How Long Do Tile Roofs Last?

• Concrete tile: 50–75+ years

• Clay tile: 75–100+ years

Many historic European buildings still use original clay tiles centuries later. Proper maintenance makes the difference between a 20-year failure and a 100-year success.

Professional Tile Roof Maintenance in Southern Colorado

Tile roofing is a long-term investment that should be serviced by specialists—not general roofers.

📞 Colorado Front Range Roofing
📍 Pueblo & Southern Colorado
📱 (719) 542-2330