Roof Types · Tile
Architectural Tile Roofs Built for Florida Weather
Clay and concrete tile define the look of many Florida neighborhoods, and they can perform well for a long time when the attachment and underlayment beneath them are done right. Global Roofing & Contracting installs and replaces tile roofs across its Florida service areas.
- Materials
- Clay and concrete tile
- Profiles
- Barrel (S-tile), flat, low-profile
- Certification
- TRI Florida High Wind Installer (Mike Egan)
- Manufacturers
- Eagle Roofing Products, Westlake Royal Roofing
The short answer
Tile roofs in Florida are usually clay or concrete, installed in barrel, flat or low-profile shapes. Tile itself is durable, so the underlayment often decides when a tile roof needs replacement. Global Roofing & Contracting installs and replaces tile roofs, and its founder holds the TRI Florida High Wind Installer certification. Switching to tile may require a structural evaluation because tile is heavy.
Clay tile vs. concrete tile
Clay tile is made from natural clay fired in a kiln. Its color is typically part of the material itself, so it tends to hold its appearance well under strong sun. Clay is often the choice for traditional Mediterranean and Spanish Revival homes, and it usually costs more than concrete.
Concrete tile is made from sand, cement and water, then colored and finished. It is often heavier than comparable clay tile and more economical, and it comes in a very wide range of colors, textures and shapes. Much of the tile you see on newer Florida homes is concrete.
Both are proven Florida materials. The right choice usually comes down to the look you want, your budget, what your home was designed to carry and any requirements from your homeowners association.
Tile profiles: barrel, flat and low-profile
The profile is the shape of the tile, and it has as much to do with the look of a roof as the color. Most Florida tile roofs fall into one of three families.
- Barrel or S-tile (high profile): the classic rounded, wave-like shape associated with Mediterranean architecture. It creates deep shadow lines and a strong visual texture.
- Flat tile: a clean, low-relief look that suits contemporary, transitional and some coastal designs. Flat tile can also imitate slate or wood shake.
- Low-profile tile: a gentler curve that sits between barrel and flat. It gives some of the Mediterranean character with a more understated appearance.
Storm performance depends on installation
A tile roof is only as storm-ready as the way each tile is secured. Tiles are attached with fasteners, approved foam adhesives or a combination, depending on the product, the roof and the requirements of the Florida Building Code. Hip and ridge tiles, eaves and rakes need particular care because wind loads concentrate at edges and corners.
This is where training matters. Global founder Mike Egan earned the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) Florida High Wind Installer certification in 2017, which focuses on installation methods for tile roofs in high-wind conditions. Whoever installs your roof, ask how tile will be attached at edges, hips and ridges and which underlayment is planned.
After a storm, tile can crack or slip even when it looks mostly intact from the ground. A close inspection can find broken tiles, displaced ridge caps and damaged underlayment before a small problem becomes a leak.
Why the underlayment matters most
On most tile roofs, the tile is the part that sheds the bulk of the water and takes the sun, while the underlayment beneath it is the true waterproofing layer. Tile itself can last a very long time. The underlayment usually ages faster, and it is often what determines when a tile roof needs to be replaced.
When a tile roof starts leaking without obvious broken tiles, the cause is frequently worn underlayment, failed flashing or deteriorated valleys. A tile re-roof typically means removing the tile, replacing the underlayment and flashings down to the deck, repairing any damaged decking and then installing tile again.
| Factor | Clay tile | Concrete tile |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural clay fired in a kiln | Sand, cement and water, then colored |
| Color | Typically through the material; holds color well | Colored surface or through-body; can fade over time |
| Weight | Heavy | Often heavier than comparable clay |
| Relative cost | Usually higher | Usually more economical |
| Styles | Classic Mediterranean and Spanish looks | Very wide range of profiles, colors and textures |
| Structure | Structural evaluation may be needed if switching | Structural evaluation may be needed if switching |
Weight, structure and switching to tile
Tile is considerably heavier than shingles or metal. Homes built with tile were designed for that load, but a home that currently has a lighter roof may not have been. If you are thinking about switching from shingle or metal to tile, a structural evaluation may be needed before the project can move forward.
Global will talk through this during the inspection and estimate so you know what questions to ask early. If weight is a concern, lighter alternatives such as stone-coated steel can deliver a similar look.
Maintenance, reuse and replacement
Tile roofs need less routine attention than many systems, but they are not maintenance-free. Periodic inspections, replacing cracked or slipped tiles, keeping valleys and gutters clear and addressing algae or debris all help. Walking on tile can break it, so it is best left to experienced roofers.
Homeowners often ask whether existing tile can be reused during a re-roof. It depends on the condition of the tile, how many would break during removal and whether matching replacements are still available. Some roofs are good candidates and many are not, so reuse should be evaluated roof by roof rather than assumed.
Cost varies with the tile material and profile, roof size and complexity, the number of penetrations and valleys, the condition of the deck and any code or HOA requirements. Global uses EagleView aerial measurements and Xactimate estimating software to build a detailed, line-by-line estimate.
Eagle and Westlake Royal tile
Global’s credentials include Eagle Roofing Products and Westlake Royal Roofing, two established names in Florida tile. Their product lines cover a broad range of concrete and clay tile colors and profiles, which makes it easier to match neighborhood styles or HOA palettes.
Every tile project starts with a free, no-obligation inspection. From there Global provides emergency services if needed, prepares a detailed estimate, can meet with your insurance adjuster when needed and then schedules the installation on a timeline you agree to.
Project gallery
Recent Global projects
Every photo is a Global project. Captions show where each roof is located.
Our Process
A Better Roofing Process.
Four clear steps from first call to final walkthrough, built around documentation, communication and a jobsite you’d be comfortable walking through.
- 01
Inspect
Request your free, no-obligation roof inspection by phone or online. We assess the whole roof system, not just what’s visible from the ground.
- 02
Document & Estimate
Emergency services when they’re needed, then a detailed estimate built on aerial measurement (EagleView) and industry-standard estimating (Xactimate).
- 03
Plan
Where a storm loss is involved, we can meet with your insurance adjuster when needed. Then we set scope, materials and schedule with you.
- 04
Install & Complete
Experienced crews replace your roof on the timeline we set together, with a clean, organized jobsite from tear-off to final walkthrough.
Storm restoration
Experienced With the Restoration Process.
Global’s core expertise is restoring and replacing roofs after hurricanes, wind damage and other covered perils. When a storm loss is involved, we document the roof’s condition, prepare a detailed estimate and can meet with your insurance adjuster when needed.
- 01Inspect
- 02Document
- 03Estimate
- 04Plan
- 05Restore
Global is a licensed roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance company; we don’t interpret policies or guarantee claim outcomes.
Storm damage restorationFAQ
Tile Roofs: Your Questions, Answered.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call 239-653-9703 (Naples) or 954-889-2201 (Pembroke Pines), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Is clay or concrete tile better for a Florida home?
Neither is better in every case; both are proven Florida roofing materials. Clay tends to hold its color well and suits traditional designs, while concrete is usually more economical and comes in more styles. Your home design, budget and HOA rules typically decide it.
How do I know when my tile roof needs replacing?
A tile roof usually needs replacing when the underlayment beneath the tile has worn out, even if the tile still looks good. Recurring leaks, stains on ceilings and widespread cracked or slipped tiles are common signs. A professional inspection is the reliable way to tell.
Can my existing tile be reused on a new roof?
Sometimes, but it depends on the condition of the tile and whether matching replacements are available. Tile breaks during removal, and older profiles can be discontinued. Reuse should be evaluated on each roof rather than promised up front.
Can I switch from a shingle roof to tile?
Often yes, but a structural evaluation may be needed first because tile is much heavier than shingles. The framing must be able to carry the added load. If weight is a problem, stone-coated steel can provide a tile look at a fraction of the weight.
What is the TRI Florida High Wind Installer certification?
It is a Tile Roofing Institute certification focused on installing tile roofs correctly for high-wind conditions. Global founder Mike Egan earned it in 2017. Attachment at edges, hips and ridges is where that kind of training matters most.
Do tile roofs hold up in hurricanes?
Properly installed tile roofs can perform well in strong wind, but performance depends heavily on attachment and underlayment. Tiles can still crack or be dislodged by flying debris. An inspection after any significant storm is a good idea.
How much does a tile roof cost in Florida?
Cost depends on the tile type and profile, roof size and complexity, deck condition and code or HOA requirements, so there is no single price. Global provides a free inspection and a detailed, measured estimate for your specific roof.
Experience the Global Difference
Your Roof Protects Everything Beneath It.
Whether your roof has been damaged by a storm or has simply reached the end of its lifespan, start with a professional inspection from Global Roofing & Contracting.