Yes. The tile itself lasts fifty years or more, but the rest of the roof does not, so a tile roof still needs upkeep. The parts that need attention are the underlayment beneath the tile, the flashing at the chimney and valleys, any slipped, cracked, or broken tiles, and the gutters and valleys that carry water off. Skipping maintenance on a tile roof does not hurt the tile, but it lets the underlayment and flashing fail unnoticed, which is where the leaks come from.
People assume a tile roof is maintenance-free because the tile lasts so long, but the tile is only the top layer. Beneath it, the underlayment is the waterproof barrier, and it ages out well before the tile, so keeping an eye on it is the single most important thing on a tile roof. The flashing at the chimney, walls, and valleys is next, since that is where most tile roof leaks start. Individual tiles slip or crack over time from foot traffic, tree branches, or a settling roof, and a single out-of-place tile exposes the underlayment to sun and rain. Finally, gutters and valleys need clearing so water can leave.
None of this is heavy work, but it is the difference between reaching the tile's full lifespan and getting a surprise leak. Our roof maintenance and tile roof repair handle exactly these items, and a periodic roof inspection catches what you cannot see from the ground.
| Part | Why it needs attention |
|---|---|
| Underlayment | Wears out before the tile does |
| Flashing | Where most tile leaks start |
| Slipped or cracked tiles | Expose the layer beneath |
| Gutters and valleys | Must stay clear for drainage |
A look every year or two, plus a check after any big storm, keeps a tile roof honest. The payoff is real, since catching a slipped tile or a worn flashing early keeps water off the underlayment, and protecting the underlayment is what lets the tile last its full life, as our pages on roof underlayment and how often to inspect a roof explain. Neglect works the other way, letting a small problem quietly soak the wood until it is a leak or a rotted section, as our page on delaying a repair covers. If the underlayment has already aged out, a reroof with the same tile reset is the fix.
A little upkeep protects decades of tile. Call (310) 806-5959 or request an estimate below.
Tell us about your roof and we will check the underlayment, flashing, and tiles and give you a written price for any upkeep, with no obligation.