Clay tile roofs in Central Texas, explained

Clay tiles are made from natural clay, fired at high temperature for strength, and often glazed or coated for color. Profiles include the traditional barrel or S curve, flat, French and interlocking tiles, in terracotta, sand, gray, brown and glazed finishes.

Tile is a familiar look on Spanish, Mediterranean and Southwestern style homes.

• Heat Fired clay resists UV and is naturally insulating against heat, which is part of why tile is common in hot climates.
• Hail Tile can crack or be displaced, and a cracked tile lets water through to the underlayment beneath. A tile roof is worth an inspection after hail even when it looks fine from the ground.
• Weight and soil Clay tile is heavy, and the roof structure has to be built or checked for it. Brazos Valley soils include expansive clay, which swells when it takes on water and shrinks as it dries out. A slab that moves takes the structure with it. Before a heavy, rigid covering goes onto a house, ask how the framing and the foundation have held up.
• Underlayment The tile can outlast the underlayment beneath it, so a tile roof can need its underlayment renewed while the tile itself is sound.

Texas does not issue a state license for roofing contractors. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas runs a voluntary program as a trade association, not a government agency, so ask for the things you can check.

• Tile experience How many clay tile roofs they have installed, and where you can see one.
• The structure Whether the framing has been checked for the weight of tile, in writing.
• A workmanship warranty in writing The term, what it excludes, and the name of the company that honors it.
• Proof of insurance from the source A certificate of insurance sent to you directly by the agent or carrier, showing general liability and workers compensation.
• What the scope says What comes off, what goes on, how penetrations and flashings are handled, and what happens if the decking underneath is compromised.

If you have this kind of roof or are weighing one, call (979) 406-5431, every day except major holidays, 7:00am to 6:00pm. A roof inspection from us comes as a written report with photographs and no price.

This page explains a roofing material for Texas homeowners. It is a guide, not a list of services.