Cracked or broken tiles
Foot traffic, falling branches, or settling can crack tiles. We replace cracked tiles with matching pieces and re seat the surrounding row.
What we handle
What we fix and how we approach it
Failed underlayment
A tile roof is waterproofed by the underlayment, not the tile. When the underlayment ages out (typically 25 to 35 years), the roof needs a full tile lift and re lay.
Slipped or displaced tiles
Tiles that have shifted out of position, especially around hips and ridges, expose the underlayment to UV and water.
Bird stop and flashing issues
Missing bird stops at the eave or failed flashing at chimneys, skylights, and parapets are the most common leak sources on tile roofs.
Ridge mortar failure
Old style mortar at ridges and hips cracks and falls out over time. Modern dry ridge systems are more durable and easier to maintain.
Our process
From phone call to photo report
Inspection
We walk the roof carefully to avoid breaking more tiles. We document cracked tiles, slipped sections, underlayment age, and flashing condition.
Written scope
Repair only, partial tile lift and re lay, or full replacement, depending on the diagnosis. Material and tile match specified in writing.
Tile work
Repairs use matching tiles or sourced replacements. Full re lays use new underlayment with new flashings throughout. Existing tile is reused where possible to keep the look.
Final report
Photo report shows the new flashings, the underlayment, and the finished ridge work. Tile roofs done correctly last decades.
Why this matters
What you should know before hiring any roofer
A tile roof in Los Angeles is two systems in one. The tile is the wear layer that takes the UV and the impact. The underlayment is the waterproofing layer that actually keeps water out of the house. When a tile roof leaks, almost always it is the underlayment that has failed, not the tile. Understanding that is the difference between a $1,500 mistake and a $35,000 mistake.
Clay tile (Spanish S, mission, flat clay) typically lasts 75 plus years on the tile itself, with the underlayment needing replacement every 30 to 50 years. Concrete tile (flat or profiled) typically lasts 50 to 60 years on the tile, with underlayment needing replacement every 25 to 40 years. American Roofing Pro has been doing tile work across LA since 1993, and we have lifted, sorted, and relaid more roofs than most contractors have installed.
Tile repair on an LA roof is usually about three things: replacing a cracked tile or two, repairing flashing at a penetration like a chimney or skylight, or fixing a section of mortar at a ridge or hip. The hard part is doing the repair without breaking more tiles around the work area. That takes a roofer who has spent years on tile roofs specifically, not a generalist who does it twice a year.
When the underlayment has reached the end of its life, the correct approach is a tile lift and re lay. The existing tiles come off, get stacked and sorted, the deck and underlayment are replaced, new flashings go in, and the original tiles go back on top. You keep the original look and the original aging on the tiles, with a fresh waterproofing layer underneath that buys you another 30 plus years. Done right, this is the longest lasting roofing option in Los Angeles.
Owner promise: An owner or senior roofer is the person who inspects your roof and writes your quote. Not a salesperson. Not a subcontractor. The same person who quotes the job is on site when the work happens.
Customer reviews
What Our Customers Say
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about tile roofing
How long does a tile roof last in Los Angeles?
Clay tile lasts 75 plus years on the tile itself, concrete tile 50 to 60 years. The underlayment beneath is the limiting factor, typically 25 to 50 years, and is replaced via a tile lift and re lay without changing the tile.
Can you match my existing tile?
Usually yes. We source matching tile from manufacturer stocks, salvage yards, and our own inventory of pulled tiles. Where exact match is impossible, we plant the closest match on a less visible slope and use the originals on the front.
What is a tile lift and re lay?
Existing tiles are carefully removed and stacked. The deck is inspected, damaged sheathing replaced, new underlayment installed, and new flashings put in at penetrations. The original tiles are then re laid on top. You keep the existing look and pay less than a full tile replacement.
Do you repair Spanish tile, mission tile, and S tile?
Yes. We work with all common LA tile profiles: Spanish S, mission, flat clay, flat concrete, profiled concrete, and rare imported tile when available.
Why do tile roofs leak around chimneys and skylights?
Almost every tile roof leak is at a penetration. The tile is fine. The flashing where the tile meets a chimney, skylight, vent stack, or wall is what fails. Proper flashing is the difference between a roof that leaks and one that does not.
Is a tile lift cheaper than a full replacement?
Yes, usually 30 to 50 percent less than a new tile installation because you reuse the existing tile. The waterproofing is brand new, only the wear layer is original. This is the highest value tile roof option in LA.
Free in person estimate, no pressure
Get a written quote and a photo report on every estimate. Licensed since 1993. Trusted by 5,500+ Los Angeles homeowners.