A tile roof can outlast the people who installed it, but the felt underneath it cannot. Across the Greater Tampa Bay metro, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee, and Polk counties, we repair and replace concrete and clay tile roofs and, just as often, we lift and reset good tile to install fresh underlayment that has burned out under decades of Florida heat. Most tile roofs do not fail because the tile failed. They fail because the underlayment beneath the tile reached the end of its life and started letting water through. We are an honesty-first, family-run licensed Florida roofing contractor, and on a tile roof that honesty matters more than ever, because a re-underlayment that saves your existing tile can cost far less than a full tear-off. We tell you straight which one you actually need.
Tile Roofing in Tampa Bay: what homeowners should know
Why most tile roof leaks are not a tile problem
When a homeowner calls us about a leaking tile roof in Tampa, their first assumption is almost always that a tile is broken. Sometimes that is true. But far more often the tile is doing its job and the real culprit is hidden underneath it. The waterproofing layer on a tile roof is not the tile itself, it is the underlayment, the felt or self-adhered membrane installed on the deck before the tile goes on. Tile is the armor that sheds water and blocks the sun. The underlayment is what actually keeps your home dry.
Here is the catch unique to Florida. Concrete and clay tile can last 50 years or more, but the underlayment beneath it cooks in our heat and UV and typically gives out at 20 to 25 years. So you end up with a roof where the visible surface looks great and the invisible layer doing the real work has quietly failed. That is why a tile roof can look perfect from the street and still stain your ceilings.
Understanding this changes the whole conversation about cost. If the tile is sound, you do not need a brand-new tile roof. You need the felt replaced. That distinction is the single most important thing we can tell a tile homeowner, and it is exactly the kind of honest, repair-first guidance we built this company on.
Re-underlayment: saving your tile, not throwing it away
Re-underlayment is the workhorse of tile roofing in Tampa Bay and the service most homeowners do not know exists. Instead of tearing off and discarding good tile, we carefully lift and stage the existing tile, strip the old failed underlayment down to the deck, install fresh code-compliant underlayment, replace any rusted valley metal and worn flashing, and then reset your salvaged tile back on the roof. We swap in new matching tile only where pieces are cracked or broken.
Because you are reusing the most expensive component, re-underlayment costs meaningfully less than a full tile replacement while giving you another two-plus decades of waterproofing. It is the right answer for a huge share of the 1990s and early-2000s tile roofs across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco that are now hitting the age where the felt is done but the tile is fine.
It is precise, careful work, and not every roofer does it well. Walking a tile roof without cracking field tile, salvaging brittle older tile, and sourcing matching replacements for discontinued profiles takes a crew that actually knows tile. We document the whole process with photos so you can see the old underlayment we pulled and the new system going down.
Concrete tile vs clay tile: cost, lifespan, and the Florida fit
Both concrete and clay tile are excellent choices for our climate, and both can outlast the underlayment under them by decades. The decision usually comes down to budget and the look you want. Concrete tile is the more affordable and most common option across Tampa Bay, available in a wide range of profiles and colors. Clay tile costs more, but it holds its color longer because the color is fired into the clay rather than coated on, and it delivers that authentic Mediterranean and Spanish-revival look that defines so many Florida homes.
Both materials shrug off our intense sun far better than asphalt, and both create an air gap under the tile that helps with attic heat. On the coast in Sarasota, Manatee, and the Pinellas beaches, tile also stands up to salt air better than many fastener-exposed systems. Whichever you choose, the underlayment, flashing, and fastening are what make it hurricane-ready, and that is where our code-compliant install matters most.
The tables below lay out lifespan and installed pricing so you can compare honestly. If tile is more roof than you need, our metal roofing and shingle roofing pages cover the alternatives, and you can price any of them with our instant roof estimate.
Tile repair: slipped, cracked, and storm-broken tiles
Not every tile job is a big one. Wind can slip tiles out of position, foot traffic and falling limbs crack them, and a single broken tile in the wrong spot can let water reach the underlayment and start a leak. When the underlayment is still in good shape, the right fix is a targeted repair, resetting slipped tiles, replacing cracked ones, and resealing penetrations, not a full project you do not need.
After a storm, tile damage is common and worth a professional look even if you cannot see anything from the ground. Hairline cracks and chipped edges are easy to miss and let water creep in over time. We inspect, photograph every finding, and provide an itemized estimate. If the damage is storm-related, that documentation is what you submit to your carrier, and you stay in control of the claim while your insurer makes the coverage decision under your policy.
For active leaks we also offer emergency roof repair to stop water fast and protect your interior while we plan the permanent fix. We will always tell you straight whether a repair will truly solve the problem or whether the underlayment age means re-underlayment is the smarter spend.
Built to Florida code, backed by real certifications
A tile roof is only as good as the way it is fastened and waterproofed, and in Florida that means building to current Florida Building Code for your specific wind zone. When more than 25 percent of a roof section is replaced within a year, the code generally requires that section to be brought up to current standards, and a large tile re-underlayment can trigger that. We flag it at the inspection so there are no surprises, pull the permit, and schedule the inspections in your county.
We are a licensed Florida roofing contractor, license CCC1334243, and we are GAF Certified and TAMKO Pro Gold Certified, BBB A+ accredited, and rated 5.0 on Google. Underlayment and accessory warranties run roughly 20 to 50 years depending on the product, and we back the installation with our own workmanship warranty in writing.
If your tile roof is on the older side, a wind mitigation inspection may also unlock insurance premium savings, and the My Safe Florida Home program can support qualifying upgrades. Start with a free roof inspection and we will give you an honest read on your tile, your underlayment, and exactly what your roof needs. Quality You Can Trust.
Tile material lifespan and re-underlayment
Material
Tile lifespan
Underlayment lifespan
Best for
Concrete tile
50+ years
20-25 years
Most Tampa Bay homes, value and durability
Clay tile
50-75+ years
20-25 years
Mediterranean and Spanish look, color longevity
On both materials the tile far outlasts the underlayment, so plan on re-underlayment roughly every 20 to 25 years to keep your existing tile in service.
Tile roof cost in Tampa Bay (installed)
System
Per sq ft
Typical 2,000-2,400 sq ft roof
Concrete tile
$10.00 - $16.00
$20,000 - $38,000
Clay tile
$12.00 - $22.00
$24,000 - $53,000
Pricing is installed. Add about $0.25/sq ft for steep pitch or roof complexity and about $0.50/sq ft per extra tear-off layer. Skylights are priced per item at the on-site inspection. A re-underlayment that reuses your existing tile typically costs less than a full replacement. Get a tailored figure with our instant roof estimate.
Diagnostic
Your tile roof may need attention if
Not sure if this service is right for your situation? If any of these describe your roof, we should talk.
You see slipped, cracked, or broken tiles, especially after a storm
There are interior ceiling stains or attic leaks even though the tile looks fine
Your tile roof is 20 to 25 years old and has never had the underlayment replaced
Valley metal or flashing is rusting, lifting, or visibly worn
Granular debris from broken tile is collecting in gutters and downspouts
You are buying or selling a tile-roofed home and need a real condition assessment
Included
What every tile roofing job includes.
Tile-specific expertise
Tile is not shingle work. We know how to walk, lift, salvage, and reset concrete and clay without cracking your field tile, and how to source matching replacements for discontinued profiles.
Re-underlayment that saves your tile
When the tile is sound but the felt is shot, we lift the tile, install fresh code-compliant underlayment, and reset the same tile. Far less cost than a full tear-off.
Honest repair-vs-replace guidance
We tell you straight whether a slipped-tile repair, a section reset, or a full re-underlayment is the right call. No high-pressure pitch for work you do not need.
Photo documentation of everything
Cracked tiles, valley metal rust, exposed felt, and flashing failures all get photographed and shown to you. You see what we see before you decide on anything.
Licensed, certified, code-compliant
Licensed Florida contractor CCC1334243, GAF Certified and TAMKO Pro Gold. Every tile system goes back on to current Florida Building Code so it passes inspection and holds in a storm.
Workmanship warranty in writing
Manufacturer underlayment warranties run roughly 20 to 50 years depending on the product, backed by our own workmanship warranty in writing. Our Name is Our Promise.
Our process
How your tile roofing project actually goes.
01
Free inspection and tile assessment
We walk the roof carefully, check tile condition, valleys, and flashing, and inspect the underlayment where we can. You get photos of every finding and a clear read on tile versus felt.
02
Honest repair-vs-replace quote
We lay out your real options: spot tile repair, section reset, full re-underlayment with your existing tile, or full replacement. Itemized line by line with photo evidence, financing explained.
03
Lift, underlay, and reset
For re-underlayment we carefully remove and stage the tile, install fresh self-adhered or two-ply underlayment, replace worn valley metal and flashing, then reset the salvaged tile and add new tile where needed.
04
Inspect, register, and clean up
Florida Building Code-compliant install, inspected, underlayment warranty registered, and a full magnetic nail sweep of the property. Not a nail left in the driveway.
Our Work
Recent work from our crews
Real Tampa Bay roofs from recent Integrity Roofing jobs. Tap any photo to view it full size.
Reviews
Tile Roofing customers say it best.
★★★★★
5.0on Google
Rated 5.0 on Google by verified Tampa Bay homeowners.
After receiving quotes for several roofing companies, I decided to go with a company other than Integrity Roofing of Florida. My decision was primarily based on the fact they were referred by a friend and offered a slightly lower cost. After six months, my roof was still not complete, and to make matters worse, my roof was leaking. I called Bettina at Integrity Roofing, and she determined that the company I had contracted with was not fully licensed and could not even pull a permit. I am so thankful to Bettina and the staff at Integrity Roofing. They took over the job, pulled the permit, and had the roof completed in a matter of days.
Sisi Molette
★★★★★
My roof suffered damage during Hurricane Milton. Multiple roofing companies came out and the quotes were outrageous. Some were even pressuring me to open a claim against my home insurance for the minor damage. I really enjoyed working with Integrity Roofing of Florida due to the exceptional customer care and great level of communication. They gave me a fair price and completed the work in a timely manner. Highly recommend them for your next home project.
Jacqueline Toledo
★★★★★
As a realtor in the Tampa Bay Area, I have had the opportunity to work with many roofing companies. However, I decided to use Integrity Roofing to replace my own roof as I have personally seen the quality work they have done for my clients. As picky as I tend to be, I was very happy and greatly satisfied with the end result. My roof looks beautiful. I will definitely continue to refer Bettina Savorelli and Mike Sheppard with Integrity Roofing to all of my clients.
Common questions
Tile Roofing FAQs
How much does a tile roof cost in Tampa?
Installed, concrete tile runs about $10.00 to $16.00 per square foot and clay tile about $12.00 to $22.00 per square foot. A typical 2,000 to 2,400 square foot roof lands around $20,000 to $38,000 in concrete tile and $24,000 to $53,000 in clay. Steep pitch, roof complexity, and extra tear-off layers add to that. Run your own numbers with our instant roof estimate.
What is tile re-underlayment and why do I need it?
The underlayment is the waterproof layer of felt or membrane under your tile, and it is what actually keeps water out. Tile sheds and protects it, but Florida heat dries out the underlayment over 20 to 25 years until it cracks and leaks. Re-underlayment means we lift the tile, install fresh underlayment, and reset the same tile. It saves your tile and costs far less than a full tear-off.
Does the tile last longer than the underlayment?
Yes, and that surprises a lot of homeowners. Concrete and clay tile can last 50 years or more, but the underlayment beneath it usually fails first, around the 20 to 25 year mark in our climate. That is why most tile roof leaks are an underlayment problem, not a tile problem.
Should I repair my tile roof or replace it?
It depends on what failed. If you have a handful of slipped or cracked tiles over good underlayment, that is a repair. If the underlayment is at end of life but the tile is sound, a re-underlayment with your existing tile is usually the smart call. Full replacement makes sense when the tile itself is widely broken or you want to change the system. We tell you straight which one you actually need.
Concrete or clay tile, which is better for Tampa Bay?
Both perform well here. Concrete tile costs less and is widely used across Tampa Bay. Clay tile costs more but holds its color longer and is the classic Mediterranean and Spanish look. Both can last 50 plus years and both still depend on good underlayment underneath, so the choice is mostly budget and aesthetics.
Can you match my existing tile if some are broken?
Usually, yes. We source matching concrete and clay tile by profile and color, and we salvage and reuse as much of your existing tile as we can during a re-underlayment. If your exact tile is discontinued, we will find the closest match and show you before we install it.
How long does a tile roof project take?
A small tile repair can be done in a day. A full re-underlayment or replacement on a typical home usually runs several days to about a week, depending on the size of the roof, the tile profile, pitch, and weather. We give you a real timeline at the quote, not a guess.
Will you help with my insurance after storm damage?
We are licensed roofers, not public adjusters, so we do not file, handle, or negotiate claims. What we do is inspect the roof, photograph every finding, and provide an itemized estimate you submit to your carrier. You stay in control of the claim and your insurer makes the coverage decision under your policy. See our insurance documentation support page for how that works.
Do you offer financing on a tile roof?
Yes. Tile is an investment, so we offer GreenSky credit-based home improvement financing and Ygrene PACE financing that is repaid through your property tax bill. We lay out the options at the quote with no pressure. Learn more on our financing page.
Do I need a permit for tile roof work in Florida?
Most tile re-underlayment and replacement work requires a permit, and requirements vary by county across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee, and Polk. As a licensed Florida contractor we pull the permit and schedule the inspections so the job is done by the book.
What is the 25 percent rule and does it affect my tile roof?
Florida's roofing rule generally requires that if more than 25 percent of a roof section is repaired or replaced within a year, that section must be brought up to current Florida Building Code. On tile, a large repair or re-underlayment can trigger this. We flag it during the inspection so there are no surprises.
Can the My Safe Florida Home program help with my tile roof?
Possibly. The My Safe Florida Home program supports wind-mitigation improvements, and tile roofs can qualify for inspections and grant-eligible upgrades. We support homeowners working through the program. Ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
Do you do tile roofs on new construction?
Yes. We install concrete and clay tile on new builds and additions across Tampa Bay, built to current Florida Building Code for your wind zone. See our roof installation page for new-construction tile work.
How do I get started?
Call us at (813) 388-9190 or request a free roof inspection. We will assess the tile and the underlayment, photograph everything, and give you an honest, itemized quote. Hours are Mon-Fri 9am to 7pm and Sat 9am to 2pm.
Serving all of Tampa Bay
Tile Roofing across the Tampa Bay metro
We provide tile roofing across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee, and Polk counties. Find your city for local roof types, permit details, and recent work.
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