What is the tile roof replacement process in Florida?

What are the steps in a tile roof replacement?

Eight stages, from the first look at the roof to the last tile on the ridge.

1. Inspect the roof and decide

   The JLC article says the condition of the underlayment is what decides between repairing and replacing a tile roof. For a tile roof, Josh usually flies a drone over the roof first, which shows cracked or slipped tile and the state of the ridge without anyone walking on it. See walking on a tile roof without cracking tiles for why that matters.

2. Plan the permit, the tile and the access

   Your county sets the permit rules. Our roof permit guide and Manatee County permit guide cover them. This is also when you pick tile. If your old tile is discontinued, see replacement roof tiles discontinued.

3. Protect the house and the yard

   The JLC article says crews warn owners about shaking and dust, and cordon off the work area. Tile is heavy, so the crew needs room for a truck or dumpster. The same article says tile roofs weigh about 1,000 pounds per square. A square is 100 square feet of roof.

4. Tear off the old tile and underlayment

   Tile comes off first, then the old underlayment and any worn flashing. The JLC article says much of the old tile is recycled rather than saved. Under Florida's code, damaged, cracked or broken tile cannot be reinstalled. Our lift and relay guide covers when old tile can go back on.

5. Repair and nail the deck

   Rotted or damaged deck boards are replaced. The deck is then fastened to the code. The JLC article says sheathing has to be nailed with 8d ring-shank nails at 6 inches on center in the field. The tile manual says sheathing must be at least 15/32 inch plywood or nominal 1 inch lumber, or another approved material.

6. Lay the underlayment and flashing

   The tile manual says not to install underlayment over a wet surface. It requires self-adhered underlayment of at least 40 mils in a single-ply system and lists the flashing details at eaves, valleys, walls and pipes. Section 553.844 of the Florida Statutes says a roof replacement on a site-built single-family home must include a secondary water barrier. See tile roof underlayment replacement.

7. Add battens and load the tile

   Battens are thin strips of wood that tile can be attached to. The manual says battens are optional on roofs with a pitch of 4:12 and above, and elevated or counter batten systems need a Florida product approval. The manual also says tile stacks must be spread evenly, not piled in one spot, and the underlayment must be protected while tile is loaded.

8. Set the tile, hips and ridge

   Tile starts at the eave and must overhang the eave line by at least 3/4 inch but not more than 2 inches. Tile is held on by nails, screws, foam adhesive or mortar. Hips and ridges, the sloped and top lines where roof planes meet, finish the job. Ask your county which inspections apply and when.

What should you ask a roofer about a tile replacement?

Ask what is going under the tile, how the tile will be attached, and how the roof will be protected each night.

Most homeowners judge a tile bid by the tile. The better question is what goes beneath it. Ask:

• What underlayment will you use, and does it meet the tile manual's 40-mil minimum if it is self-adhered?
• How will the tile be attached: nails, screws, foam or mortar, and what is the product approval?
• Will battens be used?
• What happens to the old tile, and can any be reused?
• How will you protect the open roof if rain comes?
• Who inspects the finished roof for the county?

For a side-by-side look at two bids, use how to compare two roof quotes. For prep and staying home during the job, see how to prepare for a roof replacement and can you stay home during a roof replacement. Coastline also serves Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.