DENVER TILE ROOFING LLC
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Everybody Needs a Roof: Clay and Concrete Tiles & replacement roof tiles
Clay and Concrete Tile Roofing: A Complete Guide
Thinking of investing in a tile roof? Whether you’re choosing materials for a new build or looking to replace an aging roof, it’s important to understand the key differences between clay and concrete tile systems, how they’re installed, and what goes into making them last.
This guide covers everything property owners and contractors need to know—from materials and installation to underlayment, fastening, and warranties.
Clay Tile Roofing: What It Is
Clay tiles are made by molding natural clay and baking it at high temperatures. The density of the tile is determined by both heat and bake time. Some tiles are glazed or finished with surface texturing for added color and character.
Clay tile features:
Available in a wide range of profiles, finishes, and colors
Compatible with custom accessories like ridge, hip, and gable-end tiles
Can be installed in one-piece, two-piece, interlocking, or flat formats
Clay tile roofs are particularly valued for their timeless appearance and longevity—often lasting 75 to 100 years with proper maintenance.
Concrete Tile Roofing: What to Know
Concrete tiles are formed from a blend of portland cement, sand, and water. The mixture is shaped under high pressure using molds, then cured to build strength.
Concrete tile features:
Often finished with color-infused cementitious coatings
May include “color-through” pigments for more durable color retention
Typically have lugs for anchoring to battens and interlocking edges for added water protection
Like clay, concrete tile roofs are available in a variety of shapes, styles, and textures. They are generally more affordable but heavier and slightly less long-lasting than clay.
Roof Decking Requirements
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends installing tile roofs over continuous wood decking, with 5/8" minimum exterior-grade plywood. However, there are important considerations when using:
OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Moisture sensitivity can affect fastener holding and stability
Preservative-treated wood: Should be non-oil-based; air- or kiln-dried wood is preferable
Fire-retardant-treated panels: Use caution—heat cycling can prematurely degrade some panels
For roofs using batten systems, battens must be spaced according to tile size and secured with corrosion-resistant nails at 12" intervals.
Underlayment: The Hidden Hero
Beneath the tile lies the real weatherproofing layer: the underlayment. It acts as both a temporary roof during installation and a permanent secondary barrier against water intrusion.
Types of underlayment:
Asphalt-saturated felt (Type I / Type II): Traditional and effective for decades
Synthetic underlayments: Lightweight and tear-resistant but must meet local codes and carry a valid evaluation report—ASTM does not currently standardize these
NRCA underlayment recommendations:
For 10:12 slope or steeper: One layer of No. 30 felt, installed in shingle fashion
For 4:12 to 10:12 slope: Two layers of No. 30 felt
Below 4:12 slope: Not recommended for tile roofing
In regions like Denver, where January temperatures fall below 30°F, ice-dam protection membranes are recommended. These membranes should extend at least 24" upslope from the exterior wall line, or 36" for lower-pitched roofs.
Fastening and Securement Methods
Tile securement isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your fastening approach will depend on slope, wind exposure, seismic activity, and code requirements.
Common methods include:
Nailing: Most common. Use galvanized, corrosion-resistant 11- or 12-gauge nails with barbed shanks
Wire tie or strapping: Ideal for non-nailable decks or over insulation
Clips: Often used in high-wind or earthquake-prone areas for added stability
Lug-hung tile: Tiles are hung from battens using molded lugs underneath
Mortar or foam bedding: Common in warm, dry climates; typically combined with mechanical fastening
Fasteners must be non-corrosive and appropriate for the life expectancy of the roof.
Flashings: Where Leaks Happen (If Done Wrong)
Flashing details are critical to long-term performance. They’re typically divided into four areas:
Perimeter edge metal: Protects roof edges from water intrusion and freeze-thaw damage
Penetrations: Vents and pipes should be flashed with flat flanges tucked beneath the tile course
Valleys: Open valleys usually lined with metal to channel water
Vertical transitions: Where the roof meets walls or chimneys, expect apron, step, cricket, and counterflashing to be used
Proper flashing installation is key to preventing the most common tile roof failures.
Material Standards to Know
While NRCA doesn’t endorse specific tile manufacturers, it does recommend choosing products that meet ASTM standards:
Clay Tiles: ASTM C1167
Concrete Tiles: ASTM C1492
These standards ensure the tile meets basic performance benchmarks for strength, water absorption, freeze-thaw resistance, and dimensional stability.
Warranties: What You’re Really Getting
When investing in a new tile roof, you’ll usually receive two warranties:
Manufacturer Warranty: Covers defects in the roofing material itself
Contractor Workmanship Warranty: Covers the labor and installation practices—typically 1 to 2 years, but durations vary
Always ask for both warranties in writing and review what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what actions might void coverage (e.g., improper repairs, structural changes, or skipped maintenance).
Final Thoughts: Plan for Performance
Tile roofing is one of the most durable systems available—but success depends on more than just the tile. Proper deck prep, underlayment, fastening, and flashing matter just as much.
For Colorado homeowners and HOA boards, especially in climates like Denver’s with freeze-thaw cycles and hail exposure, it’s worth choosing materials and contractors who understand these unique conditions.
Need help planning your tile roof replacement or installation? Contact us to schedule a consultation, and we’ll walk you through every phase—from material selection to permitting, design, and execution.