Tile Resets

Extend The Life Of Your Current Roof For Less Than The Cost Of A New Roof

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If you have a Concrete Tile, Clay Tile, or Slate roof that hasn’t been replaced in the last 25 years, a tile reset could be just the answer you’ve been seeking.

When Should I Plan To Reset Or Replace My Concrete Tile, Clay Tile or Slate Roof?

If you have clay or concrete roof tiles that have not been replaced for more than 25 years, you are likely due for a tile reset or roof replacement.  To determine which option is right option for you, McCormack can perform a full on-site evaluation.  McCormack will the be able to establish the remaining life of your current roof and consult with you to design a new plan for reroofing or resetting existing tiles. Generally, at the very least, after 25+ years of use, you will have to reset new flashings and install a new, high quality underlayment if you plan to reuse your existing tile. If your existing style of tile is no longer available, then you will likely need to consider reroofing.

A Proven Track Record

McCormack has been performing tiles resets for several decades.  We can quickly asses your property to determine if it you will qualify for a tile reset and whether your existing tile will be available to cover breakage.

Do Different Types Of Tile Have Different Lifespans?

Whether your roof consists of clay tiles, concrete tiles or slate tiles, here are a few things to consider:

  • Clay tile has the advantage of being more durable and longer-lasting than concrete tile.  In fact, because it wears so well, it can add to the resale value of a home.  Clay tiles can last 100 years or more.
  • Concrete tiles tend to have a lifespan of approximately 50 years, despite having a similar appearance to clay. 
  • Slate tiles are by far the most expensive and can last 75-200 years, depending upon the climate in which they are installed.

How Long Does Tile Underlayment Last?

Underlayment is a vital part of a homeowner’s roofing system. McCormack can help you select the correct underlayment for long lasting durability in the context of either a tile reset or tile replacement. Your new underlayment will help to prevent water intrusion and protect your roofing deck under extreme conditions.

There are various kinds of underlayment available:

  1. Asphalt-Saturated Felt:  This used to be the long-time industry standard.  It is also known as felt paper.
  2. Synthetic Underlayment:  This is the most utilized choice of underlayment by builders today, offering better tear resistance, additional stability and a degree of water resistance.  However, it does not always create as strong of a water seal around the nails used in the roofing process.
  3. Rubberized Asphalt: This is the most expensive but as it contains greater amounts of asphalt and various rubber polymers it has the advantage of being waterproof.

Added Protection For Your House

Roofing underlayment is an extra layer of protection for your home. It serves as added protection beneath your shingles to withstand many kinds of weather events and can be replaced when doing a tile reset. Depending on weather and climate conditions, a good quality underlayment can last 20-25 years, but it should be routinely inspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

To try and repair a tile roof with more than 50% breakage is not cost effective. In cases where there is limited breakage, it makes sense to perform a “lift and re-lay” (or “ tile reset”) where we remove the existing tile, underlayment and flashing system and then install new flashing, underlayment systems and re-install the original roof tiles.

While concrete or clay tile may last for up to 50 years, the felt or paper underlayment beneath it wears out quickly and will require replacing it 20 to 30 years after a tile roof is installed. In some weather conditions, underlayment may need to be replaced even sooner.

One of the most common issues with tile roofs is water leakage. A tile does not necessarily have to be missing for a leak to occur, as it is possible for water to get underneath a bad tile job and start to seep through the other layers of the roof.

While Clay tiles are considered one of the most durable roofing materials, and they typically require little maintenance, it is still a best practice to have a roofer inspect your roof every five years.  You will also want to perform regular cleaning to make sure that water is not being forced into places it shouldn’t go.  

It is not often a good practice to pressure wash clay tiles.  Using a high powered pressure washer could cause more damage than good, because the strength of the water stream can remove the finish of the roof tiles.

Smog-Eating Tile is a type of roof tile that speeds up oxidation to reduce pollution and contaminants to the environment. The tile incorporates a photo catalytic agent (titanium dioxide) that breaks down nitrogen oxide molecules, a common pollutant from street traffic.