Tile Roof Installation and Repair in New Orleans
- A roof that needs little upkeep and resists pests and fire
- Finished on time and within your specified budget
- Detailed estimate upfront, with no hidden costs or surprises
- Residential License # 890459
- Commercial License # 3667
A tile roof in New Orleans pairs classic curb appeal with a lifespan of 50+ years when it's maintained. TurnKey Roofing Contractor installs and repairs clay and concrete tile roofs, with the underlayment, flashing and fastening that keep them watertight through heavy rain and hurricane season.
Call (504) 608-3921 or request a free tile roof estimate. You'll get a detailed estimate upfront, with no hidden costs, before any work begins.
Clay vs Concrete Tile Roofing
Tile roofing comes in two main materials. Both are heavy, durable and fire resistant, but they differ in weight, cost and how they age.
| Feature | Clay tile | Concrete tile |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Fired natural clay | Sand, cement and water, molded and cured |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavier than most clay tile |
| Color | Fired-in color that holds up well in the sun | Colored with pigment or a surface coating |
| Look | Traditional terracotta and earth tones | Wide range, including profiles that mimic clay, slate or wood |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
Both can last 50+ years with maintenance. Clay suits homes where the traditional look matters most, while concrete gives more options at a lower price.
Tile Roof Styles and Colors
Tile comes in profiles that suit everything from older homes to modern designs. Colors run from terracotta and brown to blues and greens, with smooth, textured and antiqued finishes, and many manufacturers offer blends that mix shades for a multi-toned roof.
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Spanish, Mediterranean and Mission
Curved or S-shaped tiles create the classic old-world look. These traditional styles have deep shadow lines and suit stucco and Mediterranean-inspired homes.
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Barrel
Barrel tiles, also called S-tiles or Roman tiles, are semi-cylindrical pieces that overlap to form rounded rows. The style adds depth and texture to the roof.
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Flat and Low-Profile
Flat tiles have smooth surfaces and clean lines for a sleek, contemporary appearance. They suit modern and minimalist homes.
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Interlocking
Interlocking tiles have edges that lock into the tiles beside them, forming a tight, secure surface. They come in flat, curved and scalloped profiles.
Benefits of a Tile Roof
Tile roofing offers a mix of strength, looks and low upkeep that few materials match.
- Long life: 50+ years with maintenance, compared with 15 to 30 years for asphalt shingles
- Low maintenance: tile needs little upkeep and resists damage from pests
- Fire resistance: clay and concrete don't burn
- Cooler attics: air moving under curved tiles helps keep heat off the roof deck
- Curb appeal: a wide range of colors and styles to suit the home
- Resale value: a well-kept tile roof adds appeal when you sell
- Natural materials: clay and concrete can be recycled at the end of their life
If weight is a concern, metal roofing lasts 40 to 70 years at a fraction of the load. For natural stone on a home that can carry it, see our slate roofing page.
How a Tile Roof Keeps Water Out
The tiles shed most of the rain, but the underlayment beneath them is the real waterproof layer. Wind-driven rain and water that gets past broken or slipped tiles run down the underlayment to the eaves. In valleys and around chimneys, metal flashing under the tiles carries water past the joints. Eave closures fill the open ends of curved tiles along the bottom edge, which keeps out birds, pests and wind-driven rain.
Tiles can outlast the underlayment by a wide margin. When the underlayment wears out, the tiles can often be lifted, stacked and reset over new underlayment, which saves the cost of new tile. That's why the underlayment and flashing get as much attention during installation as the tiles themselves.
Our Tile Roof Installation Process
Each step builds a roof that handles the weight of tile and the force of storm winds.
- Inspect the roof and structure. We check the decking and framing, confirm the house can carry tile, and handle the permits the job requires.
- Prepare the deck and underlayment. We replace damaged decking, and a heavy-duty underlayment goes down as the main waterproof barrier.
- Install flashing. Metal flashing goes in at valleys, walls, chimneys, vents and roof edges.
- Set and fasten the tiles. We lay the tiles in overlapping courses and secure them with fasteners suited to the tile and the wind loads it will face.
- Finish the ridges and hips. Ridge and hip tiles are set and sealed to close the peaks against wind and rain.
- Inspect and clean up. A final inspection checks the tile courses and flashing, and the crew cleans up the work area.
We work to your timeline and budget, and the estimate spells out every cost before work starts. For a full tear-off, see our roof replacement service, backed by our 24 Hour Roof Replacement Guarantee.
Tile Roof Repair in New Orleans
Tile is tough, but individual tiles crack and slip, and the parts under them wear with time. Watch for these signs:
- Cracked, chipped or broken tiles, often after a storm or foot traffic
- Tiles that have slipped out of line or come loose
- Missing tiles or pieces in the yard after high wind
- Rusted or loose flashing around chimneys and walls
- Water stains on ceilings, even when the tiles look fine
Walking on tile can break it, so leave roof work to a roofer. Our roof repair service replaces broken tiles with matching pieces and checks the underlayment beneath them. On older tile roofs, earlier patches of roofing cement can trap water against the tile, and proper flashing is the lasting fix. A regular roof inspection catches slipped and cracked tiles before they let water in.
Tile Roofs and Hurricane Season
Strong wind and flying debris are the main threats to a tile roof here. Tiles at the edges, ridges and hips take the most force, so the fastening there matters most, whether the tiles are secured with nails, screws, clips or roof tile adhesive. A sound underlayment keeps water out if a tile does break. After a storm, look for broken or missing tiles from the ground and check the attic for drips. Our post on how hurricane season affects roofs in New Orleans covers the steps to take before and after a storm.
Caring for a Tile Roof
Tile needs little maintenance, but a few habits help it reach the long end of its life.
- Keep gutters, valleys and the low ends of tile rows clear of leaves and debris
- Trim branches that hang over the roof or could fall in a storm
- Clean moss or algae gently, without high pressure that can crack tiles or strip coatings
- Replace cracked or slipped tiles quickly so water doesn't reach the underlayment
- Have the flashing and underlayment checked as the roof ages
Concrete tiles can lose some surface color over time and may be resealed or coated to refresh their look. Clay keeps its fired-in color, though older clay tiles can grow brittle and need careful handling during repairs.
Tile Roofing FAQs
Estimates are free
- Residential License # 890459
- Commercial License # 3667
How long does a tile roof last?
A tile roof can last 50+ years with maintenance. The underlayment beneath the tiles usually needs replacing before the tiles do.
What styles of tile roofing can I choose from?
Tile comes in traditional Spanish, Mediterranean and Mission styles, plus barrel, flat and interlocking profiles.
What colors does tile roofing come in?
Colors range from earthy tones like terracotta and brown to blues and greens. Many manufacturers also offer blends and custom colors.
Will a tile roof help with energy bills?
Tile helps keep a home cooler in summer, since air moving under the tiles carries heat away from the roof deck. That can lower cooling costs.
Can my house support a tile roof?
Tile is heavier than shingles or metal, so the framing needs to be checked first. Some homes need added support before a tile roof goes on.
Get a Free Tile Roofing Estimate in New Orleans
Call (504) 608-3921 or book your free estimate online. We'll explain whether your tiles need a repair, a new underlayment or a full new roof. Our work is licensed under Residential License # 890459, and the Unlimited Wind Warranty covers wind damage regardless of wind speed.