TILE AND CLAY ROOFING
Tile and clay roofs, the work we started with
Clay and concrete tile repaired, replaced and installed by the crew that started the company with tile work in 2000.
Chapter 01
Signs a tile roof is failing
Tile is tough, but it does wear. Cracked or broken tiles are the obvious sign, and they come from weather, age or a poor install. Warped or curled tiles leave gaps that let water and moisture in. Water stains on a ceiling or wall mean something has already gotten through.
The part you cannot see is the underlayment, the layer under the tile that keeps water out of the house. When it wears out or gets damaged, it has to be replaced, even if the tiles on top still look fine.
Whether to repair or replace comes down to how much is damaged, how old the roof is and whether water is getting in. Individual tiles can be replaced without disturbing the rest, and we match the replacement so the roof still looks like one roof. When damage is widespread, a full replacement is often the smarter spend.
Clay tile roof with a copper chimney saddle
Tile is where Columbia Plateau started
Dan Schilperoort started this company doing tile work in 2000, in a trade that had little competition in Central Washington at the time. More than 25 years later we still repair, replace and install both clay and concrete tile, and maintain it on a schedule if you want that.
A tile roof is heavier than other materials. Most homes can carry it, but we check the roof structure before installation, and if it needs reinforcing we walk you through that first. Clay installs need the weight spread properly, and the choices are wide, from a classic Spanish-style look to a flat modern profile.
The process matches every other job we run. We inspect, measure, fly the drone and check the attic, then talk through styles and colors and send a written proposal. On a replacement the crew removes the old roof, repairs any damage underneath, installs the new tile and finishes with a final walk-through of how to maintain it.
Chapter 03
Keeping a tile roof going for 50 years
Tile can last 50 years or more, and some roofs reach a century. It resists rot and insects, it is made of non-combustible material, and its natural insulation helps hold indoor temperatures steady. It costs more up front than asphalt shingles, and the long life is what usually makes up the difference.
The upkeep is light. Clear leaves, debris and moss off the roof, keep the gutters running, trim branches that hang over it and replace cracked or missing tiles right away so water does not reach the structure. Schedule an annual inspection, and call for one after a hard storm if you suspect a cracked tile.
“we have a tile roof and suspected this would be a major repair. Dan came out almost immediately and assured us it was a minor repair.” JoAnne Hanses, Google review.
Tile jobs from our files
2003Checked for weight before the first tile goes up
Tile is heavier than other roofing, so we evaluate the roof structure first. If it needs reinforcement, we explain it before you decide anything.