Cracked or broken tiles
Visible from the street or the yard, often along paths where someone walked.
GLENDALE, CA · TILE ROOF REPAIR
Tile Roof Repair in Glendale, CA
Clay and concrete tiles shed most of the water; the underlayment beneath them stops the rest. Citium repairs broken and slipped tiles, and when a tile roof leaks, we lift tiles to check the underlayment and flashing.
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How a tile roof keeps water out
Tile is the outer layer. It sheds most rain and protects what's underneath from sun, but water still gets past the gaps between tiles. The underlayment below the tile, along with the flashing at valleys, walls and penetrations, is what keeps that water out of the house.
That's why a tile roof can leak when every tile looks intact, and why a tile repair that only swaps broken pieces sometimes doesn't stop the leak. Citium's tile repairs start with what's under the tile.
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Signs your tile roof needs repair
Slipped or missing tiles
Gaps in the pattern or tiles sitting lower than their neighbors.
Ceiling stains
Stains below valleys, chimneys, skylights or walls, where flashing and underlayment carry the most water.
Tile pieces on the ground
Fragments along the foundation or in planting beds after wind.
Loose ridge or hip tiles
Cap tiles along ridges and hips that have shifted or lost mortar.
Leaks in the first heavy rain
A leak that appears early in the season often means debris-filled valleys or aged underlayment.
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Common tile roof problems
Broken tiles from foot traffic
Tiles crack when people step in the wrong place, including satellite, solar, painting and HVAC crews. Broken tiles that aren't reset put extra load on the next row.
Cracks from wind and debris
Santa Ana gusts throw branches and debris, and tiles that already had hairline cracks break.
Worn underlayment
The underlayment usually wears out before the tile. When it turns brittle or tears easily, water that passes the tile reaches the deck.
Valley leaks
Leaves and tile fragments dam the valley, and worn valley metal lets water spill under the tile.
Flashing at chimneys, walls and skylights
Tile roofs rely on well-formed flashing where they meet vertical surfaces. Old or sealant-only flashing is a frequent leak source.
Pipe and vent penetrations
Flashing around plumbing vents and exhaust pipes cracks or separates under the tile where you can't see it.
Poor past repairs
Wrong-profile replacement tiles, mortar patches, or roofing cement smeared over cracks that trap water.
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Tile repair, lift and relay, or full re-tile?
| Tile repair | Lift and relay (new underlayment) | Full re-tile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When it fits | Damage is clustered and underlayment is still pliable | Underlayment is failing but most tile is sound and reusable | Tile is widely damaged or no match is available |
| What happens | Replace broken tiles, fix flashing or a small underlayment area | Remove tile, replace underlayment and flashing, relay the tile | Remove tile and underlayment, install new tile system |
| What's reused | Most of the roof | Sound tiles; broken ones replaced with matches | Little or none |
| Structure | No change | No change if the same tile goes back | Check the structure if tile weight changes |
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Tile types we repair
Mission clay (two-piece)
Separate cover and pan tiles with a deep, traditional profile. Heavier than concrete. Repairs require matching both pieces.
Clay S-tile (one-piece)
A single rolled clay profile. Fastening and underlayment follow the assembly.
Concrete S-tile
A widely available profile on Mediterranean and ranch homes, color-through with a surface slurry. Weight is significant.
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The tile roof repair process
- 01
Careful access
We step only where tile is supported, or work from ladders and edges, to avoid breaking more tile.
- 02
Lift tiles at the problem area
Tiles around the leak or damage are removed and set aside so we can see the underlayment and flashing.
- 03
Check the underlayment
Pliable underlayment can be patched and lapped. Underlayment that is brittle or tears easily means the problem likely extends past this spot, and we tell you so.
- 04
Repair what's underneath
Replace the damaged underlayment section, rebuild flashing, and replace any damaged decking.
- 05
Relay and replace tiles
Sound tiles go back; broken ones are replaced with the closest matching profile, size and color, fastened per the assembly.
- 06
Photos and walkthrough
You see what was under the tile and what was fixed.
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Why we look under the tile
From the street, a 30-year-old tile roof and a 5-year-old one can look the same. The difference is the underlayment. An inspection that lifts a few tiles in key areas, such as valleys, below penetrations and at the eaves, shows whether you need a spot repair or whether the whole roof's underlayment is near the end.
That answer changes the budget. It's better to know before you pay to replace cracked tiles on a roof that needs new underlayment next year.
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Materials for tile repairs
Matching tiles
Profile, size and color have to match. We discuss matching options and availability before work begins, including salvaged tiles when new ones aren't made.
Underlayment
New underlayment lapped into the existing layer so water can't run behind the repair.
Flashing metal
Valley metal and wall, chimney and penetration flashing formed for tile.
Fasteners
Tiles are fastened the way the tile manufacturer and the assembly specify.
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Tile roofs and Glendale's climate
Sun at the gaps
Tile blocks most sun, but underlayment exposed at gaps, broken tiles and edges ages faster.
Santa Ana winds
Wind-thrown debris cracks tile, and loose ridge caps can shift. Check after strong wind events.
Winter rain
Leaks that stayed hidden through the dry months show up in the first heavy storm. Book repairs in fall.
Weight and structure
Switching tile types, or from another material to tile, can change the load on the framing and needs to be checked.
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Tile roof repair questions
Does one broken tile mean I need a new roof?
No. A broken tile can usually be replaced on its own. An inspection tells you whether the damage is local or part of a wider underlayment or drainage problem.
Why is my tile roof leaking when the tiles look fine?
The underlayment beneath the tile does most of the waterproofing, and it usually wears out before the tile does. Flashing at valleys, walls and vents can also fail under intact tile. Lifting tiles at the leak shows the cause.
Can you match my existing roof tiles?
Often, but not always. Profile, size and color all have to match, and some older tiles are no longer made. Citium discusses matching options and availability, including salvaged tile, before work begins.
Can my existing tiles be reused?
Frequently. On a lift and relay, sound tiles are removed, the underlayment and flashing are replaced, and the tiles go back on. Condition, compatibility and project scope decide whether reuse is practical.
Is it safe to walk on a tile roof?
Not for most homeowners. Tiles crack when stepped on in the wrong place, and the roof is slippery. Look from the ground and call a roofer.
How much does tile roof repair cost in Glendale?
It depends on how many tiles are damaged, whether matching tiles are available, how much underlayment and flashing needs to be replaced, and roof pitch and access. Citium inspects first and puts the price in writing.
How long does tile roof underlayment last?
It varies with the underlayment type, installation quality, roof slope and sun exposure, and it usually wears out before the tile. The only reliable way to know is to lift tiles and look.
GET STARTEDCitium Roofing Solutions 401 N Brand Blvd, Unit L106B, Glendale, CA 91203818-531-1277citiuminc@gmail.com
Talk to Citium about your roof
Call 818-531-1277, email citiuminc@gmail.com, or request an estimate online. Citium Roofing Solutions is at 401 N Brand Blvd, Unit L106B, Glendale, CA 91203.