Classic red tile roofs are usually made from clay terracotta or dyed concrete. The tiles can last a long time, and some tile roofs keep their original pieces for decades. The part many homeowners miss is the layer below the tile. The tile protects the roof surface, but the underlayment is the waterproof layer that keeps rain out of the structure. The underlayment often ages before the tile does. A tile roof can leak even when the visible outside tiles still look good. When the underlayment is worn out, a lift and relay may be the right repair. That means the existing tiles are carefully removed, the old underlayment is stripped away, a new waterproof layer is installed, and the same tiles are set back in place when they are still usable. If too much of the roof has failed, full roof replacement may be the cleaner option. Cracked tiles and slipped pieces can still cause problems. Clay and concrete tile handle weather well, but they can break from bad foot traffic or impact from branches. Ridge and valley mortar can also dry out over time. When that material crumbles, the roof may need re-bedding or re-pointing so the tile system sheds water correctly again.
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