How do I hire a tile roof replacement contractor in Marin?

Is it the tile or the underlayment?

Clay and concrete tile can outlast several layers of the felt or synthetic underneath it; InterNACHI puts tile's life expectancy far above asphalt's (InterNACHI). So when a Marin tile roof leaks, the cause is often dried-out underlayment, slipped tiles or rusted flashing. That opens two options: a reset, where the crew lifts the tiles, replaces underlayment and flashing, and relays the same tiles, or a full replacement with new tile or a lighter material. Our hub explains tile underlayment in depth.

What should I ask a Marin tile contractor?

• How many tile roofs have you reset or replaced, and can I see one?
• What underlayment will you use, and how many layers?
• What's your allowance for broken tiles, and where will matching replacements come from?
• Will you replace valley, wall and chimney flashing, or reuse it?
• How will crews walk the roof without cracking tile?
• Who pulls the permit, and is the finished assembly Class A?

What if I'm switching to tile?

Tile is far heavier than shingles. California's residential code covers clay and concrete tile installation (CRC R905), and a switch from a light roof usually needs the framing checked, sometimes by an engineer, before the building department approves it. You can't install tile over an existing roof either; tear-off is required for overlays onto tile (CRC R908).

Do Marin's fire rules affect tile?

Clay and concrete tile are commonly Class A when installed as listed. In a very high fire hazard zone, replacing more than half the roof requires Class A (HSC 13132.7); bird stops and eave closures keep embers and nests out of the open tile ends. Check your zone on CAL FIRE's map and see Class A in Marin.

Find a roofer by city: San Rafael roofers, Mill Valley roofers, Sausalito roofers, Novato roofers, Larkspur & Corte Madera roofers, Tiburon & Belvedere roofers.