5 Tile Roof Questions to Ask Before Repairing Traditional Tile Roofing

Available in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials, tile roofing is an appealing choice for many homeowners. But if yours is cracking, sagging, or damaged, you’ll want to bring in a roofing professional to restore it to its former glory. Asking yourself these common tile roof questions can help you prepare for your conversation with a pro. 

1. What do you need repaired?

Roof damage comes in many forms, ranging from minor issues (such as loose tiles) to structural problems (such as sagging). The type and severity of the damage will impact your project’s costs and timeline, so before creating a roofing estimate, your contractor needs to understand what caused the damage.

If there’s severe or widespread damage, you might need a full roof replacement. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to replace (rather than repair) your roof if at least 30% of it is damaged.

2. What kind of roof tiles do you have?

Your repair costs will also depend on the type of roof tiles you have. Composite roof tiles are one of the most affordable kinds, costing $4 to $6 per square foot. They’re also a more budget-friendly alternative to clay tiles, which run between $10 and $20 per square foot. Meanwhile, slate tiles are one of the most expensive roof tiles to repair, coming in at $10 to $30 per square foot.

3. How old is your current roof? 

Your contractor will probably also ask about your roof’s age as well. If there’s a fair bit of damage and the roof is close to the end of its lifespan, it might be more cost-effective to replace the roof instead of repairing it—even if it isn’t completely destroyed.

Not sure how long your roof should last? A roof’s lifespan largely depends on its material. For example, concrete and clay tile roofs last about 50 to 100 years, while a slate roof may last up to 150 years.

4. What’s your budget for this project? 

On average, tile roof repairs cost $1,000—but your costs could be lower or higher, depending on the type of damage. Fixing a vent can cost as little as $75 to $250, but repairing roof trusses ranges from $500 to $5,000. As we’ve mentioned, the type of roofing tile can also impact the price—and so can the size of your roof, labor rates in your area, and the time of year.

5. When do you need the roof repairs completed?

After you explain the cause of the damage to your roofing pro, they’ll be able to determine how urgent the job is. If you’re dealing with a roofing emergency (for example, a tree falling on your house or water seeping through your roof), they’ll need to visit your home ASAP. But if the damage is merely cosmetic, your timeline won’t be as rushed.