Tile Roof Maintenance and Repair for Reseda Homeowners

Concrete and clay tiles are engineered to last 50 years or more. Some clay tile roofs in Southern California are still performing well after 75 or even 100 years. This extraordinary durability is what gives tile roofs their reputation as a lifetime investment. But the underlayment beneath those tiles, the waterproof membrane that is actually responsible for keeping rain out of your home, does not share that lifespan.

Standard felt underlayment used on many Valley tile roofs installed in the 1980s and 1990s has an expected life of 20 to 30 years. Even modern synthetic underlayment products, while more durable, typically carry warranties of 25 to 40 years. This means that on a tile roof installed 25 or 30 years ago, the tiles may look perfect from the ground while the underlayment beneath them has deteriorated to the point where it no longer prevents water from reaching the decking. Our roofing materials guide explains the different underlayment types and their expected lifespans in the Valley’s climate.

The process of replacing the underlayment on a tile roof involves carefully removing the existing tiles, setting them aside, stripping and replacing the underlayment and any damaged battens or decking, and then reinstalling the original tiles. This is a specialized process that requires experienced crews who know how to handle tiles without breaking them and how to reinstall them to the original pattern and alignment. A contractor without tile roof experience can easily crack tiles during removal, leading to unnecessary replacement costs. Our article on when to replace your roof covers the warning signs that indicate underlayment failure beneath an otherwise intact tile surface.

While tiles are remarkably durable under normal conditions, they are not indestructible. The most common types of tile damage that Reseda homeowners encounter include cracked or broken tiles caused by impact from fallen tree branches, foot traffic from service technicians accessing rooftop HVAC units or satellite dishes, or shifting from seismic activity. A single cracked tile may seem minor, but it creates a direct pathway for water to reach the underlayment, and if that underlayment has already aged past its effective life, the water reaches the decking and eventually the interior.

Displaced tiles are another frequent issue, particularly after strong Santa Ana wind events. High winds can shift tiles out of position, breaking the overlap pattern that channels water downslope. Our guide on Santa Ana wind roof protection discusses how wind affects different roofing systems and what precautions homeowners can take.

Ridge and hip cap mortar deterioration is a maintenance item that many homeowners overlook. The mortar that secures ridge caps and hip tiles along the peaks and edges of the roof dries out and cracks over time, especially under the extreme UV exposure and temperature cycling in the Valley. Crumbling mortar allows wind-driven rain to penetrate beneath the cap tiles and can eventually allow the caps themselves to shift or fall. Repointing or replacing deteriorated mortar is a routine maintenance repair that prevents much more expensive problems.

If you notice any of these issues, scheduling a professional roof inspection is the first step toward understanding the scope of the problem and determining whether a targeted repair or broader underlayment replacement is the appropriate response.

Roof Replacement Inc has over 50 years of combined experience working with tile roof systems across the San Fernando Valley. We understand the specific maintenance needs of concrete and clay tile installations and have the specialized expertise to perform underlayment replacements while preserving and reinstalling your existing tiles. Our crews handle tile with the care these materials require, minimizing breakage and ensuring proper reinstallation.

We hold Contractor License #1063655, carry full insurance coverage, and have earned a 5 out of 5 star rating from 194 Google reviews. Our services include roof repair in Van Nuys, roof repair in Los Angeles, new roof installation, cool roof systems, complete roof removal, and trusted roofing company services in Los Angeles, CA. Our warranty guide explains how our workmanship warranty protects tile roof projects, and our financing options make underlayment replacements affordable.

See our completed projects, visit our FAQ page, or call (213) 364-3979 to schedule a free tile roof inspection and estimate.