How long does a Spanish tile roof last in Houston?
Clay and concrete tile commonly lasts 50 years or more with proper underlayment maintenance, against roughly 20–25 years for asphalt shingles in Houston’s climate. The variable isn’t the tile — it’s whether the underlayment beneath was installed correctly. Call (832) 888-1666.
Does the tile itself keep water out?
No, and that’s the most expensive misconception in tile roofing. The underlayment system beneath does the actual waterproofing; the tile primarily shields that underlayment from UV and impact. Get the underlayment wrong and even a flawless-looking tile roof leaks.
My tiles look perfect but my ceiling is leaking. How?
Underlayment fails long before tile shows damage. Tile can look fine for decades while the layer underneath has already broken down — which is why leaks on Houston tile roofs routinely appear with zero visible tile damage from the ground.
What goes under the tile during installation?
Double-layer self-adhering underlayment is installed before a single tile goes down. Battens and flashing are detailed around every penetration, valley, and ridge before tile placement. NRCA guidance covers why that sequence determines whether the system lasts 50 years or 15.
Will a tile roof survive Houston hurricane-season wind?
Mechanically fastened tile systems reduce wind-lift risk during hurricane season. Fastening method matters more than tile weight here — a heavy tile that isn’t mechanically secured still lifts in sustained Gulf Coast wind.
If a storm cracks a few tiles, do I need a whole new roof?
No, if the system was installed correctly to begin with. Cracked or displaced tiles can typically be swapped individually rather than requiring a full re-roof. Achilles provides photo documentation of storm-related tile damage for insurance — see storm damage repair.
Why is there green growth on one side of my tile roof?
Houston’s humidity encourages moss and algae on north-facing, shaded slopes. It traps moisture against the tile and accelerates underlayment breakdown beneath — so the growth you can see is damaging the layer you can’t.
Is tile really cheaper than shingles long-term?
Upfront it costs more. Over a 30–50 year ownership horizon the math shifts, because the tile itself rarely needs replacing. Underlayment replacement mid-life becomes the main expense — smaller and more predictable than repeat full re-roofs with asphalt shingles.
Clay or concrete tile — which should I choose?
Both are installed by Achilles, and profile matters as much as material. The tile is matched to your home’s existing roofline rather than picked from a catalog. See finished systems in our completed roofing projects.
What maintenance does a tile roof actually need?
Underlayment replacement, not full tile replacement, is typically the only major service a tile roof needs mid-life. Between those points, the work is inspection, debris clearing, and replacing individual cracked tiles — best handled through a roof maintenance plan.
Do you install tile in The Woodlands and Cypress?
Yes. Achilles works from West Sam Houston Parkway North in Houston, a supply yard on Cypress Bend Drive in Cypress, and an office at Timberloch Place in The Woodlands. See all locations.