Tile Roof Myths Busted: What Every OC Homeowner Should Know
Tile roofs are one of the most popular roofing choices in Orange County—and for good reason. They’re durable, energy-efficient, and look great on everything from Spanish-style homes in Irvine to modern builds in Tustin.
But with popularity comes a lot of misinformation.
At Fox Roofing Company, we’ve heard it all. So today, we’re busting the most common tile roof myths—so you can protect your investment and make confident decisions.
🧱 Myth #1: “If the Tiles Look Good, the Roof Is Fine”
False.
Your tiles are only the surface layer. What really protects your home is the underlayment beneath them—and that’s the part most homeowners (and some roofers) overlook.
In SoCal, tile underlayment typically lasts 20–25 years, even if the tiles themselves can go 50+ years.
If your roof is hitting that age, a tile lift & relay may be needed—even if your tiles look perfect.
💸 Myth #2: “Tile Roofs Are Too Expensive to Maintain”
Not true.
While the initial install cost of a tile roof is higher than shingles, they pay off over time with:
Longer lifespan
Lower energy bills (they reflect heat better)
Fewer full replacements
And if done right, a mid-life underlayment replacement is often the only major cost you’ll face.
🌧️ Myth #3: “Tile Roofs Never Leak”
They’re more resistant than shingles—but not leak-proof.
Leaks can happen when:
Tiles crack or shift
Underlayment deteriorates
Flashing is improperly sealed
Debris clogs valleys or gutters
We’ve repaired dozens of tile roofs in Orange County where the surface looked fine—but water had been sneaking in for months underneath.
🛠️ Myth #4: “Any Roofer Can Fix a Tile Roof”
This one’s risky.
Tile systems require special handling, and not every roofing contractor is trained for:
Safe tile removal and replacement
Matching existing materials
Correct spacing and fastening
Local building code compliance
At Fox Roofing Company, our crews are tile roof specialists. We do it right the first time—no broken tiles, mismatched patches, or shortcuts.
🦊 Why Homeowners Trust Fox Roofing Company for Tile Roofs
We’re local, licensed, and fully trained in tile roof repair, replacement, and lift & relay projects. Our team knows what to look for, how to preserve what works, and how to fix what doesn’t.
And every job comes with our FOX 5 Guarantee:
✔️ On Time
✔️ On Budget
✔️ No Extra Fees
✔️ FOX Warranty
✔️ Or We Pay You $5,000
✅ Not Sure What’s Going on Under Your Tile Roof?
Serving Irvine, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, and all of Orange County, we offer free tile roof inspections with full photo documentation.
📞 Call Fox Roofing Company today or schedule your inspection online.
Let’s bust the myths—and make sure your tile roof is built to last.