Concrete tile roofing in Long Beach, CA

Concrete tile became common on Southern California homes from the 1970s on. It is strong, fire resistant and handles sun well. Because it is molded rather than fired, it comes in many shapes and colors, from a classic Spanish S-tile to flat profiles that look modern or mimic slate and shake.

Many East Long Beach homes got concrete tile in the 1980s and 1990s. Those roofs are now reaching the age where their original underlayment needs attention, or where owners want new tile in a different color or profile.

Concrete tile profiles and finishes

High-profile S-tile gives the rolling Spanish look and is the most common profile in Long Beach. Low-profile and flat tiles give a cleaner, more modern line and work well on ranch homes and newer builds. Some flat tiles are textured to look like wood shake or slate.

Color can be mixed through the concrete or applied as a surface coat. Through-color tile tends to hide chips and wear better over the years. We show you both types so you know what to expect as the roof ages.

• High-profile S-tile for Spanish and Mediterranean homes
• Low-profile and flat tile for ranch and modern homes
• Shake and slate textures
• Lightweight concrete tile for some conversions

Concrete tile weight and roof structure

Standard concrete tile is heavy, often heavier than clay. If your house has had concrete tile before, the framing was built or upgraded for it. If you are moving from shingles to concrete, we look at the rafters and may suggest lightweight tile or a structural review first.

We also check how the existing tile was fastened. Older roofs were sometimes set with few nails. New tile is fastened to current practice so it stays put in wind and earthquakes.

What wears out on concrete tile roofs

The tile usually outlasts everything under it. Original felt underlayment dries out, valley metal rusts and pipe flashings crack. Surface color can fade, and the tile can grow moss on shaded north slopes near the coast. Cracks often come from foot traffic during other trades' work.

When the tile is still sound, a lift and relay may be the better value. When the tile is faded, porous or broken in many places, a new concrete tile roof gives you a fresh start.

Picking a concrete tile color you will still like later

Color is the choice most owners spend the longest on, and it is worth the time because tile stays on the house for decades. A single sample in your hand looks different from a whole roof in full sun. We bring several tiles and set them on the roof or against the stucco so you see them in real light at different times of day.

Lighter earth tones and grays stay cooler and often qualify as cool-rated. Blended colors hide dust and small chips better than a single flat color. Darker browns and charcoals look rich at first but run hotter in summer.

• See samples on the roof, not just in a showroom
• Check the color against stucco, trim and the neighbors' roofs
• Ask which colors are cool-rated if Title 24 applies

When to call about concrete tile roofing

Concrete tile roofs in East Long Beach and beyond

Concrete S-tile is common in Los Altos, El Dorado Park Estates and other East Long Beach tracts where many ranch homes were re-roofed in tile during the 1980s and 1990s. It is also widespread on newer homes and townhomes across the city and in nearby Lakewood and Cerritos.

A concrete tile re-roof needs a Long Beach building permit. Lighter tile colors can help meet Title 24 cool roof requirements where they apply, so we check before ordering. Near the coast, we use corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashings to match the tile's long life.