Tile Roofing in Burbank, CA

Tile roofs are common on Burbank’s Spanish Colonial Revival homes and on many later houses. The tiles themselves often last a long time, but the underlayment beneath them wears out, and that layer is what actually keeps water out. We connect homeowners with one independent local roofer who works on clay and concrete tile.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

Tile roofs in Burbank and nearby

Burbank’s 1920s and 1930s building boom left many Spanish-style homes with red clay barrel or S-tile roofs, and you will find similar houses across Glendale, Toluca Lake, Los Feliz, and Pasadena. Concrete tile became popular later and appears on many remodeled and newer homes. Both types shed water well and hold up to sun, and both are fire resistant. The weak point is usually not the tile.

Why tile roofs leak

Underlayment failure. The felt or synthetic layer under the tile is the real waterproofing. On older roofs it can dry out, crack, and tear, especially along eaves and valleys. Leaks can appear even when the tile looks fine from the street.
Broken or slipped tiles. Foot traffic, falling branches, settling, and wind can crack or shift tiles, exposing the underlayment to sun.
Flashing. Valleys, chimneys, skylights, and wall transitions need metal flashing that is in good condition and correctly lapped.
Debris. Leaves and needles collect in tile valleys and behind tiles, holding moisture and blocking water flow.
Mortar and ridge issues. Mortar at ridges and hips can crack and loosen over time.

Repair, underlayment replacement, or new roof?

Tile repair replaces broken or slipped tiles and fixes local flashing. Underlayment replacement (sometimes called a lift-and-relay or remove-and-reset) means carefully removing the tiles, installing new underlayment and flashing, and putting the original tiles back, replacing any that break. This is common on older clay roofs where the tile is worth keeping. A full tile re-roof with new tile may make sense when many tiles are damaged or a different profile is wanted.

Older clay tile can be brittle, and some historic profiles are hard to find. Ask the roofer how they will handle breakage, whether matching tile is available or salvaged, and how replacements will be priced.

Weight and structure

Tile is much heavier than shingles. If you are switching from shingles to tile, or from lightweight tile to heavier tile, the framing may need to be checked by a qualified professional and the change may need plans and a permit. Going the other way, from tile to shingles, is common on some homes but may change the look of a Spanish-style house significantly.

Fire zones and bird stops

Tile is generally part of a Class A roof assembly, which matters in the many hillside areas mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The gaps at the eave ends of barrel tile can let embers, birds, and rodents in, so closing them with bird stops or eave closures is worth discussing. Ember-resistant vents are another upgrade during a re-roof.

Permits and historic homes

Re-roofs, including underlayment replacement, generally need a permit from the City of Burbank or your local building department. If your home is in a historic district or is a designated landmark, as some homes in Pasadena, Glendale, and Los Angeles are, changes to roof material or color may need historic preservation approval. Check before choosing a new tile.

Walking on tile

Please don’t walk on a tile roof to look at damage. Tiles crack easily underfoot, and wet tile is slippery. Take photos from the ground or a window and let a roofer inspect it.

Before you hire

Ask whether the contractor regularly works on clay tile, check the license at cslb.ca.gov, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and get a written scope covering underlayment type, flashing, breakage allowance, and the permit. See also our roof repair and roof replacement pages.

Tile Roofing help near Burbank

We take requests from Burbank and these nearby communities:

Frequently asked questions

My tiles look fine, so why is my tile roof leaking?

The tiles shed most of the water, but the underlayment beneath them is the waterproof layer. When it dries out and cracks with age, leaks can start even though the tiles look intact.

Can my original clay tiles be reused?

Often yes. Many older clay roofs are redone by removing the tiles, installing new underlayment and flashing, and resetting the original tiles. Some tiles break during the process, so ask how replacements will be sourced and priced.

Is it safe to switch from shingles to tile?

Tile is much heavier, so the roof framing may need to be evaluated and possibly reinforced. Ask your contractor and the building department what is required before deciding.

Do tile roofs need maintenance?

Periodic checks for broken tiles, clearing debris from valleys and gutters, and attention to flashing and ridge mortar help a tile roof last. A roofer can tell you how often makes sense for your home.

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