Clay is kiln-fired and holds color and structural integrity longer — commonly rated 50-plus years — while concrete is heavier, absorbs water over time, needs periodic resealing, and is typically warrantied in the 40-50 year range. Clay is lighter and longer-lived; concrete is the more common mid-tier choice.

It depends on how the original trusses were engineered — this has to be verified, and sometimes reinforced, before tile goes on. Tile-rated structures are commonly engineered for 500-720 pounds per square of dead load, well above what a shingle-only frame is typically built for.

It varies with the crew's tile experience, but breakage is common enough that manufacturers exclude foot-traffic breakage from warranty coverage entirely. Using crews who walk battens and eave lines with roof jacks rather than the open tile field significantly reduces it.

For clay, a 50-year-plus lifespan is a realistic manufacturer rating with proper maintenance. Concrete is usually rated closer to 40-50 years. In both cases, the underlayment beneath the tile is the more likely thing to fail first, which is why a tile roof's real service life often depends on when the underlayment was last replaced, not just the age of the tile.

This is the most common tile-roof failure pattern — the underlayment beneath the tile has failed while the tile itself remains intact, since the tile is largely a wear and wind layer and the underlayment does the actual waterproofing.

Sometimes with salvaged stock in the exact discontinued profile, sometimes with the closest current match. If the repair is insurance-related and matching isn't achievable, Florida's matching statute may require the insurer to address adjoining areas for uniform appearance.

Both handle salt air well compared to other roofing categories, which is part of why tile dominates coastal South Florida. Clay tends to hold its color and finish longer in that environment; concrete is more prone to staining and fading over time without periodic maintenance.

Tile is generally the most expensive upfront of the common systems, with clay typically pricier than concrete. The tradeoff is a longer realistic lifespan and strong wind and UV performance that can offset the higher initial cost over the life of the roof.