Case Study: Tile Roof Replacement West Covina, CA
When a homeowner in West Covina needed to replace their aging 70-year-old tile roof, they called on our team at Specialist Roofing and Repair. This project went beyond a simple reroof; it became a perfect example of how an experienced roofing company handles unexpected challenges to deliver a secure and beautiful final product. This case study walks you through how we transformed a worn-out roof into a durable, code-compliant roofing system that adds significant value and protection to this California home.
Project Background: Tile Roof Challenges in West Covina, California
Homes in West Covina and across Southern California face a unique set of challenges from the local climate. The relentless sun can degrade roofing materials over time, while occasional heavy rains test the integrity of every seal and shingle. An older tile roof, in particular, can start to show its age, posing risks to the entire roofing system.
For many homeowners, what starts as a cosmetic concern can quickly become a major issue requiring a full roof replacement. Dealing with potential leaks, poor insulation, and the high actual costs of repeated roof repair makes choosing the right roofing contractor in the Los Angeles area a critical decision for protecting your investment and ensuring longevity.
The Homeowner’s Concerns
The West Covina homeowners first contacted us because their roof just looked old. The original concrete tiles, after 70 years, had lost their vibrant color and were covered in unsightly algae growth. They were worried that the roof’s appearance was hurting their home’s curb appeal and, more importantly, that its age could lead to future problems.
They knew they needed a roofing contractor with proven expertise in tile roof replacement. How do you find reliable tile roof replacement contractors in West Covina? For this client, the answer came from our reputation for quality and our extensive years of experience. They wanted a roofing company that wouldn’t just cover up problems but would do the job right from the start.
After our initial consultation, they felt confident that Specialist Roofing and Repair was the right team for their roofing project. Our thorough inspection process and clear communication gave them the peace of mind they needed to move forward.
Step-by-Step Process of Tile Roof Replacement
A professional tile roof replacement is a detailed process that demands craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence. For this West Covina roof replacement, our team followed a proven methodology to ensure every layer of the new roofing system was installed perfectly, providing maximum protection and longevity. A new roof is much more than just the tiles you see on top.
The project began with the careful removal of the old materials, which led to an unexpected discovery that required our immediate attention.
Safe Removal of 70-Year-Old Tiles and Worn Underlayment
The first physical step in any roof replacement is the tear-off. Our crew began by carefully removing the 70-year-old concrete tiles. With decades of experience, our roofing contractor team ensures this process is handled safely and efficiently, protecting the home and surrounding landscape from debris.
Once the tiles were gone, we removed the old, cheap paper underlayment. This material had become brittle and ineffective over the years, offering little protection against moisture. This is another one of the common signs that your tile roof in West Covina needs replacement, as the underlayment is a critical barrier against leaks.
What we uncovered confirmed the need for a full replacement:
- The old tiles were extremely brittle and faded.
- The paper underlayment was disintegrating.
- There was clear evidence of minor moisture getting past the tiles. This careful removal process paved the way for the next, and most critical, phase of the project.
Unexpected Discovery
With the old tiles and underlayment removed, we discovered a significant problem. The roof’s decking was constructed from 1×6 wood planks with large gaps between them. Our years of experience told us this would not pass a modern inspection by the city, as current building codes in California require a solid, continuous surface for proper roof installation.
Do tile roof replacements in West Covina require permits and inspections? Yes, they do, and failing an inspection can cause major delays and costs. We immediately paused and consulted with the homeowner, explaining the situation clearly and transparently. We recommended installing new plywood sheathing over the entire roof to create a solid deck that met all city codes.
The homeowner agreed with our professional recommendation. Our solution-oriented approach turned a potential disaster into a straightforward upgrade, ensuring the roofing system would be secure for decades to come.
| Problem Identified | Our Solution |
|---|---|
| Gapped 1×6 wood decking | Complete installation of new, solid plywood sheathing. |
| Non-compliance with current city codes | Upgrading the roof deck to meet all structural and safety standards. |
| Risk of failed inspection and project delays | Proactive communication with the homeowner and city inspector. |
Expert Installation
After the structural decking was approved, our team expertly installed the new tile roofing system. At Specialist Roofing and Repair, we ensure lasting results by combining premium materials with superior craftsmanship. In West Covina, selecting quality components is key to giving your home long-lasting durability.
Premium Material and Tile Selection
With the new plywood decking providing a solid foundation, the next step was installing a high-performance waterproofing barrier. We chose Polystick MTS Plus, a self-adhering underlayment by Polyglass, specifically designed for high-temperature environments like Southern California. This premium material provides an exceptional seal against water intrusion, ensuring the new roof would have superior protection.
Next came the selection of the tiles themselves. What types of tile roofing materials are popular in West Covina? Concrete tile remains a top choice for its classic look and durability. The homeowner wanted to keep the same style of their previous concrete roof, so they chose a beautiful, brand-new red concrete tile (shade was Malibu 8822 by Eagle Roofing Products) that restored the home’s classic California aesthetic, while offering incredible longevity.
This multi-layered approach is key to the performance of any new roof in the West Covina area.
Battens, Valleys, and Vents
A truly professional roof replacement is defined by the details. After laying the underlayment, our roofers installed a batten system. These wood strips provide an anchor point for the tiles and create an air gap that helps with ventilation and drainage, contributing to the roof’s overall performance and lifetime.
Our team then focused on the most vulnerable areas of any roof. We meticulously installed new metal valleys to channel water off the roof. The customer was particular about making sure we installed the tiles at the valley perfectly and cut them in a straight line. We cut the tiles straight, ensuring a seamless and beautiful look at the valleys.
Our professional roofing crew also installed new vents to ensure proper attic ventilation. Proper airflow is crucial for preventing heat buildup that can damage roofing materials and increase cooling costs. This attention to detail is part of how you maintain your new tile roof after replacement in West Covina.
Gutters for Durability
After the beautiful tile roof was completed, the last step was installing new gutters along the perimeter of the roof. A gutter system leads water off the roof, directing it safely away from the house’s foundation. This is a crucial part of protecting your home from water damage, as it prevents rainwater from pooling near the base of your property and causing issues like soil erosion, basement leaks, or foundation cracks.
Final Results
Our tile roof replacement in West Covina addressed the homeowner’s concerns, met city codes, and increased the home’s value and curb appeal. By upgrading to premium materials, we ensured a durable, long-lasting result. Our quality workmanship impressed both the homeowner and a neighbor, who requested a consultation. For professional tile roof installation or roofing questions, contact Specialist Roofing and Repair today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tile roof replacement usually take roofers in West Covina?
A typical tile roof replacement in West Covina can take anywhere from one to three weeks. The exact timeline depends on the roof’s size, complexity, weather conditions, and whether any unexpected repairs, like replacing decking, are needed. Your roofing contractor will provide a more precise schedule after a thorough inspection.
What warranties or guarantees do roofers offer with a new tile roof?
A new tile roof from a reputable roofing company comes with two types of protection. You’ll receive a manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing materials, which covers defects, and a separate workmanship warranty from us that guarantees the quality of our installation. This ensures both durability and longevity for your investment.
