Tile roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and long-lasting performance—especially in hot climates like Dallas–Fort Worth and East Texas. But even the most resilient clay or concrete tile roofs can develop leaks if underlying issues are ignored.
At Shepherd Tile Roofing, we specialize in identifying and repairing tile roof leaks quickly and effectively. In this post, we break down the most common causes of tile roof leaks so you know what to look for—and when to call a professional.
1. Cracked or Slipped Tiles
The most visible and common cause of tile roof leaks is broken, cracked, or displaced tiles. This can happen due to:
- Storm damage (hail or wind)
- Foot traffic during maintenance
- Natural aging or brittle materials
When a tile is damaged or out of place, water can seep beneath it, exposing the underlayment and decking to moisture—and eventually rot.
Pro Tip: Regular roof inspections by Shepherd Tile Roofing can catch cracked or shifted tiles before they become leaks.
2. Underlayment Failure
Beneath every tile roof is a layer of underlayment, which acts as the waterproof barrier between the tile and the roof decking. Over time, this layer can deteriorate due to:
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Poor ventilation
- Low-quality materials
Once the underlayment breaks down, even intact tiles won’t be enough to stop water intrusion.
Local Tip: In DFW and East Texas, high heat and heavy rain can accelerate underlayment deterioration—making inspections every few years essential.
3. Improper Installation
One of the most preventable causes of roof leaks is improper installation. Common installation mistakes include:
- Incorrect overlap of tiles
- Faulty flashing placement
- Gaps in the ridge cap or valley sections
If your roof was installed by a contractor unfamiliar with tile roofing systems, you may be at risk—regardless of how new the roof is.
✅ We recommend hiring certified tile specialists, like those at Shepherd Tile Roofing, who understand the correct methods and materials for long-term performance.
4. Flashing Damage or Deterioration
Flashing is used around chimneys, skylights, valleys, and other vulnerable roof intersections. If this flashing becomes corroded, loose, or poorly sealed, it becomes a direct path for water to enter.
Especially in areas like Tyler, Rockwall, and Frisco, where sudden storms are common, compromised flashing is a leading cause of tile roof leaks.
🛠️ Ask us about upgrading to rust-resistant flashing materials during your next inspection.
5. Clogged Gutters or Valleys
While gutters aren’t part of the roof tile system directly, overflowing or blocked gutters can cause water to back up onto the roof edge, leading to tile lift or seepage beneath the tile layer.
Likewise, valleys (the troughs where roof slopes meet) can collect debris like:
- Leaves
- Dirt
- Moss
If not cleared regularly, this buildup traps water and weakens the waterproofing layers.
✅ A scheduled maintenance program with Shepherd Tile Roofing includes valley and gutter checks to keep your system flowing properly.
6. Age & Weathering
Tile roofs are long-lasting—but not immortal. Over the years, natural wear and tear from:
- Intense Texas sun
- Freezing winter nights
- High winds
- Torrential rain
…can cause everything from minor cracks to complete system breakdowns if left unchecked.
Protect Your Home with Shepherd Tile Roofing
Whether you’re seeing water stains, hearing drips during a storm, or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help. At Shepherd Tile Roofing, we offer:
- Free tile roof inspections
- Professional tile repairs and replacements
- Custom flashing upgrades
- Gutter and valley cleaning
- Full roof restoration services
We serve Dallas–Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, Coppell, and East Texas, including Tyler, Longview, and nearby towns.
Check out our completed projects on Tile Roofs ->
📞 Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today
Early detection is key to avoiding expensive water damage.
📲 Call us at: (214) 494-0851
🌐 Visit: www.shepherdtileroofing.com
📍 Serving DFW and East Texas communities