Roofing Tips for Spanish Tile & Historic Roofs

Restoring Marin’s Icons: Roofing Tips for Spanish Tile and Historic Roofs

In Marin County, a roof isn’t just a shield; it’s a defining architectural statement. From the sun-drenched terracotta tiles of a Mediterranean villa in Ross to the grand, historic slate systems of a classic estate, Marin’s high-value architecture requires specialized, expert care.

At McLeran Roofing & Gutters, we’ve been protecting and preserving the iconic architecture of Marin County since 1929. Our nearly century of experience means we specialize in the unique demands of these distinct, high-end styles, particularly tile and slate roofing.

The Timeless Charm: Historic Spanish Tile Roofs

Spanish and Mediterranean Revival homes are a signature look across Marin – from San Anselmo to San Rafael. Their heavy, clay or concrete tile roofs are breathtaking, but they require a unique approach to maintenance and restoration.

Specialized Care for Clay and Concrete Tile

Restoring a Spanish tile roof is vastly different from replacing asphalt shingles. The tiles themselves are incredibly durable and often last a century or more, but it’s the structure and protective layers beneath them that typically fail first.

Underlayment Integrity: The most common failure point is the felt of synthetic underlayment beneath the tiles. Over decades, this material degrades, allowing water to penetrate. True restoration involves carefully removing and resetting the tiles to replace the old underlayment, not just spot-repairing broken tiles.

Tile Repair and Replacement: Because we specialize in tile, we understand the need for matching materials. Marin’s older homes often feature antique, rare, or discontinued profiles. Our experts are adept at sourcing and matching these specific tiles to maintain the home’s  historical and aesthetic value.

Mortar and Flashing: The mortar used along the ridges and hips often cracks due to temperature fluctuations. Similarly, flashing around chimneys and valleys must be carefully integrated with the tile system to prevent subtle leaks that can lead to major structural damage.

The Heritage Standard: Restoration of Slate Roofs

Marin’s most prestigious and historic homes often feature natural slate roofing, prized for it’s unparalleled beauty, fire resistance, and lifespan – often exceeding 100 years. Working with slate requires a different set of skills and precision tools.

Preserving the Beauty and Durability of Slate

Slate restoration as a highly specialized craft that honors the original, centuries-old techniques.

Individual Repair and Replacement: When a slate tile is cracked or missing, it cannot simply be nailed down; the new slate piece must be expertly “slated” into place using specialized tools and hooks. This ensures the integrity of the surrounding tiles is not compromised.

Color and Thickness Matching: Slate comes in various colors, textures and thicknesses. To maintain a uniform appearance and structural strength, replacement slates mush be carefully matched to the existing roof system.

Historic Underlayment Consideration: For very old slate roofs, the original wood decking and substructure often need inspection. A proper restoration ensures the roof deck is sound before laying this heavy material.

McLeran’s Historic Expertise: Having worked with tile and slate since 1929, we approach every restoration with reverence for the original craftsmanship, ensuring the roof system will last another century while protecting your significant investment.

Choose Experience. Choose McLeran.

When your Marin County home’s roof is a piece of art – or a vital part of its architectural identity – you can’t afford to trust its restoration to a generalist.

Whether you own a historic Mediterranean estate that demand the finesse of a master tile stter or a classic home requiring the precision of slate work, McLeran Roofing & Gutters the specialized knowledge and nearly 100 years of local experience to ensure your roof is structurally sound and aesthetically perfect.

Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major restoration. Contact McLeran Roofing & Gutters today for a comprehensive, expert evaluation of your iconic Marin County roof.