Clay / Concrete Tile Roofing

Clay tile roofing has been a hallmark of architectural elegance for centuries, prized for its natural beauty, fire resistance, and exceptional longevity. Made from fired clay—often sourced from high-quality deposits like those in Spain, Italy, or domestic quarries—these tiles offer a rustic, Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic that complements everything from historic estates to modern suburban homes. Unlike asphalt shingles that degrade in 20 years, clay tiles can last 50–100 years or more when properly installed and maintained, shrugging off extreme weather, UV exposure, and even hail. Their interlocking design promotes natural ventilation, reducing attic heat buildup and energy costs, while their non-combustible nature provides superior fire protection—a critical feature in wildfire-prone areas or dense urban neighborhoods like Toronto's older districts.

But clay tile roofs aren't invincible. Ontario's harsh climate, with its freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and driving rains, accelerates wear in predictable ways. As repair specialists with over 20 years dedicated to tile roofs, we've seen it all: cracked tiles from ice expansion, slipped profiles due to eroded underlayment, leaking valleys where mortar shrinks and pulls away, and failing flashings around chimneys or walls that let water infiltrate silently. These failures don't happen randomly—they stem from common weak points like improper initial installation (e.g., insufficient nailing or poor slope alignment), material fatigue over decades, or neglect of routine inspections. For instance, the curved "S" or flat profiles popular in clay tiles can trap debris in valleys, leading to blockages and overflows during GTA downpours. Hips and ridges, exposed to the worst wind uplift, often see mortar cracking first, while eave edges invite pest intrusion if closures aren't sealed tight.

At Alexander Slate, we're not just roofers—we're clay tile restoration experts who turn potential disasters into permanent solutions. What sets us apart? We don't chase quick patches or low-bid jobs; we deliver high-end, meticulous work that outlasts the competition. Our team, trained in traditional European techniques blended with modern reinforcements, uses hand-matched replacement tiles to preserve your roof's original look—no mismatched colors or profiles that scream "repair." We know exactly where clay tiles fail because we've dissected hundreds of them: valleys rot from trapped moisture, chimneys leak at mortar joints, skylights frame out from thermal shifts, and ridges crumble under snow weight. This insider knowledge lets us preempt issues—during a free inspection, we'll spot hairline cracks or subtle shifts before they escalate, saving you thousands in water damage.

Why choose us as Ontario's #1 clay tile specialists? Our process is built for permanence: we strip failed sections clean, reinforce with wire mesh in mortar beds, upgrade lead valleys to durable steel where tearing occurs, and custom-flash every penetration (chimneys, walls, vents) with heavy-gauge materials that flex without failing. No callbacks—ever. We've restored century-old clay roofs on Toronto heritage homes in the Annex, fixed GTA subdivisions battered by ice dams, and installed new clay systems across Ontario that stand up to blizzards without a flinch. Our clients rave about the quiet confidence: one visit, and your roof stays silent for decades. Plus, we handle the full spectrum—from minor tile swaps and re-cementing hips to complete re-roofs or standing seam integrations for hybrid designs.

In a market flooded with discount crews using off-the-shelf fixes that fail in five years, Alexander Slate stands out by treating every job like a legacy. We're more expensive because we're worth it: premium materials, skilled artisans, and a no-nonsense guarantee that means you call us once—and never again. Whether your clay tile roof needs a targeted repair or a full restoration, we're the team that knows its secrets inside out. Serving Toronto, the GTA, and all of Ontario—get your free quote today and experience the difference of true expertise.