Winnetka · Barrington · Hinsdale · Glencoe · Kenilworth

Clay Tile Roofing

Spanish tile, mission tile, and concrete tile for luxury homes across the Chicago suburbs. Properly detailed for Illinois winters — not just installed.

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"Clay tile is one of the oldest roofing materials still in use and still among the best. The difference is in the details: underlayment, flashing, and freeze-thaw specification."

Why Clay Tile

Fired Clay. Built to Last
50–100 Years.

50–100 year lifespan

The tile itself rarely fails. Underlying systems — underlayment and flashing — are what need attention.

Class A fire / Class 4 impact

The highest ratings available. Clay tile is non-combustible and handles hail better than most alternatives.

Color stable over decades

Fired clay holds its color without fading the way painted or coated materials do.

Architecturally distinctive

On Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and mission-style homes across Barrington, Hinsdale, and Glencoe, tile is architecturally expected.

Three Tile Systems.
We Install All of Them.

The right tile for your home depends on your architecture, structural capacity, and budget. We’ll tell you which fits.

Spanish / S-Tile

The classic barrel-and-pan S-shaped profile. Most common on Mediterranean and mission-style homes. Strong shadow lines, excellent ventilation under the tile.

Lifespan

50–100 years

Weight

900–1,100 lbs/sq

Fire rating

Class A

Best For

Mediterranean, Spanish styles

Mission / Barrel Tile

Rounded half-cylinder tiles alternating concave and convex. A strong architectural statement — traditional, durable, and high-profile.

Lifespan

50–100 years

Weight

950–1,200 lbs/sq

Fire rating

Class A

Best For

Mission, Colonial Revival styles

Concrete Tile

Engineered to replicate clay tile appearance at lower cost. Heavier, prone to fading over time, but a practical option when budget is a constraint.

Lifespan

40–50 years

Weight

900–1,300 lbs/sq

Fire rating

Class A

Best For

Budget-conscious installs

Performance

Why Tile on North Shore Homes.

Color that holds for decades

Fired clay pigment is part of the tile itself. It doesn’t fade, chalk, or require repainting the way coated metal or painted concrete does.

The tile is not what fails

On most clay tile repairs, the tile is fine. The underlayment, mortar ridge, or flashing has failed. We assess the full system — not just the visible surface.

Non-combustible

Clay tile is stone. It doesn’t burn. Class A fire rating is standard — not an option.

Architecturally correct on period homes

On Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and mission-style architecture, clay tile is the authentic material. Substitutes are visible and affect property value.

What We Do
With Clay Tile.

New installations, repair of existing tile, and full replacements. We work with aging tile roofs as often as we install new ones.

New Tile Installation

Full clay or concrete tile installation with cold-climate underlayment, copper or galvanized flashings, and a 10-year labor and material warranty.

Tile Repair

Individual cracked or broken tiles replaced when matching tile is available. We assess the underlying system during every repair visit.

Full Roof Replacement

When the underlayment or structure has failed, we remove all tile, replace the deck and underlayment system, and reinstall — saving salvageable original tile where possible.

Flashings & Ridge Work

Ridge mortar, hip caps, valley flashings, and chimney details — the most common failure points on clay tile roofs. Fabricated in-house for a precise fit.

What Clients Say

Real homeowners. Real completed projects. No paid ratings.

Clay Tile Roofing FAQ

Questions before your estimate.

How long does a clay tile roof last in Illinois?

Properly installed clay tile roofs last 50–100 years in Illinois. The tiles themselves rarely fail — most problems come from deteriorating underlayment, flashing, or fasteners, which we address during installation and repair.

Can clay tile handle Illinois freeze-thaw cycles?

High-quality clay tile rated for cold climates handles freeze-thaw well. Lower-grade tile can crack under repeated freeze-thaw stress. We specify freeze-thaw rated tile (<6% water absorption) for all Illinois installations and use the correct underlayment system for this climate.

What is the difference between clay tile and concrete tile?

Clay tile is fired natural clay — lighter, more durable over time, and holds color better. Concrete tile is heavier, less expensive, and more prone to fading. We install both and will recommend which suits your home’s structure and aesthetic.

Can you repair individual broken tiles without replacing the full roof?

Yes. Individual cracked or broken tiles can be replaced when matching tiles are available. We assess the condition of the underlying system during any repair visit to confirm the rest of the roof doesn’t need attention.

Clay Tile Done Right for Illinois Winters.

New installation, repair, or full replacement — we specify the correct tile grade, underlayment, and flashing system for this climate. Winnetka · Barrington · Hinsdale · Glencoe · Kenilworth.

Phone

(877) 850-5292

mark@blacksquareroofing.com

Address

221 W University Dr
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Hours

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

Clay Tile Roofing

Schedule an Estimate

Fired Clay. Built to Last 50–100 Years.

50–100 year lifespan

Class A fire / Class 4 impact

Color stable over decades

Architecturally distinctive

Three Tile Systems.We Install All of Them.

Spanish / S-Tile

Mission / Barrel Tile

Concrete Tile

Why Tile on North Shore Homes.

Color that holds for decades

The tile is not what fails

Non-combustible

Architecturally correct on period homes

What We Do With Clay Tile.

New Tile Installation

Tile Repair

Full Roof Replacement

Flashings & Ridge Work

What Clients Say

Clay Tile Roofing FAQ

Clay Tile Done Right for Illinois Winters.

Fired Clay. Built to Last
50–100 Years.

Three Tile Systems.
We Install All of Them.

What We Do
With Clay Tile.