Clay tile and concrete tile roofs across Old Pasadena and Bungalow Heaven often fail when underlayment dries and cracks after years of intense UV and heat. Winter atmospheric-river storms drive water under lifted ridge caps and around skylights while Santa Ana winds tear at valley metal and flashing. We begin every replacement by walking the deck to locate rotted plywood, checking penetrations, and noting areas where wildfire ash has accelerated granule loss on any remaining torch-down sections.
In Linda Vista and the Playhouse District, many homes still carry original felt that has become brittle. We strip failed layers down to the deck, replace deteriorated fascia and drip edge, then install new synthetic underlayment before resetting or installing matching tile. Access challenges around narrow driveways in Altadena and steep lots in Simi Valley require careful staging so debris does not damage landscaping or neighboring properties during removal.
Further east in Arcadia and El Monte, modified bitumen and TPO sections on flat areas pond water after heavy rain because drains were never properly flashed. Replacement includes new tapered insulation where needed, sealed perimeter details at parapets, and fresh coating over the finished surface. Every job ends with a full perimeter check of gutters and downspouts to keep runoff moving away from foundations during the next storm cycle.
Technician insight
In Pasadena the thing that catches most people out with roof replacement is the 1920s bungalows in Bungalow Heaven where the original skip-sheathing has dried out from decades of UV and now needs full plywood replacement once the tiles come off. Homeowners often expect to just lay new underlayment but the deck itself is the real variable once you open it up.
Wind-Damaged Tile In Old Pasadena
Santa Ana winds lifted multiple clay tiles along a valley on a 1930s home near Colorado Boulevard. We found extensive underlayment failure and several rotted deck boards where water had ponded. After stripping to solid decking we installed new underlayment, flashing, and matching tile. The roof now sheds water without intrusion during winter storms.
Roof Replacement Services We Offer
✓Clay Tile Roof Replacement
Remove cracked or slipped clay tiles, replace dried underlayment, and reinstall or match new tiles to restore weather protection on Pasadena and Altadena homes.
✓Concrete Tile Roof Replacement
Strip broken concrete tiles and failed underlayment then install new tile over fresh synthetic felt suited to the dry summers and winter rains of Ventura County.
✓Underlayment and Decking Replacement
Tear off rotted plywood and old felt, install new decking boards, and apply modern underlayment before any new roof covering goes down.
✓Flat Roof Section Replacement
Remove ponding torch-down or TPO sections, correct drainage slopes, and install new modified bitumen or TPO with sealed penetrations.
✓Flashing and Valley Metal Replacement
Replace corroded or lifted valley metal and step flashing around chimneys, skylights, and walls to stop leaks during atmospheric-river events.
How it works
- 1
Deck Inspection
Walk the entire roof, probe decking for rot, and document every penetration, valley, and ridge condition.
- 2
Material Removal
Strip tiles or membrane, haul debris, and expose the deck for a full visual check before any new work begins.
- 3
Underlayment And Flashing Install
Lay new synthetic underlayment, replace drip edge and fascia where needed, and seal all valleys and penetrations.
- 4
Tile Or Membrane Finish
Reinstall or lay new covering, secure ridge caps, and perform a final walk to confirm every detail is watertight.
Pricing
Cost depends on roof type, access and damage.