Broward County Certificate of Competency 21-R-22240-X
Why do my roof tiles make a rattling sound in high wind?
A straight answer for Broward County homeowners, then what you can check yourself and when to call. Free estimate: (954) 906-1715.
Roof tiles rattle in wind because they are no longer held down firmly. The mortar, foam adhesive or fasteners that attach them have loosened or failed, or some tiles are cracked or have slipped, so gusts make them lift and tap against the tiles below.
A properly attached tile roof should be quiet. Rattling is a sign to have the roof looked at, because in a strong storm a loose tile can break free and become windborne debris.
Why it happens
Tile is heavy, but wind still pushes on it. Gusts push air over and under the roof, and the pressure can lift a tile slightly and let it drop back. Tiles that are well attached can't move, so they can't rattle. Movement means the attachment has aged or been disturbed.
Common causes include mortar or adhesive that has cracked or crumbled with years of sun and heat, fasteners that have corroded or backed out, tiles that slipped after a past storm or foot traffic, and cracked tiles that shift on their own. Ridge and hip tiles are also often the first to loosen because they take the most wind. Occasionally the noise comes from something other than tile, such as loose flashing or a vent cap, which is another reason to find the source.
In Broward County, the whole county is in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. The Florida Building Code's HVHZ provisions require roofing assemblies, underlayment, fasteners and tile attachment to carry a valid Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Florida Product Approval showing HVHZ acceptance. A repair should restore the roof to that approved attachment method, not just glue a few tiles back down.
What you can check yourself
Look from the ground
Use binoculars to look for tiles that sit crooked, show gaps, are cracked, or are missing. Check the ridge and edges first. Stay off the roof, since tile can crack underfoot and the surface is a fall risk.
Pin down where the sound comes from
Note whether the rattle is near the ridge, the roof edges or one slope, and what wind direction triggers it. That helps a roofer find the problem faster.
Check the attic
From a safe, floored spot, look for daylight, damp decking, water stains or dripping after rain. These suggest the underlayment beneath the tile is also compromised.
Look for debris on the ground
Broken tile pieces in the yard or gutters after a windy day point to tiles that are cracking or letting go.
Take dated photos
Photos of what you see help if the roof later needs a storm-damage claim, and they show how the problem changes over time.
When to call a pro
Call a roofer if you can see slipped, cracked or missing tiles, if the rattling is widespread, or if you notice leaks or stains inside. Tile attachment should be checked and repaired by someone trained to work on tile roofs, because walking on them improperly breaks more tiles. Roofing in Broward County is generally done by a licensed contractor. We work under Broward County Certificate of Competency 21-R-22240-X for roofing.
Most repairs beyond very minor maintenance need a building permit from your city's building department (or Broward County Building Code Services in unincorporated areas), with inspections and a closed permit at the end. Verify the exact requirements for your repair with your city's building department. If you live in a condo, townhome or HOA community, check association rules as well.
Roof Repair & Replacement work is done under Broward County Certificate of Competency 21-R-22240-X (roofing).
What a pro will do
- Inspect the roof and find the causeWe check the tile attachment, the ridge and hip caps, flashing and the visible condition of the underlayment, then explain what is loose and why.
- Re-secure or replace tilesLoose tiles are reset and cracked ones replaced using HVHZ-approved products installed to their approval.
- Repair what is underneathIf the underlayment or flashing has failed, a tile-only fix won't hold. We repair or replace those layers, and sometimes a full replacement is the more sensible option.
- Handle permits and paperworkWe pull the permit when the work needs one, schedule inspections and close out the permit. For storm damage, we provide photo documentation and a written scope for insurers.
Related questions
- Can a few loose tiles cause a leak?
- Yes. Loose or cracked tiles let wind-driven rain reach the underlayment, which is the roof's real water barrier. If that layer is aged, water can get into the deck and attic.
- Does fixing loose tiles help with wind mitigation?
- Wind-mitigation form OIR-B1-1802 records roof covering, roof deck attachment and roof-to-wall attachment, among other categories. A licensed inspector completes it, and Florida law (s. 627.0629) requires insurers to offer discounts for wind-loss-mitigation features. Our free Wind Mitigation Credit Checker on this site can help you see where your home stands.
- Is a loose tile repair allowed without a permit?
- Very minor maintenance may not need one, but most repairs beyond that do. Rules differ by city, so verify with your city's building department before work starts.
- How do I get a repair or replacement quote?
- We offer a free estimate. The price depends on roof size, access, tile type, the extent of damage, permit needs and what we find once the roof is opened up. Call (954) 906-1715 or use the quote form on this page.
Keep reading
Get a free roofing estimate
Tell us what's going on and where in Broward County the home is. We'll get back to you to set up a visit.
Prefer to talk?
(954) 906-1715