Tile Roofing
Tile Roof Installation & Repair
Concrete and clay tile is the iconic Phoenix roof — and when it's maintained right, it lasts generations. We install, repair, and underlayment-restore tile across the Valley.
- New tile installations and full re-roofs
- Underlayment replacement with existing tile
- Single-tile and section repairs
- Concrete and clay profile matching
How tile roofing actually works
A common misconception about tile roofs is that the tile itself keeps water out. It doesn't — not entirely. Tile is a water-shedding surface that sends most of the rain off the roof, but the actual waterproof membrane is the underlayment underneath: a felt or synthetic sheet that catches whatever blows past the tile.
That's why tile roof maintenance is mostly about the underlayment, not the tile. When someone says "I need a new tile roof," what they usually need is an underlayment replacement with the original tile lifted, set aside, and re-laid. Done well, that's a 25-year reset and the tile keeps going indefinitely.
We work with both concrete and clay tile. Concrete is what most Phoenix tract-builders use; clay shows up on higher-end homes and historic restorations. The installation practices differ in detail but the underlying logic is the same.
Tile roofs and the Phoenix climate
Tile is a great match for Phoenix in some ways and a tough one in others. Knowing both sides helps homeowners make smart maintenance calls.
- UV-proof surface: Tile itself doesn't degrade in the sun. Once you've owned a tile roof, you never have to think about the shingle aging cycle.
- Underlayment is the weak link: Standard felt underlayment in Phoenix attics often fails at 20–25 years from sustained heat. Premium synthetic underlayments can stretch that to 30+.
- Monsoon vulnerability: Wind-driven rain blows under tile and relies on the underlayment to catch it. Damaged or cracked tile dramatically increases the load on the underlayment.
- Foot traffic risk: Tile cracks easily under improper foot placement. Always insist on tile-trained techs for HVAC, satellite, or solar work.
Our tile roofing process
- 1
Inspection and scope
We assess tile condition, underlayment age, flashings, and penetrations. You get photos and a written scope — repair, underlayment replacement, or full re-roof.
- 2
Tile removal and salvage
For underlayment work, tiles are carefully removed and stacked for reuse. We typically lose only a small percentage to breakage.
- 3
Underlayment and flashing
Fresh synthetic underlayment, new pipe boots, refreshed wall flashings, and corrected counterflashing where needed.
- 4
Reset and replace
Tiles are reset to spec; replacement tiles match the existing profile and color as closely as possible. Final walk shows you what we did.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tile roof last in Phoenix?
The tile itself often lasts 50+ years — but the underlayment beneath it wears out at 20–25 years. Most 'tile roof replacements' in the Valley are actually full underlayment replacements with the original tile reused.
Can damaged tiles be replaced individually?
Yes, and we do it constantly. Cracked or slipped tiles are a single-tile repair as long as the underlayment is still sound. We carry common tile profiles for fast matching.
Why does my tile roof leak even though no tiles are broken?
Tile is a water-shedding surface; the actual waterproofing is the underlayment beneath. If the underlayment has failed, water gets through even with perfect tile. This is the most common reason older Phoenix tile roofs leak.
Should I walk on my tile roof?
Only if you absolutely have to and only on the lower third of each tile near the headlap. Tile is fragile — most leak calls we get on tile roofs start with someone unfamiliar walking on it. Hire the inspection out.
Can you do a tile-to-foam conversion?
Yes. Many Phoenix homeowners convert from tile to foam for energy savings and the elimination of underlayment as a failure mode. We'll quote both options if you're undecided.
Related services
What does this cost?
Real Phoenix price ranges, written plainly.
Service areas across the Phoenix Valley
Tile roof needs eyes on it?
Whether it's a single slipped tile or a 25-year-old underlayment, schedule a free inspection and we'll lay out your options.