ServicesTile Roofing
Tile Roofing in Tempe
Most tile roofs don't fail at the tile. They fail at the underlayment underneath, which bakes in the sun year after year. We replace cracked tile, put down new underlayment and relay your existing tile, with photos of what we find so you know what you're paying for.
What tile roofing work really involves
Concrete and clay tile can last a very long time. The felt or synthetic underlayment below it is what keeps water out, and in desert heat it dries out, cracks and tears long before the tile wears out. When a tile roof leaks, the fix is usually under the tile, not on top of it.
We do three kinds of tile work. Spot repairs for broken or slipped tile and bad flashing. Lift and relay, where we stack your tile, replace the underlayment and put the same tile back. And new tile roofs on homes that need fresh tile or are switching over from another roof type. We are an Arizona KB-2 licensed contractor, and we pull the city permit when the job calls for one.
If you think the damage came from a wind or hail event, we take clear photos and write down what we see. That gives you something solid to show your insurance company. We explain how claims usually go, but we don't act as your adjuster and we won't tell you a claim will be paid.
What our tile work covers
- 01
Cracked and slipped tile
We swap broken pieces with matching tile and reset tiles that have slid out of line. We check the underlayment under each one before it goes back down.
- 02
Lift and relay
We remove your tile, stack it on the roof, tear off old underlayment and install new. Then the same tile goes back on, with new pieces for any that broke.
- 03
Flashing and valley metal
Leaks often start where tile meets a wall, chimney, skylight or valley. We replace rusted or bent metal and reseal pipe jacks and vents.
- 04
Eave closures and bird stops
Open eaves let birds nest under the first row of tile and let wind-driven rain in. We install new bird stops and eave risers so the edge sits tight.
- 05
New tile roofs
For homes that need new tile, we install concrete or clay over new underlayment and battens. If you are weighing tile against other options, we can walk you through shingle roofing or foam roofing too.
- 06
Photos for your records
You get photos of what we found, before and after. They help you see the problem and are useful if you file a claim.
Questions about Tile Roofing?
Call(480) 613-7195Signs your tile roof needs work
Ceiling stains after a heavy rain
Water that shows up after the summer monsoon usually means the underlayment has a hole or a seam has let go. The tile above may look fine.
Tile you can see is broken
Cracked corners, missing pieces or tiles that have slid down are easy to spot from the yard. Each gap lets sun and water hit the underlayment directly.
Original underlayment on an older roof
If your tile roof is past 20 years and the underlayment has never been replaced, it is worth a look. Felt at that age is often brittle enough to crumble.
Other trades were just up there
Solar installers, HVAC techs and satellite crews sometimes crack tile when they walk on it. A few broken pieces near the equipment are common.
Debris piled in valleys
Leaves and grit build up in valleys and hold water against the metal. Over time that rusts the valley and pushes water sideways under the tile.
How a tile job goes
- 1
Start with a call
Describe what you're seeing, like a ceiling stain, a cracked tile or a drip after rain. If you know when the roof went on, mention that too, and we'll settle on a day to come out.
- 2
We look and photograph
We walk the roof with care, pull up tile where it matters and photograph what's underneath. Then you get a written estimate broken out line by line, plus a plain answer on whether a repair will do or a relay makes more sense.
- 3
Permit and setup
For relays and new tile roofs, we pull the permit and put you on the schedule. When the crew arrives, we lay covers over plants and walkways below the roof edge.
- 4
Tear-off and rebuild
Tile gets stacked up on the roof while the old underlayment comes off. We repair soft decking, then lay new underlayment, battens and flashing before the tile goes back, with fresh pieces for any that cracked. If we uncover hidden damage, you see it before we fix it.
- 5
Haul-off and final look
Old material leaves with us, and we run a magnet over the yard for stray nails. We walk the finished roof together. The labor on our work carries a 10-year warranty.
What sets the price of a tile job
No two tile roofs cost the same to fix, so we quote after we've been up on yours. Swapping out a few cracked pieces is quick work. A relay is a bigger job, since each tile has to be lifted, stacked and set back by hand, one at a time.
- Size and pitch
- A bigger roof needs more underlayment and more tile handling. A steep pitch slows the crew down and calls for extra safety gear.
- Finding a tile match
- Some older tile shapes and colors aren't made anymore. When we can't find a match, we may borrow tile from a spot you won't see, like a back slope, and use new tile there.
- Hidden damage under the tile
- Soft decking or rotted battens can't be seen until the tile is up. If we find any, we take photos and talk with you before we touch it.
- Penetrations and flashing
- Every chimney, skylight, solar mount and vent pipe needs its own flashing. A roof with a lot of them takes more time and metal.
- Underlayment grade and permits
- A heavier underlayment costs more now but lasts longer under the summer sun. Relays and new tile roofs also carry a city permit fee.
Tile roofing questions
Do I have to buy all new tile?
Most of the time, no. Concrete and clay tile tend to outlive the underlayment beneath it, often more than once. Some pieces will break when they're lifted, so we count on a few replacements and put them in the estimate up front.
Is a tile leak something insurance covers?
That comes down to what caused it. Underlayment that has simply worn out is usually seen as age, and most policies leave that out. Tile cracked by a sudden event might be covered. We hand you photos and written notes, and the insurance company makes the call.
Clay or concrete, which one makes sense?
Concrete tile weighs more and costs less. Clay weighs less, keeps its color longer and costs more. Both stand up to heat well. We'll check whether your roof framing can carry the load before you choose.
How many days does a relay take?
For most homes it's a few days. The size of the roof and what turns up under the tile set the pace. You can stay in your home the whole time.
Can I go up and check my tile myself?
We'd ask you not to. A tile can snap if you step in the wrong place, and then you have a new problem. Give us a call and we'll take a look instead.
Find out what's going on under your tile
Tell us about the leak, the broken tile or the age of your roof. We'll come look, take photos and give you a straight answer on repair or relay.