Tile is one of the most common roof material types in Arizona. Concrete, slate and clay-based tile roofs are durable, cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing in the desert, making them a great choice for residential and commercial structures. Moreover, tile roofs can have a long lifespan of up to 50 years with proper maintenance and repairs.

Repairs and Maintenance

The timing of roof repairs can vary depending on maintenance frequency, the age and design of your home, and the amount and type of foliage around your home. We typically see that homes in the 17-to-25-year-old range are often due for repairs to cracked, slipping or missing tiles.

It is important to routinely check for cracks and breaks in roof tiles, as excessive damage will allow the sun to break down the layer under your tile (underlayment). This barrier is actually your roof, and its breakdown results in premature system failure. Debris that accumulates on a tile roof will block that roof’s natural drainage. This blockage can cause water to travel below the tile, saturating the underlayment and leading to water intrusion in the home.

To ensure the longest life possible for your roof, prevent premature underlayment failure with regular clearing of debris and repairs to tile and flashings by a qualified roofing contractor.

As roofs age, the availability of matching replacement tiles decreases. In many cases, existing tile may be reused when performing a repair. If tile should require replacement and exact tile is no longer available, Legacy Repair will find the closest color and profile match and install on the least visible area of your roof.

Tile Roof Underlayment

The barrier under your tile (underlayment) is your actual roof. Standard underlayment of builder-grade felt is organic in design and resistant to heat (up to 180 degrees under the tile cover). Because the tile does not provide a perfect seal, the underlayment expands when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries.

Over time, this exposure to heat and moisture causes the underlayment to deteriorate and fail. Early signs of this damage are typically found on the soffit or eave, in valleys and near penetrations (pipes and vents).

Tile Options

Tiles are available in many options for both residential and commercial use. The most common are concrete, clay, and hand-formed clay tile (sand cast).

Legacy Repair technicians have the knowledge and tools to safely and properly diagnose the origins of a roof leak and prescribe effective repairs. This will provide extended roof life and watertight integrity to your existing roof system.