Tile roof repair, underlayment and replacement
Concrete and clay tile is the classic Arizona roof: good-looking, durable and well suited to the heat. The key to a long life is what's underneath the tiles.
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The short answer
Tile roofs are very durable, and the tiles themselves often last 50 years or more, but the underlayment beneath them is the real waterproofing layer and typically wears out after about 20–25 years in Arizona. Integrity Roofing repairs broken tiles, replaces underlayment (re-felt) and installs new tile roofs.
The tile isn't the waterproofing; the underlayment is
Tiles shed most of the water and shade the roof, but the underlayment beneath them is what keeps water out of your home. Arizona heat dries it out over time until it becomes brittle and cracks. When that happens, leaks begin even if the tiles look perfect.
A tile underlayment replacement (often called a re-felt or lift and relay) removes the tiles, installs new underlayment, and reinstalls your tiles, replacing any broken ones.
Tile roof services
We work on concrete and clay tile in all common profiles: flat, S-tile and barrel.
- Broken and slipped tile replacement
- Leak repair and partial underlayment repair
- Full underlayment replacement (re-felt)
- Flashing, valley and ridge repair
- New tile roof installation
- Tile roof inspections
Concrete vs clay tile
Concrete tile is made from cement and sand, shaped and colored, and is the most common tile on Valley homes. It's heavier than clay and usually less expensive. Its surface color can fade or wear over the decades, though the tile itself stays strong.
Clay tile is fired in a kiln, so its color goes all the way through and doesn't fade. It's lighter than concrete but can be more brittle under foot. Both handle heat well, and both rely on good underlayment to keep water out.
Why underlayment fails first in Arizona
On a summer afternoon the space under the tiles gets extremely hot, and the underlayment bakes there day after day. Older felt underlayments lose their oils, shrink and crack, especially along the eaves, in valleys and around penetrations where water runs most. Many Valley tile roofs reach this point around 20–25 years.
Newer underlayments, including heavier felts, synthetic sheets and self-adhered membranes, are built to resist heat better. The right choice depends on your roof's pitch, tile profile and budget, and we'll explain the options during your estimate.
Re-felt or new tile roof?
If most of your tiles are sound, a re-felt is usually the smart move. You keep the tiles you already paid for, get new underlayment and flashing, and replace only the broken pieces. A full new tile roof makes more sense when tiles are widely cracked, badly worn, discontinued, or when you want a different look.
For pricing factors on both, see our Roofing Cost Guide. Every roof is different, so a look at yours is the only way to get a real number.
Signs your tile roof needs attention
Many tile problems are hidden, so watch for these clues from the ground and inside the house.
- Cracked, slipped or missing tiles, especially after monsoon wind
- Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Brittle, torn underlayment visible at the eaves
- Debris piled in valleys or behind chimneys
- Mortar at ridges or hips that is cracked or falling out
- A roof that is 20 years old or more and has never had a re-felt
Monsoon storms, solar and HOA rules
Strong monsoon gusts can lift or shift tiles, and a single slipped tile can let water reach tired underlayment. After a storm, look for tiles out of line or pieces in the yard, and see our storm damage page.
Solar on tile takes care: tiles are removed or cut at each mount, and the mounts are flashed. If the underlayment is aging, re-felt first. Many HOAs specify tile color and profile, so check with yours before replacing tile.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call the office at 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
How long does a tile roof last in Arizona?
Concrete and clay tiles can last 50 years or more. The underlayment beneath the tiles usually needs replacement after about 20–25 years, depending on the material and exposure.
Why is my tile roof leaking if the tiles look fine?
The underlayment under the tiles is the main waterproofing layer. When it becomes brittle or torn from age and heat, water gets through even if the tiles look perfect.
Can broken roof tiles be replaced individually?
Yes. Individual cracked or broken tiles can be replaced. We try to match the profile and color as closely as possible.
Can I walk on my tile roof?
It's best not to. Tiles can crack under foot pressure if you step in the wrong place. Let a roofer handle access.
Can my existing tiles be reused during a re-felt?
In most cases, yes. Intact tiles are removed, stacked, and reinstalled over the new underlayment. Broken tiles are replaced.
What is the difference between concrete and clay tile?
Clay tile is fired clay with color that won't fade; concrete tile is heavier and usually less expensive. Both perform very well in Arizona.
What is a lift and relay?
It's another name for a tile underlayment replacement or re-felt. The tiles are lifted off, the old underlayment is removed, new underlayment and flashing go on, and the tiles are relaid.
Is a re-felt worth it compared with a new tile roof?
For most homes with sound tiles, yes. A re-felt fixes the part that actually wears out while keeping your existing tiles. A new roof is the better choice when many tiles are damaged or you want a different style.
What if my tiles are discontinued and can't be matched?
We look for the closest available match in profile and color. A common approach is to use salvaged original tiles on the most visible slopes and put closer-match replacements where they're less noticeable.
Why do roof tiles slip out of place?
Tiles can slide when fasteners loosen, battens deteriorate, or wind and foot traffic shift them. A slipped tile exposes the underlayment to direct sun and rain, so it's worth fixing promptly.
How long does a tile underlayment replacement take?
It depends on the size, pitch and complexity of the roof. We'll give you an expected schedule with your estimate and plan the work around the weather, especially during monsoon season.
Can solar panels be installed on a tile roof?
Yes. Mounts are attached through the roof and flashed, with tiles removed or cut around them. If your underlayment is near the end of its life, a re-felt before solar avoids removing panels later.
How much does tile roof work cost?
Cost depends on roof size, pitch, tile type, the underlayment chosen and how many tiles need replacing. See our Roofing Cost Guide at /resources/roofing-cost-guide/, and call 602-548-3770 for an estimate. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.
Let's take a look at your roof.
Call the office at 602-548-3770 to schedule an estimate, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.