Tile Roof Underlayment in Arizona: Myths vs. Facts

Myth 1: "Tile roofs last forever."

Fact: The tiles can last a very long time. The roof as a whole doesn't.

Concrete and clay tiles hold up well in the sun. But tile isn't the main waterproofing on your roof. Underneath the tile is a layer called underlayment, and that's what actually keeps water out. In Arizona's heat, underlayment breaks down long before the tiles do. When it fails, water that slips past the tiles gets into the deck and, eventually, your ceiling.

So when someone says "tile lasts forever," the honest answer is that the tile might, but the underlayment needs attention as your roof ages. How long that takes depends on the material, the install, sun exposure and how well the tiles have stayed in place. There isn't one number that fits every roof.

Related: Tile roofing · How Long Does Tile Roof Underlayment Last in Arizona?

Myth 2: "If I can't see a leak, my roof is fine."

Fact: Underlayment can wear out quietly for a long time before a stain shows up inside.

By the time you see a water spot on the ceiling, water has usually been getting through for a while. On an older tile roof, it's worth having someone look at the underlayment, flashing and valleys before monsoon season, not after the first big storm.

Related: Mesa Tile Roofing

Myth 3: "A cracked tile means my roof is leaking."

Fact: Not necessarily, but don't ignore it.

A single cracked or slipped tile doesn't always mean water is getting in, because the underlayment below is still doing its job. But a broken tile lets more sun and rain reach that underlayment, which speeds up wear in that spot. Cracked tiles are worth replacing, and they're a good reason to have the area around them checked.

Related: Roof repair · Signs a Tile Roof Needs Repair in Arizona

Myth 4: "I can walk on my tile roof to check it myself."

Fact: Tile breaks easily under a person's weight if you don't know where to step.

Walking on tile is one of the most common ways tiles get cracked, and a fall from a roof is no small thing. If you want to check your roof, look from the ground with binoculars, or check your attic for stains or daylight. For a close look, have a roofer come out. We offer free inspections.

Myth 5: "Fixing the underlayment means buying all new tile."

Fact: Not always.

On many tile roofs, the tiles are in good enough shape to be carefully removed, set aside and put back after new underlayment goes on. Whether that works for your roof depends on the condition of the tiles, how many are broken, and whether matching replacements are available for the ones that are. A roofer should look at your roof and explain your options in writing.

Related: Roof replacement

Myth 6: "Monsoon damage only happens to old roofs."

Fact: Wind and hail don't check a roof's age.

Strong monsoon gusts can lift and shift tiles on newer roofs too, and hail can crack them. After a big storm, look for tiles that are out of line, pieces in the yard or gutters, and new stains inside. If you see damage, take photos before anything gets moved.

Related: Hail damage · Storm damage roofing · How Monsoon Season Affects Tile Roof Underlayment

What this means for tile roof underlayment in Arizona

Tile is a good roof for the Valley, but it isn't a no-maintenance roof. A few habits help:

• Look your roof over from the ground after big storms. - Replace cracked or slipped tiles when you find them. - Have the underlayment checked as your roof gets older. - If you're in an HOA, check the rules before changing tile color or profile. We help with HOA paperwork.

Related: Avondale · Phoenix Tile Roofing

Not sure where your roof stands?

If your tile roof is getting older, or you've spotted broken tiles after a storm, we'll come out for a free inspection and tell you plainly whether it needs a repair, new underlayment or a full replacement. Honey Roofing is licensed and bonded (ROC #360606), offers Spanish-speaking service, and answers calls 24/7.

Questions

What is tile roof underlayment, and why does it matter in Arizona?

Underlayment is the waterproof layer under the tile. Heat is hard on it, so it often fails before the tiles do, even when the roof still looks fine from the street.

Can a tile roof be fixed without replacing the tiles?

Often, yes. If the tiles are in good shape, they can sometimes be removed and reused after new underlayment is installed. It depends on your roof.

Is it safe to walk on my tile roof?

It's easy to crack tiles and easy to fall. Check from the ground or the attic, and have a roofer do the close-up inspection.