Services we offer include:
- New tile roof installation
- Tile underlayment replacement
- Tile roof repairs
- Tile roof replacement
Tile roofing is a common type of roof found here in Arizona. The key component of a tile roof in our area is the underlayment used – rain, ice, and snow can force their way under the tiles, so if high-quality underlayment is used, a tile roof can last for decades before needing replacement.
ABOUT TILE ROOFING IN ARIZONA
There are several types of tile roofing, including concrete, clay, and metal. Concrete tile is the most common type found in our area, followed by clay, and then metal.
Concrete Tile Roofs
Concrete tiles are formed from colored concrete and then coated with colors and a clear coat. This type of tile typically costs less than clay tile and offers many more color variations due to its manufactured nature. It is available in many different profiles to fit your home.
Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tiles are formed from clay and baked, often featuring classic reddish or orange colors.
Metal Tile Roofs
Metal tiles are exactly what they sound like – the advantage that metal tile has over concrete and clay is that it’s much lighter, so your roof deck and trusses can support them without any special engineering and modifications. However, metal tiles can be costly to install.
Tile Roof Installation in AZ
Tile is installed over a solid plywood or tongue-and-groove deck. The underlayment applied to the deck under the tiles is among the most important components for a leak-free tile roof. We prefer to use a Westlake TileSeal self-adhering underlayment, which, while more expensive than felt or other synthetics, holds up better for longer. Regardless of which roofing contractor you choose, verifying this detail with them is crucial.
On top of the underlayment, treated batten boards are nailed down in rows to the roof. The tiles are then laid over these boards, with the bottom and side courses of tile being nailed down. Mortar is used to seal up penetrations and ends of ridges and rakes to prevent animals from getting under the tiles.
Leaky Tile Roof?
On tile roofs, the tile waterproofing system is done primarily through the waterproof barrier on the roof, with the tile on top of it protecting it from the sun and other elements. However, the tile itself lets through an amount of water that reaches the underlayment, and rolls down the underlayment off the roof.
If you have a leaky tile roof, chances are your underlayment has reached the end of its life. Normally, this will present itself initially in the valleys on your roof, or other transition points as the edge of the underlayment begins to rot and curl. The solution to this is to remove the tile, replace the underlayment, and replace your same tile (or install new tile if you prefer).
Underlayment technology has changed quite a bit over the last 15-20 years. Most of the homes we look at that are in that age range, or older, have some type of felt or granulated underlayment. Today, these products are still in use, but many contractors have switched to using a synthetic underlayment that lasts longer and holds up better than felt.
The timeline and life of your roof vary widely depending on the type of underlayment that was used. There is no set standard for tile underlayment, and some contractors at the time used a single layer of felt that lasts 10-15 years, whereas others used a base layer of felt covered by another layer of granulated cap sheet, which can last 30 or more years.
If your house is at least 15 years old, and your tile roof is beginning to leak, it’s probably time to replace the underlayment with a new, modern underlayment, though not always. Sometimes it can be issues with debris piling up in a valley and restricting waterflow, or an install issue rearing its head.
If your tile roof is leaking, give us a call today at 928-830-4090 for a free and honest evaluation of the condition of your underlayment.
Here at Yavapai Roofing, we normally will use one layer of Westlake TileSeal HT, which is a self-adhering, high temperature resistant synthetic underlayment. This underlayment carries a 30 year limited manufacturers warranty.
LIFESPAN AND WARRANTIES
A clay tile roof can last for 50 or more years, with the only consideration being replacing the underlayment at some point. Concrete and metal tiles can last just as long, but will weather and fade over time.
The biggest factor for lifespan of your tile roof is the underlayment used as it varies widely. Some underlayments will only last 10 or so years, whereas others will make it north of 30 years. Whoever you use, ensure they are quoting a high quality underlayment and do your research on it.
ABOUT YAVAPAI ROOFING
Yavapai Roofing installs all types of residential roofing across the state of Arizona, including shingle, metal, tile, and low slope roofing. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation at 928-830-4090.
- Weight: Tile roofs are heavy, which may require additional structural support.
- Cost: They can be more expensive than other roofing materials.
- Fragility: Tiles can break if walked on or struck by heavy objects.
The best type of tile depends on various factors, including budget, aesthetic preference, and structural requirements. Concrete tiles are cost-effective and versatile, clay tiles offer a classic look and durability, and metal tiles are lightweight and easy to install.
The lifespan of a tiled roof can range from 50 years or more, especially for clay and concrete tiles. The underlayment might need replacement before the tiles themselves.
Traditional tile roofing typically refers to clay tiles, known for their durability and classic appearance. These tiles have been used for centuries and are often seen in Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture.