An Education In Tile Roofing

Everything You Need To Know About Concrete Tile Roofing In Phoenix, AZ

Tile roofs are very common in Arizona. The 3 most common types of tile residential roofing in Arizona are:
clay, sandcast and concrete.

Each material requires a different roof installation technique. Today, we’ll talk about concrete tile roofs, since this is the most common type of tile in the southwest.

Benefits Of Concrete Tile Roofing

Concrete tile roofing has very clear benefits. Some of the most outstanding are:

1. They Last Decades

Let’s start with longevity, because it’s one of the biggest selling points. A properly installed and maintained concrete tile roof can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years — sometimes even longer. That’s not marketing fluff; it’s real-world performance. Compared to other materials that might need replacing every couple of decades, concrete tiles are in it for the long haul. That means fewer headaches and long-term savings.

2. Built To Handle Arizona’s Weather

Whether you live in Maricopa, Phoenix, or anywhere else dealing with triple-digit temps and harsh sun, you know the desert climate isn’t gentle on building materials. Concrete tiles are designed to take that heat. They can withstand intense UV exposure, temperature swings, and even the occasional monsoon downpour.

3. They Help You Stay Cool (And Save Money)

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: concrete tiles are surprisingly energy efficient. Thanks to their thermal mass, they can absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This helps balance indoor temps and puts less strain on your HVAC system — especially during our scorching summers. Less energy usage = lower bills. Win-win.

4. They Look Great On Just About Any Home

Concrete tile isn’t just tough — it’s also beautiful. Whether you love the classic look of Spanish clay, want something sleek and modern, or prefer a rustic wood-shake vibe, there’s a concrete tile style to match. With so many colors, shapes, and textures available, it’s easy to find a look that complements your home’s architecture.

5. Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Payoff

Once your concrete tile roof is in place, you won’t have to worry about constant upkeep. A quick inspection here and there, a bit of basic cleaning, and you’re good to go. Unlike some roofing materials that require regular patching or replacement, concrete tiles hold up with very little fuss.

Common Signs That Your Concrete Tile Roof Needs Repair

Even the most durable roofing systems can experience wear and tear over time. Here are some signs your concrete tile roof might need repair:

Visible underlayment or flashing.
Debris buildup in valleys or around vents.
Water stains on ceilings or walls.
Broken or missing tiles.
Sagging rooflines or inconsistent tile spacing.

Catching these issues early can prevent more extensive (and expensive) damage down the line. A trusted company can perform an inspection and offer recommendations tailored to your specific situation.

The Importance Of Roof Underlayment

Some builders claim tile roofs have a lifetime warranty. A lot of people don’t realize the tile has a lifetime warranty but NOT the underlayment. What many people don’t realize is the tiles on your roof are not what not really makes your roof waterproof! The tile on a roof is mostly cosmetic and acts as a sunscreen for the underlayment. The underlayment underneath your tiles is the main waterproofing element. If you’re considering tile roofing for your next roof replacement project, there’s a few things you should know first.

Causes Of Premature Roof Failure

Most tile roofs that are 10 years old or older have a 30# felt as an underlayment. When 30# felt is exposed to the elements, the felt prematurely deteriorates and this is when your roof begins to leak.

Now I’ll show you some details that we’ve found are the cause of premature failure.

In the early days, 30 pound felt was the most common underlayment used under tile roofs. Today, most contractors use a minimum 40# felt, we use a G-40 modified underlayment. This underlayment is far superior to a 30 pound felt and is warranted by the manufacturer for up to 20 years, if installed by a Tile Roofing Institute certified contractor.

The reason why 30# underlayment is inferior to G40 is because 30# is made of only organic materials. When 30# felt is exposed to contaminates such as dirt and debris, the organic felt breaks down quickly. A biological attack occurs. It becomes brittle, torn and dilapidated, and that’s when a roof starts leaking.
In contrast, G-40 underlayment is made of a combination of rubber and asphalt. Because the modified underlayment is made of stronger, non-organic materials, its lasts longer, and holds up better if it’s allowed to be exposed to the elements. G-40 is a self healing material- a little like memory foam. When a nail is driven through this material, the felt quickly closes around the nail, creating a water tight seal and remaining that way much longer.

Benefits Of Upgrading To G-40 Underlayment

We highly recommend considering an upgrade to 2 layers of G-40 underlayment. This added layer greatly increases the lifespan of a roof, and allows Canyon State Roofing to offer up to a 15 year workmanship warranty, and a 20 year manufacturer’s warranty.

The reason some tile roof underlayment needs to be replaced at 10-15 years and some last more than 20 years is often times because of:

Improper installation
Improper tile exposure
Low grade underlayment
Lack of hip and ridge closure
Undersized Channel Metals
Lack of maintenance over the years.

Comparing Concrete Tile Roofing To Other Roofing Materials

If you’re deciding on a new roof, it’s smart to take a close look at the pros and cons of each material. Whether you’re re-roofing an older home or building something new, comparing your options can help you make the best choice for your budget, style, and long-term needs. Here’s how concrete tiles compare to two other popular roofing materials in Arizona.

Concrete Tiles vs. Clay Tiles

Cost: Clay tiles tend to be more expensive both in terms of materials and labor. Concrete provides a more budget-friendly option without compromising performance, making it a common pick for re-roofing projects.
Appearance & Style: Clay tiles have a timeless, elegant look and are often used in Spanish or Southwestern-style homes. While concrete can mimic this look, clay maintains its color longer due to its natural composition.
Weight & Structure: Clay is heavier than concrete and may require additional structural reinforcement before installation. Concrete, being lighter, often avoids these added costs and complications.
Durability: Both options are durable, but clay tiles are slightly more fragile and prone to cracking under impact. Concrete is more forgiving, which is helpful in areas that experience hail or falling debris.

Concrete Tiles vs. Asphalt Shingles

Lifespan: Asphalt shingles generally last 15–30 years, depending on maintenance and environmental exposure. Concrete tiles often double or even triple that lifespan, providing better long-term value.
Installation & Maintenance: Asphalt shingles are easier and faster to install, making them less expensive upfront. However, they often require more repairs and earlier replacement. Concrete tiles demand professional installation by a skilled roofing contractor, but they need far less maintenance over time.
Weather Resistance: Shingles can deteriorate under harsh UV exposure and high winds, which are common in Arizona. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, resist these elements far more effectively.
Aesthetics: Shingles come in fewer style options and may not offer the same high-end look as tile. Concrete tiles can be designed to resemble wood shakes, clay, or slate, offering much greater versatility.

Considerations For Repairing Concrete Tile Roofs

If your tile roof is in the 15-20 year old range or older, or is showing signs of leaking, Call us. Are you wondering how much does a roof repairs Dublin cost? Here are the details that we, or any experienced licensed contractor will address:

Upon completion, the tile spacing will be no more than 13.5”. (most concrete tile) This often means that more tile will need to be purchased for the project.
New wood or plastic batten strips. These sticks are nailed through the underlayment to hold the tile in place. They should be placed properly to minimize the inevitable damming of dirt and debris under the tile. Elevated battens are available, which allow water to flow underneath the battens.

Installation of underlayment: Nails will be used, not staples. A minimum of 6” horizontal and 6” end laps are important. Two plies of G-40 makes for a 18” overlap!
New channel metal may be proposed: This allows for more water to be carried within the proper channels.
Proper valley installation: Valley metal should be placed under the felt not on top. 3 rib valleys replace most single rib valleys and allow for more positive water flow and less clogging, this is similar with the composite boards decking systems that we use in many of our projects.
Secured tiles: 3 courses of tiles need to be secured with nails at the perimeter of the roof at all eaves, ridges and gables.
Plastic hip and ridge closure is required to be installed at all hips and ridges: This detail bridges the gap between the field tile and the hips and ridges: This detail will allow little or no water dirt and debris to slip between the underlayment and the tile.
Underlayment is a minimum of 40# felt.
The eave detail should be discussed and proper flashing installed if previous flashing detail has failed. There are a number of options to consider, some cosmetic and some functional.

Trust Canyon State Roofing For Your Tile Roof Needs – Reach Out Today!

The mission of Canyon State Roofing is to educate our customers so they can make an informed decision on their roofs. We have had the same tile crews working with us for several years, and all of them have gone through formal training. You can rest assured your roofing project is in great hands. Call Canyon State Roofing today at 602-400-1635. Thank you for reading our article!