The tile is fine — the felt isn't
Concrete and clay tile shrug off UV for decades. The waterproofing layer beneath it — the underlayment — is what actually keeps water out, and in Arizona's heat it dries, cracks, and fails in roughly 15–25 years.
So a 20-year-old tile roof that's leaking usually doesn't need new tile. It needs new underlayment, with the original tile reset on top.
How a lift-and-relay works
Crews carefully remove and stack the existing tile, tear off the old underlayment, inspect and re-sheath any damaged deck, install new high-temp underlayment, and relay the same tile.
The result is a watertight roof for another 20-plus years at a fraction of full-replacement cost — around $7–$12 per square foot.
How to catch it early
Because tile hides the failing felt, the warning signs are subtle: a stain on a ceiling, granular debris in gutters, or slipped tiles. A periodic inspection every 3–5 years catches it before the deck rots.
If a contractor insists on full tile replacement without discussing a relay, get a second opinion.
- How long does tile underlayment last in Arizona?
- Typically 15–25 years in the desert sun, far less than the 50-plus year life of the tile itself. That gap is why relays are so common on Valley roofs.
- Can you reuse my existing tile in a relay?
- Yes — a lift-and-relay resets your original tile over new underlayment. We only replace tiles that are cracked or broken, matching the profile and color.
Questions about your roof? A free written inspection settles it — no pressure.