The Complete Guide to Clay and Concrete
Tile Roof Restoration.

Concrete and clay tile roofs define the architectural beauty of the American Southwest. From the historic Spanish Colonial homes in Central Phoenix (85012) to the sprawling, modern subdivisions of East Mesa (85206), tile roofs are everywhere. But many homeowners harbor a dangerous misconception about them.

Because clay and concrete are incredibly durable materials, homeowners often assume their tile roof will last a lifetime without maintenance. The truth? While the tiles themselves can easily last 50 to 100 years, the vital waterproofing system hidden beneath them has a strict expiration date in the Arizona sun.

The Hidden Flaw: The Underlayment Problem

The tiles on your roof are not designed to be 100% waterproof. They are designed to act as heavy armor, protecting your home from the sun's intense UV rays, wind uplift, and impact from debris. Rainwater naturally flows through the tiny gaps between the interlocking tiles.

What stops that water from entering your living room? The underlayment.

Historically, roofing contractors in the Valley used 30lb felt (tar paper) for this underlayment layer. In the extreme heat of the Phoenix summer, where attic temperatures reach 150°F, this tar paper slowly bakes. Over the course of 20 to 25 years, the natural oils in the felt evaporate. The paper turns brittle, chalky, and eventually cracks. Once the underlayment cracks, the next monsoon rain will wash right through the tiles, through the cracked paper, and onto your drywall.

The Solution: The "Lift and Relay"

If your underlayment is failing, do you need to buy a completely new roof? In most cases, no.

Because the concrete or clay tiles are still in excellent condition, replacing them is a massive waste of money. Instead, reputable Arizona roofing contractors perform a procedure known as a "Lift and Relay" (also called an R&R or Tile Reset).

How the Lift & Relay Process Works:

1. Careful Removal: Our crews carefully un-nail or un-clip your existing tiles and stack them neatly on the roof deck.
2. Tear-Off: We completely strip away the old, brittle tar paper and remove all the old roof battens (the wood strips the tiles rest on).
3. Deck Inspection: With the bare wood decking exposed, we inspect for any dry rot caused by previous slow leaks and replace the damaged wood.
4. Premium Underlayment: We install a modern, high-heat synthetic underlayment. Unlike old felt, these advanced synthetics do not dry out and offer superior tear resistance.
5. The Relay: We install new battens, precisely re-lay your original tiles, and replace any tiles that were previously cracked or broken with matching spares.

Concrete vs. Clay: What's on Your Roof?

The type of tile you have dictates how the restoration is handled.

• Concrete Tiles: Very common in Mesa and Scottsdale subdivisions. They are highly durable, cost-effective, and easy to walk on. During a lift and relay, the breakage rate is very low (usually under 5%), meaning almost all your tiles can be saved.
• Clay Tiles (Terracotta): Often found in historic Phoenix districts or luxury builds. Clay retains its vibrant color forever and reflects heat beautifully. However, clay is incredibly fragile. A specialized crew must handle a clay tile lift and relay, as stepping in the wrong spot will shatter the tiles.

The Financial Benefit of Restoring

Purchasing brand-new concrete or clay tiles is incredibly expensive, largely due to the manufacturing costs and the massive freight fees required to transport thousands of pounds of masonry to your home.

By opting for a Lift and Relay, you bypass the material cost of the tiles entirely. You are only paying for the labor, the new synthetic underlayment, and the wood repairs. For the average Phoenix home, a Lift and Relay can save you 30% to 50% compared to the cost of a brand-new tile roof, while providing the exact same 20+ year waterproof warranty.