Concrete tile is the most common roof on Valley homes built since the 1980s, and it's often misunderstood. The tiles themselves can last 50 years or more. The underlayment under them is usually felt on older homes and synthetic or upgraded felt on newer ones. Years of heat and UV dry it out, and it typically needs replacing after about 20–30 years. Leaks in a tile roof almost always mean the underlayment or flashing has failed, not the tile.
Older central Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa ranches often have low-slope sections with a sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) roof or a built-up roof. Foam needs a fresh elastomeric coating every several years to protect it from UV. Skip recoats long enough and the foam itself starts to erode.
What roofing & tile underlayment typically costs in Phoenix
| Scope | Typical range (estimate) | What that usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Tile underlayment re-lay (2,000 sq ft roof) | $8,500 – $15,500 | Lift and stack tile, new underlayment and battens as needed, reinstall, replace broken tile |
| Asphalt shingle replacement (2,000 sq ft) | $8,500 – $14,500 | Tear-off, deck repair allowance, underlayment, architectural shingles |
| Foam roof recoat (1,000 sq ft flat section) | $2,500 – $4,500 | Clean, repair blisters, elastomeric or silicone coating |
| New foam roof (1,000 sq ft) | $5,000 – $8,500 | Remove failed roof, spray foam, coating; improves insulation |
| New concrete tile roof (2,000 sq ft) | $17,500 – $29,000 | New tile, underlayment, flashing and vents |
Planning estimates for typical projects, not quotes. Your bids will depend on size, condition, materials and permit requirements.
Permits: when a Phoenix roof job needs one
The City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department doesn't require a permit to re-shingle or re-tile with the same material. You can't go past two layers of asphalt shingles over an existing shingle roof. You do need a permit to switch from wood or asphalt shingles to tile, mostly because tile is much heavier and the framing has to carry it. Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and the other cities have their own rules. Some require a permit for any re-roof, so have your roofer confirm with your city.
If your home is in an HOA, check the architectural guidelines for approved tile profiles and colors before you order material. That's especially true in master-planned communities in Gilbert, Chandler, Peoria and Surprise.
Monsoon season and your roof
- Microbursts can pass 60 mph and lift or crack ridge and edge tiles. Check after big storms, preferably from the ground or with binoculars. Walking on tile cracks it.
- On flat roofs, clear scuppers and canales before July so water doesn't pond.
- Most homeowners policies cover sudden storm damage, but not wear-out of old underlayment. Get the roofer's findings in writing with photos.
Questions to ask a Valley roofer
- Is your ROC license a roofing classification, and can I see your liability certificate?
- What underlayment will you use? Ask for brand and type, and whether there's a double layer on low-slope sections.
- How many replacement tiles are included, and what happens if my tile profile is discontinued?
- Are flashing, bird stops and pipe jacks replaced or reused?
- What's the workmanship warranty, in writing?
Phoenix project cost estimator
Planning estimate
$9,600 – $16,000
Rough planning range only — not a quote. Real bids depend on site conditions, permits, materials and the contractor.
Roofing & Tile Underlayment: common questions
How do I know if my tile roof needs new underlayment?
Common signs: the home is 20+ years old with original underlayment, stains on ceilings after monsoon storms, or a roofer finds brittle, cracked felt when they lift a few tiles. A good roofer will show you photos from under the tiles.
Can I just replace broken tiles?
Yes, if the underlayment is still in good shape. Swapping cracked tiles is a small repair. It won't fix leaks caused by failing underlayment, though.
Is foam a good roof for Phoenix?
On low-slope roofs, foam works well here. It's seamless, it adds insulation, and the reflective coating helps with heat. The key is keeping up with recoats.
Where we match roofing & tile underlayment projects
Phoenix · Scottsdale · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · Tempe · Glendale · Peoria · Surprise & Sun City · Goodyear & West Valley