Tile Roofs in Arizona: What to Watch for as Your Roof Ages

Home /  Azul Blog /  Tile Roofs in Arizona: What to Watch for as Your Roof Ages

Tile roofs are one of the most popular roofing systems across Arizona—and for good reason. Clay and concrete tile roofs are exceptionally durable, highly resistant to UV exposure, and well‑suited for the extreme heat, intense sun, and monsoon conditions that define life throughout the greater Phoenix metro. When properly installed and maintained, a tile roof can protect an Arizona home for decades—often requiring only underlayment replacement rather than a full reroof.

At Azul Roofing Solutions, we work on tile roofs every day—from newer developments to homes that have weathered 20+ Arizona summers. One thing remains consistent: while tile roofs are undeniably long‑lasting, they are not maintenance‑free. In fact, many of the most serious tile roof issues begin long before homeowners see visible damage.

In this guide, we’ll explain how tile roofs perform in Arizona’s climate, the most common types of wear and tear, what homeowners can safely spot from the ground, and when it’s time to bring in a professional roofing expert.

Beyond the Tiles: Understanding Tile Roof Systems 

One of the most common misconceptions about tile roofs is that the tiles alone largely keep the water out. In reality, tile roofs are a multi‑layer system, and the tiles - while critical - are only the outermost layer.

A typical Arizona tile roof includes the following:

• Clay or concrete tiles that shed water and protect against UV exposure
• Underlayment, which is the primary waterproof barrier
• Flashings around penetrations and transitions
• Fasteners, battens, and adhesives that secure tiles and other components in place

In Arizona, the underlayment is often the first component to age out, not the tile. Tiles will often look perfectly intact, while the waterproofing layer beneath them quietly deteriorates. The good news is that this also means that tiles can often be reused when repairs are needed. 

Why Arizona’s Climate Is Especially Hard on Tile Roofs? 

Tile roofs perform well in desert environments, but Arizona’s extreme climate still creates unique stresses that homeowners should understand.

Intense Sun & UV Exposure

Here in the Valley Of The Sun, we average more than 300 sunny days per year. Over time, prolonged UV exposure will dry out and shrink the critical underlayment, while also breaking down sealants, and accelerating the aging of flashings and adhesives.

Extreme Heat & Temperature Cycling

Daily temperature swings will cause roofing materials to expand during the day and contract at night. This repeated movement stresses fasteners, underlayment seams, and flashing details, creating stress points and cracks that can allow water to creep in.

Monsoon Storms & High Winds

Monsoon season brings sudden, wind‑driven rain and strong gusts that can crack tiles, shift rows, and expose vulnerable areas of the roof to the elements. 

Dust & Debris Accumulation

Fine desert dust can accumulate beneath tiles, holding moisture against the underlayment and accelerating wear that remains invisible from the ground.

Because of these conditions, routine inspections are critical for maximizing the lifespan of any tile roof in Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities.

Common Tile Roof Issues in Arizona Homes

1. Cracked or Broken Tiles

Cracked tiles are one of the most common and visible issues we see on Arizona tile roofs. They may result from:

• Foot traffic from prior service work
• Impact from debris during storms
• Natural thermal stress over time
• Manufacturing defects

While a single cracked tile may seem minor, it can allow water to reach the underlayment—especially during heavy monsoon rains— and spread over time as more water seeps in and flows outward from the cracked area. 

Why early repair matters:

• Small cracks often go unnoticed from the ground
• Localized repairs are usually simple and affordable when caught early
• Multiple cracked tiles may signal broader age‑related wear

2. Tile Slippage or Displacement

Tiles are designed to overlap in a precise pattern. This is an exacting part of the installation process that helps the tiles properly shed water.  Over time, tiles can shift due to factors such as:

• Deteriorated fasteners or battens
• Foot traffic from prior service work
• Improper original installation
• Repeated expansion and contraction in extreme climates 
• High‑wind storm events

Displaced tiles expose underlayment directly to sun and moisture, accelerating the failure of your entire tile roofing systems. We always recommend an annual inspection by a roofing professional to ensure tiles are positioned correctly, but homeowners can sometimes spot obvious issues such as: 

• Uneven or misaligned tile rows
• Gaps where tiles no longer overlap correctly
• Visible movement after storms

3. Underlayment Deterioration (The Hidden Risk)

Underlayment is the most critical waterproofing component of the full tile roof system. In Arizona traditional felt underlayment typically lasts between 15-20 years, depending on care. More modern synthetic underlayment materials may last significantly longer, but still degrade over time. 

Because tiles cover and protect the underlayment from direct sunlight, failure often goes unnoticed until leaks actually appear. A professional roof inspection will include removing tiles to inspect the underlayment condition directly. More often, thought, it’s the homeowner who first suspects an issue. Common signs include:

• Interior ceiling stains or drywall bubbling
• Leaks during wind‑driven rain
• Brittle or cracked underlayment observed at the edges or under tiles. 

Underlayment issues cannot be reliably diagnosed without lifting tiles—a task best left to trained professionals.

4. Flashing Failures

Flashing is a thin, weather-resistant material—typically metal—that is installed at joints, penetrations, and transitions on a roof. Its job is to direct water away from vulnerable areas where roofing materials meet or are interrupted. On tile roofs, flashing is especially important because water can travel beneath tiles before it drains off the roof.

Flashing is commonly found around:

• Plumbing vents and exhaust pipes
• Skylights and roof windows
• Chimneys
• Roof-to-wall transitions, such as where a roof meets a vertical stucco wall

From the ground, flashing often appears as exposed metal edging or collars around pipes and walls, sometimes partially concealed by tiles or sealant. While it may seem like a small detail, flashing plays a critical role in keeping water out of your home.

In Arizona’s extreme heat, flashing components are under constant stress. Like all metal, the thin material expands and contracts with temperature. Sealants can dry out and crack, and fasteners can loosen over time. When flashing fails—even if the surrounding tiles look intact—water can bypass the roofing system entirely and enter the home.

Because of this, failed flashing is one of the most common sources of tile roof leaks, especially during monsoon storms with wind-driven rain.

5. Ridge & Hip Mortar Cracking

Mortar is a cement-based material traditionally used on tile roofs to secure ridge and hip tiles—the tiles that run along the peaks and angled edges of the roof. These areas are more exposed to wind and weather, so mortar helps lock tiles in place while sealing gaps where water could otherwise enter.

Roof mortar is typically made from a blend of:

• Cement
• Sand
• Water
• Sometimes lime or bonding additives for flexibility

On a tile roof, mortar is most commonly found:

• Along the ridge line at the very top of the roof
• Along hip lines where roof sections meet at an angle
• Occasionally around specialty tile details or decorative features

From the ground, mortar usually appears as a solid, light-gray or tan material that fills the space beneath or between ridge and hip tiles. When it’s in good condition, it looks smooth, intact, and firmly bonded to the tiles.

Over time, Arizona’s intense sun, heat, and daily temperature changes cause mortar to dry out, shrink, and lose flexibility. As the roof expands and contracts, the rigid mortar can no longer move with it. This leads to visible deterioration such as:

• Cracks or fractures in the mortar
• Gaps between the mortar and the tile
• Crumbling or powdery residue below ridge or hip lines
• Loose or shifting ridge tiles, especially after high winds

Once mortar begins to fail, water can enter beneath the ridge or hip tiles, potentially reaching the underlayment and roof structure below. Loose ridge tiles also present a safety concern, as they are more vulnerable to being displaced during monsoon storms.

Because ridge and hip areas are critical to the roof’s integrity, deteriorating mortar should be evaluated by a professional roofer. In many cases, modern repair methods may replace traditional mortar with more flexible, mechanically secured systems designed to perform better in Arizona’s climate.

What Arizona Homeowners Can Check From the Ground

You should never walk on a tile roof without training, but you can safely look for many common issues from the ground or from a ladder, without having to place your body weight on the tiles themselves. Commonly issues you can see from a visual inspection include:

• Cracked, broken, or missing tiles
• Uneven tile lines or visible slippage
• Debris buildup in valleys
• Cracked mortar at ridges and hips
• Water stains on exterior walls near rooflines
• Interior ceiling stains or peeling paint

What Requires a Professional Tile Roof Inspection

Some of the most serious tile roof issues are invisible without proper access and experience. A professional inspector will know how to remove tiles and other components to spot issues such as:

• Underlayment deterioration
• Subtle flashing failures
• Improper fastening patterns
• Early signs of structural movement

At Azul Roofing Solutions, inspections are performed using methods that protect the tile while allowing us to accurately assess the system beneath. Best of all, our inspections are free. 

How Often Should Tile Roofs Be Inspected in Arizona?

We generally recommend:

• Every 1–2 years for homes older than 10 years
• After major monsoon storms or high‑wind events
• Before buying or selling a home

Routine inspections help extend roof life and prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Call

Tile roofs often don’t require full replacement when issues first arise. In many cases, the tiles themselves can be reused if they’re still in good condition, and so long as matching tiles are still available to replace any that are missing or broken.

So how do you know whether repair or replacement is the right path? The guidelines below can help clarify your options.

Repairs may be appropriate when:

• Tiles are largely intact
• Underlayment remains serviceable
• Problems are localized

Replacement may be recommended when:

• Underlayment has reached end of life
• Widespread tile movement or cracking exists

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Arizona Tile Roof

Tile roofs remain one of the best roofing options for Arizona homes—but their longevity depends on proactive care. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and experienced workmanship can add years of life to your tile roof system, and ultimately protect your home from costly damage.

If your tile roof has weathered many Arizona summers or monsoon seasons, a professional inspection is a smart place to start.