Roofing guide
Signs you need a new roof in Arizona
By roof type, with the signs that mean replace and the ones that only mean repair.
The clear signs you need a new roof in Arizona are leaks in more than one room, underlayment that crumbles when a tile is lifted, shingles curling or bald across the roof, large areas of exposed foam, and a roof past 20 years. One leak, a few cracked tiles, or one slope of storm damage usually means repair.
TL;DR
A roof needs replacing when the waterproof layer has failed in more than one place. For tile that is the underlayment. For shingle it is the shingles.
For foam it is exposed foam, not just worn coating.
- Replace: leaks in several rooms, crumbling underlayment, widespread curling or bald shingles, large exposed foam areas
- Repair: one leak, a few broken tiles, one slope of storm damage, worn coating on sound foam
- Age alone is a reason to inspect, not to replace
- Three or more patch jobs on the same roof is a warning sign
- A free on-roof inspection with photos settles it
Signs on a tile roof
The tile almost never fails first. Look at what is under it.
- Leaks in two or more rooms
- Stains that return after a tile repair
- Black or brown crumbs of underlayment in gutters or at the eave
- Underlayment tears or cracks when a tile is lifted
- Original underlayment at 15 to 25 years old
Signs on a shingle roof
- Curling or cupped edges across the roof
- Bald spots where granules are gone
- Granules piling up in gutters and at downspouts
- Cracked or brittle shingles that break when touched
- Missing shingles after every windstorm
Signs on a flat or foam roof
- Large areas of exposed, pitted, or soft foam
- Foam that is wet underneath when probed
- Blisters across the roof, not just one spot
- Ponding that has eaten through the coating
Signs that only mean a repair
Do not replace a roof for these.
- One leak with one clear cause
- A few cracked or slipped tiles
- Storm damage to one slope or one area
- Cracked flashing at a vent or skylight
- Worn coating over sound foam (that is a recoat)
The tile roof middle ground
On most West Valley tile roofs, "new roof" means new underlayment under your existing tile. That is a big job but it is not a new tile roof, and it costs less. See our underlayment guide.
Sources
- Azul Roofing, How Long Will a Tile Roof Last in Arizona: https://www.azulroof.com/blog/how-long-will-a-tile-roof-last-in-arizona
- Phoenix Roofing and Repair, How Long Does a Roof Last in Arizona? (By Material): https://phoenixroofingandrepair.com/roofing-guides/how-long-does-roof-last-arizona/
Written by the 10X Roofing Advantage team, Glendale, AZ. Reviewed by {{REVIEWER}}. Published {{PUBLISHED}}. Last updated {{UPDATED}}. 10X Roofing Advantage is licensed under Arizona ROC #355299 and has roofed in Phoenix for 20 years.