What We Look for During a Tile Roof Inspection in Southern Arizona
Tile roofs are common throughout Southern Arizona because of their durability and ability to perform well in our desert climate. However, inspecting a tile roof involves much more than simply looking for broken tiles.
At B&M Roofing, we evaluate the visible components of the tile roof system, look for signs of damage around vulnerable areas, and assess the condition of the underlayment where it can be accessed. Together, these observations help us develop a better understanding of the roof’s overall condition.
Damaged, Missing, or Displaced Tiles
One of the first things we look for is the condition of the roof tiles. During an inspection, we check for:
- Cracked or broken tiles
- Missing tiles
- Displaced or shifted tiles
- Other visible tile damage
A damaged or displaced tile can leave the roofing system underneath more exposed to Southern Arizona’s sun, wind, and rain.
Decking Damage at the Eaves
We also inspect accessible areas around the roof eaves for signs of damaged or deteriorated decking.
Damage at the eaves can sometimes provide clues about past or ongoing moisture intrusion. When visible, these conditions become part of the overall information we use to evaluate the roofing system.
T-Tops, Penetrations, and Secondary Roof Jacks
Roof penetrations are another important part of a tile roof inspection. These areas create transitions in the roofing system and need to be evaluated carefully.
We inspect areas around:
- T-tops
- Roof penetrations
- Secondary roof jacks
- Related flashing and surrounding roofing materials
We look for visible deterioration, damage, or conditions that could make these areas more vulnerable to water intrusion.
Underlayment: A Critical Part of a Tile Roof System
One of the most important components we evaluate is something homeowners generally cannot see from the ground: the underlayment beneath the tile.
The tile is the visible exterior component, but the underlayment underneath it plays a critical role in protecting the roof system from moisture.
Unfortunately, an inspector cannot see all of the underlayment during a standard roof inspection without removing all of the tiles. Doing so would essentially require dismantling the tile roof system.
Instead, we spot check accessible areas of the underlayment throughout the inspection.
We look at the condition of the underlayment in these areas and combine those observations with other information about the roof, including its age and the visible condition of the overall roofing system.
This is why a professional tile roof inspection involves more than looking at whether the tiles themselves appear to be in good condition.
Proper underlayment and installation are important components of recognized tile roofing installation standards, particularly because the tile and underlying water-shedding components work together as a roofing system.
How Roof Age Factors Into the Inspection
Age is another important piece of information when evaluating a tile roof system.
As a general guideline, concrete tile roof systems in Southern Arizona may have an expected service life of approximately 25 years, depending on the roofing system, installation, maintenance, exposure, and condition of the underlayment.
Clay tile systems can have a longer service life. However, the condition of the tiles alone does not necessarily determine the condition or remaining service life of the entire roofing system.
The underlayment and other components beneath and around the tile must also be considered.
Why Tile Roof Inspections Matter in Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona roofs are continually exposed to intense UV radiation, high temperatures, monsoon rain, wind, and seasonal weather changes. Over time, these conditions can affect underlayment, penetrations, flashing, decking, and other components even when the tile surface still looks relatively good.
Seasonal Southern Arizona monsoon conditions can expose vulnerable roofing areas to wind-driven rain, strong winds, and debris.
A professional inspection brings these different observations together to provide a more complete picture of the roof’s condition.
B&M Roofing provides tile roof inspections throughout Southern Arizona, including:
Catalina Foothills, Corona de Tucson, Green Valley, Marana, Mount Lemmon, Oro Valley, Picture Rocks, Saddlebrooke, Sahuarita, Sonoita, Tanque Verde, Tucson, and Vail.
To request a professional roof inspection, visit our inspection request form