Tile Roofing
Tile roof repairs, underlayment replacement and full re-roofs in Scottsdale. Leaks usually start under the tile, so we save and relay your tile wherever we can.
About Our Tile Roofing Services
Mikel Wallesen explains this on our YouTube channel
On a tile roof, the tile isn't what keeps the water out. The underlayment under it is. In Arizona that underlayment dries out over about 30 years, and that's usually where a tile leak starts. The tile can still look fine from the street.
That's why the fix is usually an underlayment replacement, not a new roof. We lift the tile, lay new underlayment, replace the broken tiles and relay your originals. We save and match your tile wherever we can, and any new pieces go where they won't stand out. In valleys and other spots where water runs heavy, we put down granular self-adhering underlayment, because that's where old felt fails first. Here's how an underlayment replacement goes, step by step.
Here's what it costs, from our price sheet. On a 3,000 sq ft roof, an underlayment replacement that puts your tile back on runs about $33,000 to $48,000, and a complete tear-off with new tile runs about $57,000 to $78,000. On 2,000 sq ft, those are about $22,000 to $32,000 and $38,000 to $52,000. (Side note: $11 to $16 and $19 to $26 per square foot of roof.) Repairs are priced on what we find. Every range is on our pricing page.
Not every roof has to be done all at once. Sometimes a partial re-roof is an option. When the whole roof is due, a full tile replacement usually takes 5 to 10 days, and we never leave it open overnight. We also do tile repairs and new tile installs. Our family has roofed in Scottsdale since 1987, and Mikel Wallesen owns and runs Big Red Roofing today. It starts with a free inspection and quote.
Have questions before you commit? We're happy to talk through it.
What Does Tile Roofing Cost?
From our price sheet, a tile roof runs about:
- Underlayment replacement (new underlayment, your tile goes back on): $22,000 to $32,000 on a 2,000 sq ft roof, $33,000 to $48,000 on 3,000 sq ft, $44,000 to $64,000 on 4,000 sq ft
- Complete tear-off with new tile: $38,000 to $52,000 on 2,000 sq ft, $57,000 to $78,000 on 3,000 sq ft, $76,000 to $104,000 on 4,000 sq ft
Side note: that's $11 to $16 and $19 to $26 per square foot of roof. Repairs are priced on what we find. See every range on our pricing page.
For your roof, get a starting number from our instant estimator.
Want a precise number for your specific situation?
Our estimator takes about 90 seconds.
What Affects the Price?
- Type of Work: Repair, Underlayment Replacement, Partial or Full Re-Roof
- Roof Size
- Roof Complexity: Valleys, Hips and Chimneys
- How Much of Your Tile Can Be Saved
Our Tile Roofing Work
All photos are from real jobs completed by our team.
What Does the Process Look Like?
- 1
Free Roof Inspection
We look at the tile, the underlayment, and the valleys, hips, ridges and chimneys. Then we tell you straight what your roof needs.
- 2
Free Quote
You get a quote for the work your roof actually needs, whether that's a repair, an underlayment replacement, a partial re-roof or a full replacement. Want a number first? Try the instant estimator.
- 3
Tile Up, New Underlayment Down
Full job: usually 5 to 10 daysWe take the tile up and save everything we can. New underlayment goes down, with granular self-adhering underlayment in the valleys and other high-water areas. Tile starts going back on in the same process, so the roof is never left open overnight.
- 4
Tile Back On and Detailed
Broken tiles get replaced and your originals get relaid, with any new pieces placed where they won't stand out. Crickets go in behind chimneys where water would pond, Weather Blocker goes on the hips and ridges, and the ridge caps get glued down with mastic.
What Should You Know About Tile Roofing?
Leaks Start Under the Tile
The tile is the part you see. The underlayment underneath is what keeps water out of the house. After about 30 years in Arizona it dries out, and that's usually when the leaks show up. Why a 30-year-old tile roof needed new underlayment.
We Save Your Tile
On an underlayment replacement we lift the tile, lay new underlayment, replace broken tiles and relay your originals. Saving your tile keeps your roof looking like your roof. When we do need new pieces, we look over the roof first and put them where they won't stand out. What happens during an underlayment replacement.
Self-Adhering Underlayment in the Valleys
Old felt dries out and fails first where water collects, like the valleys. So in high-water areas we lay a granular self-adhering underlayment that sticks to the deck. Why old felt fails in high-water areas and why self-adhering underlayment sticks so strongly.
Weather Blocker and Glued Ridge Caps
When the wind is blowing, rain can get pushed behind the tile at the hips and ridges. We put Weather Blocker on the hips and ridges so the water stays on top of the tile and runs off the roof. Then we glue the ridge caps with mastic as secondary protection, so they don't fly off in a windstorm. More on Weather Blocker and why we glue ridge caps.
Crickets Behind Chimneys
When tile runs straight into the back of a chimney, dirt and debris build up there and the water has nowhere to go. We build a cricket behind the chimney so water drains around both sides instead of ponding. Why we added a cricket behind this chimney.
Tile Color Changes Through the Day
A tile roof looks different depending on the time of day and where the sun is. That's normal. It's also why natural cement-colored tile is worth a look. It shows its true color better than tinted concrete does. Why roof colors look different throughout the day.
See Our Recent Tile Roofing Work
Like what you see? Let's talk about your project.
How Does Tile Roofing Compare?
Underlayment Replacement vs. Full Tile Replacement
Fixes the usual cause of a tile leak: underlayment that has dried out after about 30 years in Arizona
We lift the tile, lay new underlayment, replace broken tiles and relay your originals
Your own tile goes back on, so the roof still looks like your roof
New underlayment and new tile across the whole roof, in the tile you pick
Usually 5 to 10 days, depending on the size of the house and how complex the roof is
Old tile comes off, new underlayment goes down and new tile goes up in the same process, so the roof is never left open overnight
If your tile is in good shape, an underlayment replacement usually fixes the leak and keeps your roof looking the same. A full replacement makes sense when you want new tile. If doing the whole roof at once isn't in the budget, a partial re-roof is sometimes an option. We'll tell you which one fits at the free inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my tile roof leaking when the tile looks fine?
Because the tile isn't what keeps the water out. The underlayment under it does. Tile leaks usually come from worn underlayment, and in Arizona it dries out over about 30 years. The fix is usually an underlayment replacement, not new tile.
Do I have to replace all my tile?
Usually not. On an underlayment replacement we lift the tile, lay new underlayment, replace the broken pieces and put your originals back. We save and match your tile wherever we can, and any new pieces go where they won't stand out.
Do I need to replace the whole roof?
Not always. Depending on the condition of the underlayment, a partial re-roof is sometimes an option. We'll tell you what we find at the free inspection.
How long does a tile roof replacement take?
A full tile replacement usually takes 5 to 10 days. It depends on the size of the house and how complex the roof is. A simple up-and-over roof goes faster than one with a lot of valleys to cut in.
Will my roof be left open overnight?
No. The old tile comes off, new underlayment goes down and tile starts going back on in the same process. As Mikel puts it, you never know with the weather, so a tile re-roof doesn't get left open overnight.
Why does my tile roof look like a different color later in the day?
Roof color changes with the time of day and the angle of the sun. That's normal. It's also why natural cement-colored tile is worth a look. It shows its true color better than tinted concrete.
How much does a tile roof cost?
From our price sheet, on a 3,000 sq ft roof: about $33,000 to $48,000 for an underlayment replacement that puts your tile back on, and about $57,000 to $78,000 for a complete tear-off with new tile. On 2,000 sq ft, about $22,000 to $32,000 and $38,000 to $52,000. Repairs are priced on what we find. Roof size, how complex the roof is and how much tile can be saved move the number. See our pricing page, get a number from the instant estimator, or call (602) 799-6837 for a free inspection and quote.
Who is Big Red Roofing?
A family roofing business in Scottsdale. It started in Nebraska, and the family has roofed here since 1987. Mikel Wallesen took it over from his father and runs it today. Arizona ROC #276008. A+ rating with the BBB, accredited since 2012, with 0 complaints. Our Google rating is live on the reviews page.
Ready to Move Forward?
Step 1: Call or Use the Estimator
Call (602) 799-6837 or get an instant estimate at the estimator. Either way, the next step is a free roof inspection.
Step 2: Free Roof Inspection
We look at your tile, the underlayment and the valleys, hips, ridges and chimneys, then tell you straight what your roof needs.
Step 3: Free Quote
You get a quote for that work. If a repair or a partial re-roof makes more sense than a full replacement, we'll tell you.
Explore Our Other Services
Tile Roofing by City
Local pages with neighborhood-specific notes for tile roofing across the Valley.