Top Five Reasons Why a Tile Roof is a Smart Investment in Arizona

Today, more and more Arizona homeowners are choosing tile roofs over other options. After all, they’re a durable and attractive choice for all exterior types, from traditional stucco of the southwest to more modern designs.  Tile roofs can come with a significantly higher price tag than asphalt or cedar shakes roofs, but ultimately are a smart investment for Arizona homeowners and commercial building owners. Here’s why.

Why Choose a Tile Roof For Your Arizona Home or Building 

1. Lifespan

If you choose a tile roof, chances are you’ll never need to invest in another roof replacement. 

How Long Does a Tile Roof Last?

When properly maintained (more on that later), tile roofs will last more than 50 years – and often much longer.

Proper maintenance does include having individual tiles replaced as they crack and removing debris from the roof so it doesn’t lead to blocked valleys and accumulation around penetrations, which can lead to leaks. 

Have your roof inspected annually, following up with maintenance as recommended. By doing that, you’ll extend the service life of the roof system.

2. Energy-Efficiency

You can recoup part of the roof installation cost through energy savings.  Air movement between the tile and the roof helps ventilate heat away from the roof.  The decking and the tiles themselves are also effective insulators.  Save on summer air conditioning costs, a necessary benefit here in Arizona as we battle the heat. 

Keeping commercial buildings energy-efficient is a concern for business owners also—a tile roof helps you keep up with this need. 

3. Fire Resistance

Tile roofs have a Class-A fire rating—the highest fire rating possible.  Tile doesn’t burn and isn’t combustible, so it will help keep your home safer from brush fires, wildfires and lightning.

Because of the high fire rating, tile roofs can result in lower fire insurance rates – another way to save money.  Not to mention prioritizing your family’s safety, especially in hot, fire-prone areas. 

4. Preserve Your Home’s Architectural Design

Homes are worth more if they are maintained and updated in a manner complementary to their original architectural style.  If you have a home built in the Mission Revival, Craftsman bungalow, or Mediterranean style, a clay roof will look the most authentic and pair well with the rest of the home’s design.

You’ll love coming home to a gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing home every day, and if you decide to sell your home, you’ll have an easier time finding buyers when your roof is complementary to your home style.

5. Holds Their Value

If you decide to sell your home – even when the roof is only a few years old – you can recoup a significant portion of the roof’s initial cost.  Tile roofs retain value during selling; home buyers know their long lifespan and fire-proof qualities.

Buyers will pay significantly more for a tile roof than a similar home with an asphalt shingle roof.  You could invest in your new roof now, enjoy it for a few years, and then recoup a significant portion of your investment when you sell the home.

And with so many colors and styles, our team can help you find the option that best complements your home and sets you up to recoup your investment in the future. 

SUNVEK Knows Arizona Roofing 

We love helping our clients decide which type of roof is right for their home or building.  If you’re still on the fence, let us help.  While thinking about it, read through our tile roof maintenance tips! 

Top Tile Roof Maintenance Tips

Follow these tile roof maintenance tips to ensure your roof lasts as long as you own your home or commercial property. 

1. Annual Cleaning

Dirt and debris on your tile roof don’t just affect the appearance; they can also lead to issues like hidden damage and cracked tiles.  Make sure to clean your roof every year to avoid unwanted surprises down the road. 

2. Debris Removal

Small debris like twigs and leaves can get stuck in the uneven surface of a tile roof.  Not only is debris buildup unattractive, it can also trap moisture against the tiles.  All this moisture increases the chances of algae growth, staining, and water damage. 

To minimize debris accumulation, trim back trees so they don’t overhang the roof.  Periodically rinse the roof with a garden hose attachment, removing small amounts of loose debris without climbing onto the roof.

3. Pressure Washing

Some debris—bird droppings or algae stains—can’t simply be swept away.  For concrete roof tile, pressure washers can remove this residue without damaging the roof, as long as you only use a low to medium setting on the pressure washer.

Use specially-formulated tile roof cleaner if the roof is especially dirty or stained.  Apply the cleaner to loosen the dirt and stains, then spray it off with the pressure washer.

4. Minor Tile Roof Repairs

While tiles are durable, they aren’t altogether indestructible.  Prevent significant issues by taking care of tile roof repairs while the damage is still minor.  Our tile roofing company is happy to take care of these minor repairs to keep your roof secure. 

5. Tile Replacement

Cracked tiles can lead to more significant issues, which include leaks and rotten roof sheathing.  Fill small holes or cracks with matching color caulk.

More severe damage requires tile replacement.  A roofer will remove the damaged tile and install a new one held in place with nails, mortar or roofing adhesive.

You may request your professional roof leave behind extra roof tiles so that you have a supply of matching tiles from the same color lot.  If this isn’t an option, you must make the best color match possible with any tile replacement.

6. Eave Repairs

Damage to your roof’s eaves can lead to wood rot, water in your attic, and pest invasion. Eaves are typically made from wood or vinyl.  Check wood eaves annually for peeling or blistering paint.  If you notice paint damage, repair it promptly to minimize the chance of dry rot. 

Inspect wood and vinyl for cracks, holes, or missing soffit vent covers.  If you find any damage, promptly schedule a repair before the problem worsens.

7. Tile Roof Underlayment

Tile roof underlayment is the barrier preventing water from entering your home. Eventually, the tile roof underlayment will start to fail.  Depending on the quality of the felt, the type of tile installed over it, and the quality of installation, it will typically last between 18-25 years.  Other underlayments are available that are more durable and which will last much longer.  The typical underlayment for homes built in subdivisions is a single layer of #30 felt.

While most water will run down the tile and off a roof, a certain amount gets beneath the tile and runs down the underlayment.  It’s prudent to periodically assess the condition of the underlayment to minimize the risk of damage to your home’s interior.

8. Sealant Application

Although not commonly applied, tile sealant prevents moisture from seeping into roof tiles through hairline cracks or chips that may occur over time.  In a rare Arizona freeze, water can expand through cracks and damage the tile.  Even without a freeze, slow damage can occur.

Sealant also helps renew the roof because it evens out minor color changes that result from weathering or sun fading.  A roofer can apply a roof sealant after a thorough cleaning.

8. Color Upgrades

Over time, tile colors fade or become discolored due to stains, like those from algae.  Or you may also get tired of your roof color, especially if you change the color of your home’s exterior.  Luckily, there are many coatings to renew the color of your roof or even change it completely.

Could Your Arizona Roof Use an Upgrade or a Tune-Up? 

Or are you ready to make a change for the better?  You’re not alone.  After all, our roofs take the brunt of forceful weather and outdoor elements while protecting us.  If you haven’t taken stock of your roof’s condition recently, have our tile roofing company come out for an evaluation. 

Contact SUNVEK Roofing to learn more about our tile roof services in and around the Phoenix area.  We proudly service the following Arizona areas: 

• Carefree, AZ
• Cave Creek, AZ
• Fountain Hills, AZ
• Gilbert, AZ
• Mesa, AZ
• Peoria, AZ 
• Phoenix, AZ
• Scottsdale, AZ