Tile Roof Repairs: What Homeowners Need to Know About Weak Points, Underlayment Failure, and Protecting Their Home

Yuma Tile Roofs Repairs are an important part of keeping your home safe from the elements. Tile roofs offer durability, energy efficiency, and a distinctive desert-style look that increases home value. But while many homeowners assume tile roofs last “forever,” the truth is that the tiles may last 40–50 years, while the waterproofing system beneath them does not. Understanding the weak points of a tile roof, why leaks happen, and when to replace the underlayment is crucial for keeping your home safe and dry.

As a trusted local Yuma roofing contractor, 48Solar & Roofing has completed hundreds of tile roof repairs and replacements. Here’s what every homeowner should know.

The Weak Points of a Tile Roof: It’s Not the Tile—It’s What’s Under It

A tile roof is not waterproof. The tiles simply act as a shield against UV rays and direct rain impact. What actually keeps water out of your home is the underlayment system, also called the waterproof barrier.

The Biggest Vulnerabilities Include:

1. Aging Underlayment

The underlayment is typically made from felt or synthetics. In the Yuma desert heat—often reaching 115°+ in summer—these materials dry out, crack, and deteriorate far faster than homeowners expect.

2. Poorly Installed Flashing

Flashing around walls, chimneys, valleys, and transitions is one of the most common failure points.

3. Vent Pipe Penetrations

Pipe penetrations are the #1 cause of early tile roof leaks, especially on track-built homes.

4. Broken or Slipped Tiles

High winds, foot traffic, settling foundations, and brittle tiles all cause tile displacement—which exposes the underlayment and accelerates damage.

These weak points make regular inspections essential, especially once your roof hits the 15–20 year mark.

What Actually Keeps the Water Out? The Underlayment Water Barrier

Many homeowners assume tile is a watertight material. In reality, tile roofs are designed to shed water, not seal it out.

The Underlayment Is the True Waterproofing System

The underlayment:

• Stops water that blows under the tiles
• Protects your home when tiles shift or break
• Shields the roof deck from rot
• Provides the only sealed water barrier on the roof

Once the underlayment fails, water flows into the attic—even if the tiles look perfect from the street.

This is why high-quality underlayment materials matter. Cheap 15–30 lb felt paper used by builders rarely lasts more than 15–20 years in Yuma’s sun. A premium synthetic underlayment can last far longer and reduce the likelihood of mildew, rot, and costly structural repairs.

Why Tile Roofs Leak More Often Than Homeowners Expect

Despite their reputation for longevity, tile roofs require maintenance and timely upgrades—especially in the desert.

Here are the most common reasons they leak:

1. Builder-Grade Underlayment

Most Yuma homes were built using the cheapest felt available. In our dry climate, that felt becomes brittle and cracks, turning to dust long before the tiles wear out.

2. Incorrect Pipe Vent Installation

Home builders frequently shortcut the installation of vent flashings. Common issues include:

• Flashings nailed incorrectly
• No sealant on nail penetrations
• Flashings installed under the underlayment instead of on top
• Broken or missing storm collars
• Tiles sitting directly on the flashing, cracking the metal over time

These mistakes create small openings where water easily seeps in during heavy rain.

3. Cracked or Slipped Tiles

Even one slipped tile can expose a small section of underlayment. Over time, UV rays degrade the exposed spot, eventually creating a leak path.

4. Valleys and Roof Transitions

Water flows heavily through valleys. If the metal flashing is undersized or improperly lapped, leaks will develop—especially after storms or monsoon downpours.

5. Lack of Maintenance

Desert dust, nesting birds, debris buildup, walking on the roof, and high winds can all cause damage that goes unnoticed for months or years.

A tile roof isn’t “set it and forget it.” It requires periodic inspection and maintenance, especially once it reaches 15+ years old.

Why Homeowners Should Replace Tile Underlayment at 20 Years

A tile roof with original underlayment is a hidden risk once it hits 20 years old. Even if it’s not actively leaking today, failure is often just around the corner.

Here’s why replacement at 20 years is strongly recommended:

1. Sun Damage Makes Felt Underlayment Brittle

Heat radiates beneath the tiles and cooks the underlayment. By year 20, most builder-grade felt has already deteriorated significantly.

2. Small Leaks Cause Major Damage Before You Notice

Water can enter around pipes, valleys, and flashing, soaking insulation and rotting wood long before visible stains appear inside the home.

3. It Prevents Emergency Repairs

Replacing the underlayment proactively prevents:

• Sudden leaks
• Mold
• Structural repairs
• Holidays or storms turning into emergency situations

4. It Extends the Life of Your Tile Roof

The tiles themselves may last 40–50 years, but only if the waterproof barrier is maintained and replaced as needed.

5. It Protects Home Value

A roof nearing underlayment failure is a red flag to home inspectors and buyers often resulting in lower offers or delayed sales.

Replacing your underlayment is essentially giving your roof a second life.

Why Using High-Quality Roofing Materials Matters

Roofing materials are not all created equal. Cheap felt underlayment, flimsy pipe flashings, and bargain synthetic products do not perform well in Yuma’s extreme heat.

When contemplating who to have do your Yuma tile roof repairs, consider a professional Yuma roofing contractor, like 48Solar & Roofing. We use top-quality materials specifically engineered for desert climates, including:

• High-grade synthetic underlayment
• UV-resistant flashings
• Long-lasting pipe boots and weather collars
• High-wind rated tiles
• Premium sealants designed for heat exposure

This ensures long-term protection and minimizes the risk of leaks.

Get Professional Tile Roof Repairs and Inspections in Yuma

If your tile roof is 15–20 years old or you’re seeing signs of broken tiles, slipping tiles, or stains inside the home, now is the time to act—not after the next storm.

48Solar & Roofing is the trusted Yuma roofing contractor specializing in:

• Tile roof repairs
• Full tile underlayment replacement
• Leak detection
• Storm damage repairs
• Roof inspections and maintenance

Our team uses professional, long-lasting materials—not the builder-grade products that fail early.

Get your home protected now.

Protect your home before a small issue becomes a major repair. Contact 48Solar & Roofing today for expert tile roof repairs, a full roof inspection, or a quote for underlayment replacement. We’re Yuma’s top choice for reliable, high-quality roofing with guaranteed workmanship.

Call today (928)235-5200 or visit 48Solar.com to schedule your free evaluation by clicking here https://www.48solar.com/request-an-evaluation/