How to Inspect Your Arizona Tile Roof for Problems

Dang, you’re smart.

You want to check out your tile roof for potential problems and fix those problems before they get worse. Props! But how can a mere mortal (non-roofer) inspect a tile roof? Simple. Just read on.

We’ll show you:

  • How to physically inspect a tile roof
  • What to look for when inspecting a tile roof

How to Inspect: DON'T Walk on Your Tile Roof (Please)

For your safety, and to prevent tiles from breaking, we’d suggest not walking on your roof.Clay tile is especially fragile and is almost guaranteed to break if you get on it. Instead, use binoculars to eye your roof from a distance. Also, you can get up on a ladder at various places around your roof.

OK, enough of the PSA. Now you need to know what to look for. Get on your ladder and look for these common roofing problems:

Problem #1: Broken or Missing Tiles

Missing or broken tiles can allow the roof underlayment (waterproofing element) to erode. How? Well, with a tile gone, the underlayment is now vulnerable to the elements, like the sun and birds.

Problem #2: Organic Debris between Tiles

Organic debris (plant materials like mold and lichen) can literally eat away at the underlayment. Leaving your roof like this can void your roof’s warranty! If your roof is covered with piles of leaves, twigs, and other debris, schedule professional roofing maintenance as soon as possible.

Problem #3: Bad Flashing

Flashing (the non-trenchcoat variety) is the material around any pipes, vents or other protrusions on your roof. Bad or improper flashing can lead to water damage.

Problem #4: Water Damaged Fascia Boards

A fascia board is a long, straight board that runs along the lower edge of your tile roof. These boards may need repairing or replacing because they’re vulnerable to water and can rot.

Look for cracks and discoloration in the fascia boards around the roof.

Problem 5: Sagging Roof

If you see your tile roof sagging, then there are two possible problems:

  • Some roofing material has weakened
  • Your roof has too much weight

You may have to have a professional roofer coordinate with a structural engineer to analyze and correct any structural issues with your roof.

The Problem You Can't Easily See: Bad Underlayment

Everything so far is easy to spot. But bad underlayment is trickier to find because—true to its name—it’s under the tile, protecting your roof from water damage.

And getting up on your roof and uncovering all your tiles isn’t something you need to tackle.

So, here’s what you need to know: underlayment needs replacing every 12-20 years. If your roof is around that age and hasn’t been inspected in a while, call a Phoenix or Tucson area roofer for a roof inspection.​

Live in the Tucson or Phoenix area and want a roofing inspection or maintenance? Contact Lyons Roofing for help.

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