Roof Replacement in Tucson: Tile, Flat, Shingle & Metal Roofs

Repair or replace?

A lot of Tucson roofs don't need replacing. They need a good repair. Replacement makes sense when leaks keep coming back in different places, when the waterproofing layer has worn out across the whole roof, or when the deck underneath has gone soft. Signs to watch for:

Leaks in several rooms, or after every heavy monsoon storm.
Stains spreading on ceilings or in the attic.
On tile roofs: many cracked or slipped tiles, and underlayment that is brittle or torn where it shows.
On flat roofs: ponding water, exposed or crumbling foam, or a coating worn through.
On shingle roofs: curling, cracked or bare shingles and granules collecting at the gutters.
A sagging or spongy deck.

If it's a single leak, start with our roof leak repair page.

Tucson roof types and how they're replaced

Concrete and clay tile

Tile itself lasts a long time. The waterproofing underneath it doesn't. Arizona home expert Rosie Romero writes that the underlayment under tile generally lasts about eight to 20 years, and that it, not the tile, is what actually protects the home (source). So a tile "replacement" is often a re-lay: the tiles come off and are stacked, new underlayment, battens and flashings go on, and the good tiles go back with broken ones replaced. See tile roof repair for smaller fixes.

Flat roofs: foam and built-up

Flat and low-slope roofs with parapets are common on Tucson homes. Spray foam roofs are protected by a coating that needs renewing; Rosie on the House recommends recoating a foam roof every five to 10 years (source). If the foam has been left exposed too long or water has soaked in, it's time to strip and replace. Built-up and rolled roofs are replaced when the membrane has cracked and blistered beyond patching. More on our flat roof repair page.

Asphalt shingle

Shingles are usually the most affordable roof to replace. A replacement means tearing off the old layers, checking and repairing the deck, new underlayment and edge metal, then new shingles and flashing.

Metal

Metal roofs cost more up front but are long-lived. This Old House lists a typical metal roof lifespan of 40 to 70 years. They suit sloped roofs and many modern and ranch designs.

AZ Atlas Builder Group crew installing a tile re-roof in Tucson

What a full replacement includes

Protection and tear-off. Landscaping and the house are protected, and the old roofing is removed (or tiles are lifted and stacked for a re-lay).
Deck inspection. We check the sheathing and framing for rot or damage and repair what's needed.
Underlayment and flashing. New underlayment, valley and wall flashing, pipe boots and edge metal. These details are where most leaks start.
New roofing. Tile, shingle, metal or a new flat roof system.
Roof edges and walls. On flat roofs, parapets and scuppers get attention too. Our own crew does stucco, so cracked parapet caps get fixed in the same job.
Clean-up and walk-through.

Permits in Tucson

Inside the City of Tucson, replacing roofing with the same type of material, like tile for tile or shingle for shingle, does not need a permit as long as no structural work is involved and the property is not in a Historic Preservation Zone, according to the City of Tucson's permit exemptions page. Structural roof work, including replacing sheathing, decking, joists or trusses, does need a permit, and so do new skylights and new roof vents. Switching to a different material falls outside that same-type exemption, so check with the city. Pima County and the towns set their own rules.

City of TucsonDo I need a permit? (roofing exemptions)Unincorporated Pima CountyDevelopment Services Town of Oro ValleyBuilding permits Town of MaranaApplications & permits Town of SahuaritaDo I need a permit?

Plan it before monsoon

The National Weather Service in Tucson defines the monsoon as June 15 through September 30. A roof replacement is much easier to schedule in the cooler, drier months before that. See our monsoon home prep guide for the full checklist.

How we replace roofs

Roofing is one of the trades our own crew does in house. We walk the roof, check the attic and deck where we can, explain whether repair or replacement makes more sense, and give you a written estimate. For what moves the price, read our roof replacement cost guide. AZ Atlas Builder Group is a licensed general contractor, AZ ROC #344537. See our main roofing page.

Common questions.

One leak or a few broken tiles usually means repair. Repeated leaks in different spots, worn-out underlayment across the roof, an exposed foam roof, or a soft deck point to replacement. We'll tell you which, and why.

Inside the City of Tucson, same-material replacement without structural work is exempt unless the home is in a Historic Preservation Zone. Replacing decking or framing, or adding skylights or vents, needs a permit. Pima County and the towns have their own rules.

Often, yes. Concrete and clay tiles usually outlast the underlayment beneath them, so a re-lay reuses good tiles over new underlayment and replaces broken ones.

Rosie on the House puts tile underlayment at roughly eight to 20 years. Heat, sun and how well the roof was installed all affect it.

It depends on the house. Tile suits sloped Spanish and ranch styles, foam and built-up roofs suit flat roofs with parapets, and metal and shingle are options on sloped roofs. We'll talk through cost, lifespan and upkeep for each.

Before monsoon season, which the National Weather Service in Tucson defines as June 15 through September 30. Spring and fall are the easiest to schedule.

Tell us about your project.

Takes about a minute. Photos help, especially for repairs.