If you have a tile roof in Arizona, you may eventually hear two different recommendations: replace the roof or do an R&R.
They aren’t the same thing — and understanding the difference can save you from replacing perfectly good tile unnecessarily.
What Is a Tile Roof R&R?
R&R stands for remove and reset.
During an R&R, your existing roof tiles are carefully removed and set aside. The old underlayment beneath them is removed, the roof deck is inspected and repaired where necessary, and new underlayment is installed.
Then the usable original tiles are put back in place.
A typical R&R includes:
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- Removing and stacking the existing tile
- Removing old underlayment
- Inspecting the roof decking
- Repairing damaged decking as needed
- Installing new underlayment
- Replacing or repairing flashing
- Reinstalling the existing tile
- Replacing broken or unusable tiles as needed
Why Replace the Underlayment but Keep the Tile?
Because on many Arizona homes, the tile lasts much longer than the material underneath it.
Concrete and clay roof tiles can remain usable for decades. The underlayment below them takes the brunt of Arizona’s extreme heat and eventually begins to deteriorate.
Once the underlayment starts failing, leaks can occur even when the tile itself still looks fine.
That’s why a leaking or aging tile roof does not automatically mean you need brand-new tile.
What Is a Full Tile Roof Replacement?
A full replacement involves removing the existing roofing system and installing new roofing materials, including new tile.
A full replacement may make more sense when:
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A significant amount of tile is broken or deteriorated
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The existing tile is too brittle to remove and reinstall
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Matching replacement tiles are difficult or impossible to find
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The homeowner wants a different roofing material or style
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There are broader problems with the existing roof system
Because new tile must be purchased in addition to replacing the underlayment and other roofing components, a full replacement typically costs more than an R&R.
R&R vs. Replacement: The Simple Difference
R&R: Remove the existing tile, replace the worn-out materials underneath it, then reinstall the usable tile.
Full replacement: Replace the underlying roofing system and install new tile.
For many Arizona tile roofs, an R&R can restore the waterproofing system without paying to replace tile that still has years of useful life.
How Do You Know Which One Your Roof Needs?
A roofer should evaluate the entire roofing system, including:
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Condition of the underlayment
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Condition of the existing tile
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Roof decking
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Flashing
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Roof penetrations
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Previous repairs
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Areas where leaks have occurred
If someone recommends replacing all of your tile, it’s reasonable to ask why the existing tile cannot be reused.
Sometimes full replacement is absolutely the right choice. Other times, an R&R addresses the actual problem at a substantially lower cost.
Get the Roof You Need — Not More Roof Than You Need
Enix Roofing has been roofing in Arizona for more than 40 years. We believe homeowners should understand what is actually failing before deciding how much of their roof needs to be replaced.
If your tile roof is leaking, aging, or you’ve been told it needs replacement, Enix Roofing can inspect it and determine whether a repair, R&R, or full replacement makes the most sense.
We serve homeowners throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, Phoenix, Sun Lakes, Sun City, Surprise, Maricopa, and surrounding communities.
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