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Who This Is For
This guide assists Phoenix homeowners, particularly in North Phoenix (85053) and Central City, who are managing roof failures. It is designed for those needing immediate monsoon storm repair or tile underlayment replacement. It also helps residents maximize savings through SRP Cool Roof rebates and verify Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Emergency Response: 78% of Phoenix roofing needs are urgent. Local pros offer 24/7 tarping to stop monsoon leaks immediately.
- Tile Strategy: You rarely need to replace concrete tiles. The lift and relay method replaces only the failed underlayment for 50% of the cost.
- Rebate Money: SRP offers up to $600 in rebates for installing cool roof materials with a Solar Reflectance of 0.83 or higher.
- License Trust: Always verify your contractor holds an R-42 or CR-42 license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to avoid liability.
Finding reliable roofing companies in Phoenix is a race against two clocks. You are fighting the silent degradation of the sun every day and the violent, sudden impact of the summer monsoon. While the heat cooks your underlayment year-round, the storm season often reveals the failure with a sudden ceiling leak.
Mr. Remodel data shows that 78% of local homeowners require service within 7 days. This high urgency often leads to panic hiring. However, choosing the wrong contractor can leave you with a roof that fails again in five years.
You need a partner who understands that Phoenix roofs fail differently from roofs in the rest of the country. You need a technical expert who knows how to save your concrete tiles and how to qualify your new roof for utility rebates.
The 24-Hour Monsoon Shield
When a microburst hits, you do not have time to wait for an estimate. Speed is the only metric that matters when water is entering your home.
Emergency Tarping
The first line of defense is stabilization. Reputable local contractors offer emergency tarping services. This involves securing a waterproof membrane over the damaged area to prevent further water intrusion. This buys you time to handle the insurance claim properly without letting the monsoon destroy your drywall and insulation.
The Tile Reality: Lift and Re-Lay
In neighborhoods like North Phoenix (85053) and Camelback East, thousands of homes have concrete tile roofs installed in the late 90s and early 2000s. A common myth is that you need to buy new tile when leaks start.
The Underlayment Failure
Concrete tile can last 50 years or more. However, the organic felt underlayment used 20 years ago typically dries out and cracks after about two decades in the Arizona heat. This felt is the actual waterproofing layer.
The smart strategy here is the Lift and Re-Lay.
- Carefully remove and stack your existing tiles.
- Strip the rotted felt paper down to the wood deck.
- Install a modern synthetic underlayment that is rated for high heat.
- Reinstall your original tiles.
This process saves you the massive cost of purchasing new tile while giving you a brand-new waterproof roof warranty.
SRP Cool Roof Rebates
Your roof should help pay your electric bill. SRP (Salt River Project) offers incentives to homeowners who install reflective roofing materials that reduce the heat load on the grid.
The 0.83 Standard
To qualify for the rebate of $0.30 per square foot (up to $600), you must install a product that meets strict reflectivity standards.
- Initial Solar Reflectance: Must be 0.83 or higher.
- Aged Solar Reflectance: Alternatively, a 3-year aged value of 0.70 or higher.
This applies specifically to the flat foam or coating systems often found on patios and additions in Central City (85003). It also applies to certain highly reflective shingles and tiles. We help you select materials that hit these numbers so you get the check in the mail.

Neighborhood Specifics: Central City vs. North Phoenix
The architecture of Phoenix varies by decade. Your zip code determines your roofing needs.
Central City (85003): Ventilation
Older homes in this area often have asphalt shingle roofs and poor attic ventilation. The attics become superheated ovens. The priority here is installing a Cool Roof System that includes ridge vents and solar attic fans. This continuously pulls hot air out of the attic, lowering the temperature of your living space and extending the life of your new shingles.
North Phoenix (85053): Tile Maintenance
Here, the focus is almost exclusively on the Lift and Re-Lay strategy. Homeowners should look for loose tiles or debris in the valleys. These are early signs that the underlayment below is failing. Catching this early prevents wood rot and keeps the restoration cost low.
Verifying the ROC License
Arizona is plagued by unlicensed storm chasers who appear after every monsoon. They collect deposits and vanish or do shoddy work that voids your insurance.
The R-42 and CR-42 License
You must verify that your roofer is licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
- R-42: Residential Roofing.
- CR-42: Commercial and Residential Roofing (Dual).
Never hire a contractor who cannot produce a valid ROC number. The state Recovery Fund protects you only if you hire a licensed professional. Unlicensed contractors often carry no liability insurance, meaning you are responsible if a worker falls off your roof.
Mr. Remodel can connect you with vetted, local roofing contractors who are licensed and insured.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new roof if my tile roof is leaking?
Usually no. If you have a concrete or clay tile roof, the leak is likely caused by the felt underlayment failing underneath. We can perform a lift and re-lay, which keeps your tiles but replaces the waterproofing layer. This is significantly cheaper than a full roof replacement.
How much is the SRP Cool Roof rebate?
SRP offers a rebate of $0.30 per square foot of installed cool roofing material up to a maximum of $600. The material must meet specific solar reflectance standards of 0.83 or higher.
How fast can you fix a monsoon leak?
Mr. Remodel partner contractors offer 24/7 emergency response. For active leaks, they can typically arrive to tarp the roof within a few hours. Permanent repairs are then scheduled once the storm passes and the roof is safe to walk on.
Is a permit required for roofing in Phoenix?
Yes. A building permit is required for re-roofing projects in Phoenix. This ensures the new roof meets wind uplift codes and fire safety ratings. Mr. Remodel can connect you to roofers who will handle the permitting process for you.
Storm-Proof Your Roof with Mr. Remodel
You can survive the Phoenix heat and the monsoon season with the right strategy. You should leverage the Lift and Re-Lay method to save your tiles. You must insist on SRP-qualified materials to lower your energy bills. And you should always check for the CR-42 license to protect your home.
Whether you need emergency tarping in Central City or a tile restoration in North Phoenix, there is a local expert ready to help.
Ready to storm-proof your home? Mr. Remodel will connect you with licensed local pros who specialize in monsoon defense and tile preservation.