Why is my roof leaking? What are my options?

Concrete: If the water is penetrating through the tar paper, then isolate the leak, pull back the concrete tiles, install new tar paper and re-install the old concrete. This can be done for a small area or the entire roof. If water is penetrating the structure, this can be a good time to upgrade the roof material to a lighter, stronger and more energy efficient product. Broken Concrete: Broken concrete accelerates sun damage to tar paper. Holes in tar paper develop and you will never know until the leak occurs. Tar paper loses its ability to shed water. Tar paper loses oil and becomes as brittle as dry paper. TO REPAIR: Options include new paper and original concrete or new concrete for area leaking or for entire roof – OR – replace roofing material with a different material.
Concrete: Dirt and debris collect under the concrete tiles, further damaging the tar paper. REPAIR: Remove tar paper and old flashing, install new and re-lay old or new concrete or new roof material. Trim pieces become loose due to earthquake, wind, improper nailing, etc. Best to renail any loose or hanging trim pieces. Tar paper is too worn to keep the water out. Water runs into a wall, flashing is not keeping water from flowing into home. REPAIR: Remove tar paper, replace with new tar paper and relay old concrete, plus install a new cricket against the roof to wall.
Composition Shingle: Common sun damage after approx. 10 years. REPAIR: Initial repair will be to replace the affected trim plus reseal all flashing.
Concrete Tile: Broken concrete tile does not protect the tar paper, allowing quicker sun damage and more debris to collect under the tiles. REPAIR: Must tear up affected area and install new tar paper.