Tempe neighborhood
Roofing services in The Lakes, Tempe, Arizona
The Lakes is a 1970s planned community in Tempe, south of Baseline Road and east of Rural Road, built around a man-made lake with about five miles of shoreline. Its homes, townhomes and patio homes are now about 50 years old, so most have been re-roofed at least once and flat or low-slope sections need regular upkeep.
About The Lakes
The Lakes was planned around 1969 as a 300-acre, water-oriented community for young families. It was founded in 1971, and Tempe History Museum photos show construction under way in 1973. It sits south of Baseline Road and east of Rural Road, with Lakeshore Drive running through the middle.
A man-made lake with about five miles of shoreline winds through the neighborhood, and many waterfront homes have private docks. Housing includes single-family ranch homes, Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes, townhomes, patio homes and a smaller number of condos, mostly built in the 1970s with some from the 1980s. The Lakes Community Association maintains the lake and runs the Lakes Beach and Tennis Club.
Roofing considerations for The Lakes homes
- Roofs on their second or third round. A 1970s home has almost certainly been re-roofed. Knowing when, and with what, guides the next decision.
- Flat and low-slope sections. Many homes of this era have flat roofs or low-slope areas with foam, built-up roofing or coatings that need periodic renewal.
- Townhomes and condos. Attached buildings may have association-maintained roofs or shared rooflines between owners.
- Waterfront trees and birds. Shade trees and waterfowl along the shore mean more debris in gutters and drains.
- Compact lots. Homes sit close together, so roof access, material staging and neighbor coordination take planning.
How Arizona weather affects roofs in The Lakes
- Extreme heat and UV. Summer roof surfaces get far hotter than the air. Years of heat and UV dry out tile underlayment, age shingles and break down roof coatings.
- Monsoon storms. Arizona's monsoon season runs June 15 to September 30. Sudden wind gusts lift tiles and shingles, and short, heavy downpours find any weak spot in flashing or underlayment.
- Dust storms and debris. Haboobs and wind-blown debris fill valleys, gutters and flat-roof drains, which can back water up under roofing.
- Winter rain. Slow, steady winter rains expose small leaks that summer storms started.
Most roof trouble in the Valley starts small. A spring and fall inspection catches it early. See our monsoon roof tips for a checklist.
Roofing services for The Lakes
We handle roof leak repairs, foam and coated flat roofs, shingle and tile work, inspections for buyers and sellers, and complete re-roofs throughout The Lakes.
Roofing services in The Lakes
The Lakes roofing questions
Who provides roof repairs in The Lakes, Tempe?
Payne Roofing repairs and replaces roofs in The Lakes and throughout Tempe. We are a family-owned contractor based in Gilbert, licensed under ROC #138549 and #194202, and we have served Arizona since 1984. We work on foam, flat, shingle and tile roofs. Call 480-988-9250 for a free estimate.
My home in The Lakes is from the 1970s. What roof should I expect?
Most likely a replacement roof, possibly not the first. Homes this age often have flat or low-slope sections with foam, built-up roofing or coatings, sometimes combined with shingle or tile. An inspection identifies each material, its age and condition, so you can plan repairs or replacement.
How often does a foam roof need recoating?
Typically every 5 to 10 years, depending on the coating used and how much sun the roof gets. The coating protects the foam from UV. If you see bare foam, chalky or cracked coating, or soft spots, schedule a check; recoating on time is far less work than repairing damaged foam.
Who handles roof repairs on a townhome in The Lakes?
It depends on the association that governs your building. Some townhome and condo associations maintain roofs, while others leave each owner responsible for the section over their unit. Your CC&Rs or the association manager can confirm. We can inspect and explain what we find to owners and associations alike.
Do waterfront homes need extra roof maintenance?
Usually a bit more cleaning. Trees near the water drop leaves, and birds and waterfowl add debris that collects in gutters, scuppers and roof drains. Clearing drains in spring and fall keeps water moving off flat sections during storms and reduces wear on the roof surface.
Talk to a roofer who knows Arizona roofs.
Call for a free estimate. Open Monday through Friday 7–5 and Saturday 8–2.