Tile Roof Underlayment Replacement in Florida: The Lift and Relay
Why tile roofs leak with perfect-looking tiles, the signs your underlayment is done, how a lift and relay works, and what it costs.
Tile roof underlayment replacement in Florida, often called a lift and relay, means lifting the tiles, replacing the worn underlayment underneath, repairing any bad decking, and resetting the original tiles. It's needed when the underlayment wears out at around 20 to 25 years, even though the tiles look fine. It's one of the biggest jobs in our roof leak repair in Valrico, FL, and common in River Hills.
Why tile roofs need new underlayment
The tiles shed most of the water and protect from sun, but the underlayment is the real waterproof layer. Under a hot Florida tile roof, traditional felt dries out, cracks and tears. Tiles can last 40 to 50 years or more; the underlayment usually doesn't make it past 20 to 25. See tile roof leak repair for smaller tile problems.
Signs your underlayment is worn out
- Leaks in heavy rain on a tile roof where no tiles are broken
- The roof is 20 years old or more, with the original felt
- Repairs in one area keep being followed by leaks somewhere else
- When a few tiles are lifted, the felt is brittle, cracked or torn
- Your insurer or a buyer's inspector has flagged the roof's age
How tile roof underlayment replacement in Florida works
- Permit.Usually required for this scope in Hillsborough County. See roof repair permits.
- Lift and stack the tiles.Carefully, so they can go back. Broken ones are set aside for replacement.
- Strip and repair.Old underlayment off, decking checked, rotted sheets replaced.
- New underlayment.A tile-rated product installed to current code, with new flashing where needed.
- Reset the tiles.Original tiles back on, breakages replaced with matches, ridges and hips re-set. Inspections and final.
What it costs
South Florida pricing for tile underlayment replacement runs about $4 to $9 per square foot, roughly $8,000 to $12,000 for a 1,500 sq ft roof (Foxhaven Roofing). A lift and relay typically costs around 50% to 65% of a brand-new tile roof (Foxhaven tile cost guide). Your written price depends on the roof size, pitch, tile type and decking.
Lift and relay, or a new tile roof?
If most tiles are sound and still made, a lift and relay keeps the look and saves the cost of new tile. If many tiles are broken, faded or discontinued, a new roof can be the better spend. On pre-2007 roofs, also check the Florida 25% roof rule. We'll show you photos either way, so you can weigh up tile roof underlayment replacement in Florida with the facts in front of you.
Tile underlayment questions
How long does tile roof underlayment last in Florida?
Typically about 20 to 25 years with traditional felt, depending on the product and how hot the roof gets. The tiles on top usually last much longer.
How much does tile underlayment replacement cost?
South Florida pricing runs about $4 to $9 per square foot including removing and resetting the tiles, roughly $8,000 to $12,000 for a 1,500 sq ft roof. A lift and relay typically costs around half to two-thirds of a brand-new tile roof.
Can I keep my existing tiles?
Usually, yes. That's the point of a lift and relay. Some tiles break when lifted, so we replace those with matching or salvaged tiles.
Do I need a permit for underlayment replacement?
Replacing underlayment over a large area is a re-roof of that area and usually needs a Hillsborough County permit and inspections.
What underlayment do you use?
Modern synthetic or self-adhered underlayments rated for tile and Florida's building code. We'll show you the product on your estimate.
Tile roof leaking with no broken tiles?
Call (813) 555-0147 or text us a photo of the stain. We'll find where the water is getting in, show you, and give you a written price.