Is It Time To Replace Your Tile Roof Underlayment?

Here in the Grand Valley, there have been many tile roofs installed through the years.  Many of these tile roofs are nearing that 20-to-30-year age and may be showing signs of underlayment failure.  They may need a tile underlayment replacement.

A “tile underlayment replacement” refers to the process of removing and replacing the waterproof membrane, typically made of felt or a synthetic material, that sits beneath the ceramic, cement or clay tiles on a roof.  The underlayment is essentially the layer responsible for preventing water leaks from penetrating the roof structure even though the tiles themselves are present and are in good condition.  Although the tiles themselves, depending on the construction, can last from 50 to 100 years, the underlayment’s life span is less lengthy.  This process usually needs to be done every 20-30 years as the underlayment can degrade over time and is often considered a part of routine roof maintenance for tile roofs. 

Why it’s important:

While tiles are designed to last long, the underlayment is the primary barrier against water, so replacing it when necessary is crucial to prevent leaks and damage to the interior of your home. 

When to consider replacement:

  • Age of the roof: If your tile roof is nearing 20-30 years old, it’s a good time to assess the underlayment condition. 
  • Visible signs of wear: Cracked, curled, or missing tiles can indicate a compromised underlayment. 
  • Water stains inside: If you notice water stains on ceilings or walls, it could be a sign of a failing underlayment. 

Process of replacement: 

  • Removal of existing tiles: Kruger Roofing will carefully remove the existing tiles to access the underlayment. 
  • Inspection of the roof deck: The roof deck will be inspected for any damage before installing the new underlayment.  The damaged decking will be replaced by Kruger Roofing.
  • Installation of new underlayment: The old underlayment is removed and replaced with a new layer of underlayment, ensuring proper overlapping and sealing. 
  • Reinstallation of tiles: Once the new underlayment is in place, the tiles are carefully placed back on the roof.