Average Cost to Replace a Tile Roof Underlayment

We Floridians love our tile roofs, and there are a lot of reasons to do so. Not only do these roofs look great on a wide variety of homes, but they offer 50 to 100+ years of protection. Unfortunately, though, your roof underlayment won’t last quite as long. But how much does it cost to replace tile roof underlayment, anyway?

We’re PITCH Roofing, and as your local tile roofing partners, we’re here to talk about this under-discussed piece of tile roof maintenance. Let’s talk about why you need to replace your tile roof’s underlayment and how much it will cost you!

Why Do You Need to Replace Tile Roof Underlayments?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their tile roof’s underlayment will need periodic replacing. After all, a big selling point for tile roofs is their longevity! So why do you need to regularly replace the underlayment on a roof that can last for up to a century?

Clay tiles may last for a century, but your underlayment is a very different material. When properly installed, your tiles will sit on battens, small strips of wood that themselves rest on top of your water-resistant underlayment. Your tiles move water off your roof to prevent it reaching your underlayment, but this is not a perfect system. Especially during a storm with high winds, wind can force water under your shingles and into your underlayment.

This isn’t a bad thing — it’s what your water-resistant underlayment is for, after all. Without your underlayment, your wooden roof decking could suffer severe water damage. This wear and tear does take a toll, though. Over time, the water breaks down the fibers in your underlayment, which is why it needs replacing.

On average, tile roof underlayments last 15-25 years in Florida. This means that you will almost certainly need to replace your underlayment at least once in your roof’s lifetime, if not multiple times. Now that we’ve covered the basics of your underlayment and how it works, let’s discuss the cost to replace a tile roof underlayment.

Average Cost to Replace a Tile Roof Underlayment in Florida

When considering the cost to replace a tile roof underlayment, many homeowners worry that they’re effectively going to have to pay for a roof replacement. But the good news is that replacing tile roof underlayments is much cheaper than replacing a roof. How much it costs will depend on a few factors, though.

Tile Roof Underlayment Material Costs

For one thing, underlayments come in different materials, each with its own cost. Prices can always vary, but generally your underlayment material costs will look something like this:

• Felt underlayment: This is the most budget-friendly option at $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot.
• Synthetic underlayment: The most popular option, this costs $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot.
• Rubberized underlayment: Great for warm climates like Florida, this underlayment costs $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot.

As you can see, the material cost to replace a tile roof underlayment is generally low. However, labor will make up a substantial portion of your underlayment replacement costs. Because while this job is much cheaper than a roof replacement, it’s still a lot of work.

Labor Costs of Replacing a Tile Roof Underlayment

A lot of time and labor goes into replacing your tile roof underlayment. Your tiles and battens need to be removed so that workers can access and replace your underlayment. Then your tiles need to be securely re-installed perfectly to ensure that your roof is safe and protected going forward.

The good news is that since you’re not paying for new roofing tiles, your overall costs are much lower than a tile roof replacement, despite the work of tearing off and replacing your roof being similar. On average, replacing a tile roof underlayment costs $1,700 to $4,000 in Florida. In some cases, though, that number can be as high as $8,000.

We never recommend choosing sub-par workers to keep your labor costs down. But choosing local roofers is a great way to lower labor costs without sacrificing quality or workmanship. Because we’re locally owned and operated, we don’t have the same overhead costs as roofing companies with offices across the country. This means better, personalized service at a much more affordable price point!

Get Your Free Estimate for Replacing a Tile Roof Underlayment

Having a price range is a great place to start when planning any roofing work. But it’s just that: a range. For a more accurate number, you’ll need to get a quote from roofers near you. Luckily, at PITCH we pride ourselves on our comprehensive tile roofing estimates.

To find out how much it will cost to replace your tile roof underlayment, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. We’ll personally measure your roof and answer any outstanding questions you have, then use that information to prepare an estimate tailored to your roof and your needs. And with comprehensive estimates from PITCH, there’s no guesswork or hidden fees!

Replacing your tile roof underlayment doesn’t have to be complicated. You already have a beautiful, high-quality roof; we just want to make sure it stays secure and keeps protecting your home. Reach out to our friendly roofing professionals today and let us show you what roofing done right looks like!

FAQs About Replacing Tile Roof Underlayments

1. Q: How can I keep down tile roof underlayment replacement costs?

A: There are a few things you can do to keep down the costs to replace a tile roof underlayment. These include using an affordable underlayment material, choosing licensed local roofers, and keeping your yard clear of debris to ensure that roofers have quick, easy access to your roof.

2. Q: If my roof is leaking, does that mean I need a new underlayment?

A: Sometimes a roof leak can be caused by damage to your underlayment. In other situations, though, there could be an issue with one of your roof’s penetrations. If you’re unsure whether or not you need a new underlayment, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to conduct a roof inspection.

3. Q: How can I make my underlayment last longer?

A: If your underlayment is damaged, then there is no way to undo that damage without replacing the underlayment. However, if your underlayment is still in good shape, then you have options. The best way to get more life out of your underlayment is to keep your tiles in good condition and keep up with regular roof inspections. Damaged tiles lead to damaged underlayment, so it’s best to keep your roofing system in top shape!

4. Q: Why don’t shingle roofs need underlayment replacements?

A: The truth is that most shingle roofs don’t last long enough to need underlayment replacements. By the time a shingle roof’s underlayment needs replacing, so do the shingles. Since tile roofs last for so much longer, however, this maintenance becomes necessary to prevent leaks and other roofing issues.

5. Q: Will getting a new underlayment improve my roof’s insulation?

A: Yes, a new underlayment can improve your roof’s insulation, especially if your current underlayment is heavily damaged. Felt underlayment is especially thick and heavy, which can provide additional insulation.