cost to replace tile roof underlayment

Breaking Down the Cost to Replace Tile Roof Underlayment: What to Expect

It’s no secret that Phoenix summers are hot, and they may be getting hotter.

According to the National Weather Service, 2020 saw the most days above 100 degrees on record.

Tile is one of the best roofing materials for a climate like ours in large part because of its ability to store heat, slowing down the heat transfer inside your home.

Plus, roofing tiles can have a lifespan of over 50 years when properly installed.

However, you’ll need to replace the underlayment before that time is up.

Let’s talk about the cost to replace tile roof underlayment so you can decide if a tile roof is the right choice for your home.

Tile Roof Underlayment Material Costs

One of the biggest factors that will impact the cost of replacing tile roofing underlayment is the material you use.

Let’s take a quick look at the price range of different underlayment materials and their benefits.

Felt Underlayment

Felt underlayment, also referred to as asphalt-saturated felt or roofing felt paper, is not what you might expect.

Unlike crafting felt, it isn’t soft to the touch.

Instead, it’s made of asphalt-saturated paper.

Oftentimes, this paper comes from recycled materials.

Felt underlayment is generally considered the most economical choice, costing between $0.05 and $0.55 per square foot.

However, it is also the least durable option.

Synthetic Underlayment

Synethic underlayment is a popular choice because it combines affordability with durability.

You’ll often find synthetic underlayments comprised of materials like polypropylene.

Because synthetic underlayment is lightweight, it’s one of the easier options to install.

You can expect to pay between $0.10 and $0.65 per square foot for synthetic underlayment.

We recommend synthetic underlayment to most Arizona homeowners because it’s so adept at withstanding high temperatures.

Rubberized Underlayment

Rubberized underlayment is the most expensive option on the market, containing high levels of asphalt and rubber polymers.

This combination makes rubberized underlayment the most waterproof option for tile roofs.

Rubberized underlayment tends to run between $0.20 and $0.90 per square foot.

If you’re going to use rubberized underlayment in Arizona, you need to use a product formulated to withstand high temperatures, not just water.

Labor Costs

The second biggest factor in the cost to replace tile roof underlayment is labor.

Here are the three primary forms of labor your residential roofing contractors will provide while replacing your underlayment.

Removal and Reinstallation of Tile

As we mentioned earlier, roofing tiles almost always outlast roofing underlayment.

Underlayment is the last material laid on your roof deck before roofers lay tiles, meaning that to replace the underlayment, you’ll first need to remove the tiles.

The good news is that most of your tiles should survive this process.

In other words, you’ll need to pay for the labor of tile removal and reinstallation, but not the cost of brand new tiles.

Underlayment Installation

It should come as no surprise that the primary labor cost on this project is the cost of underlayment installation.

Roofers may base their total underlayment installation cost on factors like time and difficulty.

Make sure you’re partnering with affordable roofers who won’t sacrifice quality.

Pricing transparency will go a long way toward helping you budget for a project like underlayment installation.

Additional Roof Maintenance

It’s not uncommon for roofing contractors to discover damage when getting ready to replace underlayment.

For example, they may need to address issues with:

  • The roof decking (e.g., mold, mildew, or sagging)
  • Flashing (e.g, water leaks around the chimney)
  • Sticks or battens

Neglecting these areas when replacing the underlayment will almost always lead to higher-cost problems down the road.

You’re better off investing in repairs as soon as your roofer notices an issue.

Additional Underlayment Replacement Cost Considerations

There are a few more factors that will determine your total underlayment replacement cost.

These factors range from the size of your roof to the removal and replacement of rooftop equipment.

Size and Complexity of Your Roof

You may have noticed that we broke down the cost of underlayment materials by square foot.

Because each roof has specific measurements, the total amount of underlayment you need will vary, impacting your final price.

Complexity is also an important factor.

Unique features like dormers and valleys make the job more difficult to complete, which may result in higher labor costs.

Tile Replacement

As we mentioned earlier, your roofers will remove and reinstall your tiles during an underlayment replacement.

The vast majority of those tiles should survive the process.

However, we do warn homeowners that an estimated 10% of tiles will need replacing.

Some may be broken or damaged before we begin and others may break during the removal process.

Rooftop Equipment

Environment America recently reported that Phoenix is among the top ten U.S. cities for solar panels.

If you’re one of the many Phoenix homeowners with rooftop solar panels, you’ll need to pay to remove and reinstall them in order to replace your underlayment.

Oftentimes, experienced roofers can incorporate this process into their work.

However, some homeowners may need to hire solar specialists to complete this portion of the job.

What Is the Average Cost to Replace Tile Roof Underlayment?

According to Home Guide, the average national cost to replace tile roof underlayment ranges from $1,000 to $9,000.

That’s a huge range, which can leave homeowners unprepared for how much they’ll actually pay.

The best way to find out how much your tile roof underlayment replacement will cost is to request an estimate from your roofing contractor.

That way, you can discuss all of the specifics mentioned above and decide on the best materials for your home.

Call AZ Roofing Works for Quality Underlayment Repair

The cost to replace tile roof underlayment varies from job to job, with factors like underlayment materials and labor making the biggest difference.

AZ Roofing Works is here to provide high-quality, affordable roofing services in the Phoenix Valley area.

AZ Roofing Works has been in the roofing business since 2013.

We are proven experts and local pioneers in tile roofing, having installed and repaired thousands of tile roofs.

Contact us and request your free estimate to start planning your underlayment repair.


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