Tile Underlayment Replacement in Phoenix, AZ
On a Phoenix tile roof, the underlayment is the actual wear item. The 30# organic felt installed before 2005 fails at year 18 to 22 in Phoenix UV, while the tiles themselves are good for 50 years or more. Lift-and-relay (also called tile underlayment replacement or reroof) is the path that reuses the existing tile, installs new high-heat self-adhered underlayment, and gives another 25 to 30 years of life at roughly half the cost of a full tear-off with new tile. A vetted AZ ROC C-42 roofer scopes deck condition, flashing replacement, and the right underlayment for the slope and tile profile.
What tile underlayment replacement actually involves
Palletized removal of existing concrete or clay tile to the property in stacks, with breakage typically running 3 to 8 percent.
Inspection and selective replacement of OSB or plywood decking per 2018 IRC R803.
Installation of Polyglass Polystick TU Plus, Henry Blueskin RF200HT, or GAF FeltBuster HT self-adhered or two-ply mechanically attached underlayment rated to 240°F continuous.
Replacement of all valley metal, pipe flashings, vent flashings, and chimney counter-flashing during the relay.
Reinstallation of the original tile with new fasteners, wire ties, or hurricane clips per 2018 IRC R905.3.
Phoenix-specific things to know
- 30# felt installed under 1990s Ahwatukee, Anthem, and Stetson Hills tile roofs is now paper-dry and crumbles when lifted, with no waterproofing capacity left.
- Roof decking OSB at valleys and eaves on 1995 to 2005 Desert Ridge tract homes shows delamination from 25 years of trapped condensation under failing underlayment.
- Hip and ridge mortar from the original install crumbles during tile removal, requiring the switch to a FlexRidge or RidgeMaster Plus mechanical system at relay.
- Pipe boot collars from the original 1990s install are cracked but hidden under tile until the field comes off, making relay the right moment to replace them.
- Hurricane clip absence on pre-2003 Phoenix tile installs becomes a code issue at relay; 2018 IRC R905.3.7 requires hurricane clips on hip and rake tiles for Phoenix wind zone.
Typical tile underlayment replacement pricing in Phoenix
$13,000–$24,000
Typical for a 2,800 to 3,400 sq ft tile roof at $5 to $8 per sq ft for the lift-and-relay. New flashings and decking replacement add to the base. Steep pitches and complex cut-ups push the high end.
What to ask each pro you compare
- ✓What underlayment do you spec, and what is its high-temperature rating? (Polystick TU Plus is rated 260°F continuous; Henry Blueskin RF200HT is rated 240°F.)
- ✓Will you replace all valley metal, pipe boots, vent flashings, and chimney counter-flashing as part of the scope?
- ✓How do you handle tile breakage during removal, and is the replacement tile cost (typically 3 to 8 percent of the field) included in the quote?
- ✓Will you install hurricane clips on hip and rake tiles per 2018 IRC R905.3.7 if they were missing on the original install?
- ✓Do you reset hip and ridge tiles with new mortar or with a Boral FlexRidge or RidgeMaster Plus mechanical system?
- ✓Are you pulling the City of Phoenix reroof permit, and is the framing inspection included if any decking is replaced?
Our vetting standard for tile underlayment replacement pros
- ✓Active AZ ROC C-42 license verified within the last 30 days, with at least 5 years documented in tile underlayment replacement specifically.
- ✓Manufacturer-approved installer status for the underlayment brand quoted (Polyglass, Henry, or GAF), required for the 25 to 30 year material warranty.
- ✓General liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and workers' comp meeting ADOSH thresholds.
- ✓Detailed itemized proposal listing underlayment brand and spec, all flashing replacements, hurricane clip installation, hip and ridge system, and tile breakage allowance.
- ✓References from at least 5 Phoenix lift-and-relay projects completed in the last 24 months in the same tile profile (S-tile, flat tile, Spanish tile, or barrel tile).
Tile Underlayment Replacement: common questions
How long does new underlayment last on a Phoenix tile roof?
Is a lift-and-relay cheaper than a full tile roof replacement?
How long does a Phoenix tile lift-and-relay take?
Will the relayed tile look the same as before?
Do I need a permit for tile underlayment replacement in Phoenix?
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