A tile roof is a beautiful type of roofing that you can choose for your housing. It is well-suited for harsh hot climates and summer storms too. However, this climate may adversely affect the asphalt felt that is layered between the roof and the deck.
Therefore, when deciding whether to install the roofing, it is important to determine the lifespans of both the tile and the felt underlayment along with factors that can lower its lifespan.
How Long Does the Underlayment Last?
The lifespan of your tile roof underlayment depends on the conditions that the roof is exposed to. In scorching environments or very cold, it gets degraded faster than in a warm climate. However, it will generally be degraded more quickly than your tile roofing at any climatic condition and you will have to replace it.
Asphalt felt, the most common type of underlayment has a lifespan of between 20 to 30 years. However, in extreme extended conditions, its lifespan can be cut by half. Fortunately, new rubberised or synthetic asphalt underlayment has a longer lifespan of between 25 and 35 years. Synthetic underlayment has better tear resistance and stability than the felt paper type, while rubberised ones have high polymer concentration to enhance their waterproof qualities.
The key to ensuring that the underlayment lasts longer is regular inspections. Roofing experts recommend that you inspect the underlayment every three to five years and carry out any corrective repairs. If it fails, water is likely to seep into your deck and threaten your house’s structural integrity.
The age of roofing felt alone is rarely enough to determine whether replacement is necessary. During inspections, our experienced roofers often find that two roofs of a similar age can be in very different conditions depending on ventilation, previous repairs, exposure to prevailing weather, and whether moisture has been allowed to remain trapped beneath the tiles over time. Rather than recommending replacement based solely on age, Multiform Roofing assesses how well the underlay continues to perform its protective role, looking for signs such as brittleness, deterioration around fixings, loss of flexibility, or evidence of persistent moisture ingress. Drawing on over 30 years of roofing experience, Director Stephen Morgan understands that identifying these early warning signs can often help homeowners plan maintenance before water damage reaches the roof structure, reducing the likelihood of more extensive and costly repairs later.
How Long Does the Tile Roof Last?
According to Multiform Roofing Ltd, the tile roof’s lifespan depends on the material used and its maintenance. In best weather conditions, concrete tiles last for at least 50 years. They are also the least expensive. On the other hand, slate tile roofs last between 75 years and 200 years if you maintain them well. If you go for a clay roof, they will last between 50 years and 100 years.
What is the Cost of the Roof Underlayment Replacement?
Most contractors charge per square foot, such as 100 square feet. In the process, you may lose about 10% of your tiles. For example, replacing garage roof underlayment will take an additional 10% of the original installation cost for the garage roof replacement. A complex roof may also cost more to replace its underlayment. Inspection costs just a fraction of the cost.
