On a concrete or clay tile roof, the tile mostly protects from sun and sheds the bulk of the water. The waterproof layer is the underlayment beneath it. In the Tucson heat, older felt underlayments can dry out, crack, and tear, especially at valleys, eaves, and around penetrations.
How a lift-and-relay works
The usual approach is to remove the tiles, replace the underlayment and flashings as needed, and reinstall the tiles, swapping in matching replacements for any that are cracked. A roofer may suggest a different underlayment type; ask what they plan to use and why.
Questions to ask
- Which underlayment product, and how many layers?
- Will valley metal, drip edge, and pipe flashings be replaced?
- How will broken tiles be matched?
- Is a permit needed, and who pulls it?
- What does the written warranty cover, and for how long?
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Questions
Can I replace just one section of underlayment?
Sometimes a roofer will do a section, such as a valley or one slope. Whether it makes sense depends on the condition of the rest.
Can my old tiles be reused?
Often most can. Cracked or brittle tiles are replaced, and matching older profiles can take some searching.