How Much Does It Cost to Replace Tile Roof Underlayment

The cost to replace underlayment on a tile roof varies with materials, roof size, accessibility, and labor rates; this guide explains typical price ranges, key factors, and practical tips for homeowners to estimate expenses accurately.

Item	Typical Cost Range
Underlayment Material (per 100 sq ft)	$25 – $300
Labor (per square)	$100 – $400
Complete Replacement (small roof 1,000 sq ft)	$1,500 – $6,000
Complete Replacement (medium 2,000 sq ft)	$3,000 – $12,000
Complete Replacement (large 3,000 sq ft)	$4,500 – $18,000

Typical Cost Range For Replacing Tile Roof Underlayment

National averages for underlayment replacement on tile roofs typically run between $1.50 and $6.00 per square foot inclusive of labor and materials, but extremes exist depending on product quality and roof complexity.

Lower-cost projects using felt underlayment and straightforward access can be near the bottom of the range, while high-end synthetic underlayments and difficult removals push projects to the top.

Factors That Affect The Total Price

Roof Size And Pitch: Larger roofs require more materials and labor; steep or multi-level roofs increase labor hours and safety measures, raising costs significantly.

Type Of Underlayment: Asphalt-saturated felt is cheapest, followed by rubberized asphalt and premium synthetic underlayments that can be several times more expensive but offer longer life and better protection.

Tile Removal And Reinstallation: Many tile roofs require lifting or removing tiles to access underlayment; careful removal and reinstallation add labor time and may risk tile breakage that adds replacement costs.

Extent Of Damage: If sheathing or rafters are rot-damaged, framing repairs are required; structural repairs can quickly surpass the underlayment cost and require separate permits and inspections.

Local Labor Rates And Seasonality: Urban areas and regions with high labor demand have higher hourly rates; roofing contractor availability during peak seasons can also affect pricing.

Materials And Labor Breakdown

Common Underlayment Options: Asphalt Felt (15# or 30#) costs about $25–$60 per 100 sq ft, Rubberized Asphalt $100–$180 per 100 sq ft, and Synthetic Underlayments $80–$300 per 100 sq ft depending on brand and performance.

Labor Costs: Professional roofing labor for underlayment replacement commonly ranges $100–$400 per roofing square (100 sq ft). Labor increases with tile handling time, complexity, and safety equipment needs.

Tile Handling: Removing, stacking, and reinstalling tiles typically adds $1.00–$3.00 per sq ft to the job, and broken tiles may need replacement at $3–$10 per tile depending on material and availability.

Additional Materials: Flashing, fasteners, ice-and-water barriers, ridge vents, and sealants can add several hundred dollars to a job; specialty flashing for chimneys and skylights increases the cost accordingly.

Signs That Underlayment Needs Replacement

Interior Water Stains Or Active Leaks: Water spots on ceilings or attic wetness indicate the underlayment may have failed, especially around penetrations like vents and chimneys.

Visible Sagging Or Mold In Attic: A damp or moldy attic, insulation with moisture, or sheathing sag can signal prolonged underlayment failure and possible structural damage.

Tile Slippage Or Persistent Wind-Driven Rain Issues: If tiles shift regularly in storms or rain visibly passes beneath tiles, the underlayment might not be providing proper secondary waterproofing.

DIY Versus Professional Replacement

DIY Considerations: While a skilled DIYer can replace underlayment on small, low-slope tile roofs, tile handling, safety gear, and proper nailing or adhesive techniques are essential; mistakes can cause leaks or void tile warranties.

Professional Advantages: Experienced roofers bring safety systems, knowledge of local codes, equipment for tile removal and replacement, and warranty-backed workmanship; professionals more reliably identify hidden rot or ventilation issues during the project.

When Professionals Are Necessary: Complex rooflines, steep pitches, multi-story homes, or significant sheathing damage generally require professional crews to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.

How To Get Accurate Estimates

Request Multiple Written Quotes: Obtain at least three itemized bids that separate material, labor, tile handling, and any potential structural repairs so comparisons are apples-to-apples.

Ask About Underlayment Brands And Warranties: Contractors should specify underlayment brand, weight, and warranty; premium synthetic products often carry manufacturer warranties that can affect long-term value.

Inspect For Hidden Damage: Confirm the estimate includes an attic inspection for sheathing rot and a contingency for discovered damage; exactly defined change-order processes prevent surprise bills.

Verify Contractor Credentials: Check licenses, insurance, local references, and review actual photos of similar completed jobs to assess workmanship and reliability.

Ways To Save On Replacement Costs

Plan Work In Off-Season: Scheduling underlayment replacement during slow seasons can lead to lower labor rates and faster scheduling availability from reputable contractors.

Bundle Roof Projects: Combining underlayment replacement with other planned roofing work—such as flashing replacement or partial tile repairs—often yields contractor discounts versus separate mobilizations.

Consider Mid-Tier Underlayment: Choosing a quality mid-range synthetic underlayment balances performance and cost better than cheapest felt or top-tier specialty products for many homeowners.

Obtain Multiple Material Options: Ask contractors to price the job with alternative underlayment options so the homeowner can weigh upfront costs versus lifecycle performance and warranty benefits.

Insurance And Permit Considerations

Insurance Coverage: Standard homeowner policies usually cover sudden roof damage from perils like storms, but not wear-and-tear; verify whether the damage triggering underlayment replacement qualifies for a claim and understand deductibles.

Permits And Code Compliance: Some municipalities require permits for full underlayment replacement, particularly if flashing or sheathing work is involved; contractors typically handle permit pulls but homeowners should confirm this is included.

Historic Or Specialty Tiles: Replacement for homes with historic or custom tiles may require match sourcing and additional approvals; these factors can add time and cost to the project.

Longevity Expectations And Maintenance

Expected Lifespan By Material: Asphalt felt often lasts 10–20 years, rubberized asphalt 20–30 years, and high-quality synthetic underlayments 30+ years under tile, depending on climate and installation quality.

Regular Roof Inspections: Annual or biannual inspections, especially after severe weather, help identify underlayment issues early and can prevent costly structural repairs later.

Ventilation And Attic Health: Proper attic ventilation and moisture control extend underlayment life by limiting condensation and heat buildup that accelerate material degradation.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Skipping Tile Replacement Estimates: Not accounting for broken or mismatched tile replacement often leads to surprise costs during reinstallation; request tile inventory and potential replacement pricing up front.

Choosing Lowest Bid Without Details: A low bid lacking specifics on materials, warranty, or scope can indicate reduced quality; prefer detailed bids that explain product types and installation methods.

Ignoring Ventilation Or Flashing Issues: Replacing only underlayment without addressing defective flashing or ventilation misses root causes of failure and may necessitate repeat work sooner than expected.

Checklist For Homeowners Before Starting Replacement

• Obtain Three Itemized Bids That List Materials, Labor, Tile Handling, And Contingencies
• Confirm Contractor Insurance And Licensing And Check Recent References
• Request Product Specs And Warranties For The Underlayment Being Installed
• Ask For A Written Timeline And Cleanup Policy Including Tile Storage And Broken Tile Disposal
• Verify Permit Responsibility And Any Inspection Requirements