1. The Tile Paradox: Indestructible Tiles on Perishable Underlayment
Spanish mission 'S' tiles, Mediterranean barrel clay, and flat shake concrete tiles give Southern California homes their iconic architectural elegance.
When properly fired, clay tiles do not rot, curl, or burn. In fact, Spanish clay tiles routinely last 75 to 100 years. So why do 20-year-old tile roofs across Quartz Hill, Palmdale, and Monrovia suddenly begin leaking into living rooms and master closets?
Because tiles are designed as a decorative "water-shedding" shield. Water and driving wind drive rain between tile overlaps and into valley waterways. The true waterproof barrier is the asphalt underlayment installed directly against the wooden plywood roof deck.
Builder-grade #30 organic felt underlayment dries into brittle, potato-chip flakes under hot tile within 15-20 years. Once brittle, rainwater finds rust-pitted nail holes and pours directly into your attic.
2. What Is a Tile "Lift & Reset"?
A Tile Lift and Reset (also called a Tile R&R: Remove and Reinstall) is an intricate, highly specialized roofing procedure:
1. Tile Demolition & Staging: Our technicians systematically remove the existing ridge caps and field tiles, inspecting each tile for chips or cracks, and safely stacking them on padded pallets.
2. Decking Remediation: We strip away all brittle felt down to the bare plywood. Any dry-rotted or termite-damaged decking around valleys and eaves is replaced with new CDX plywood.
3. High-Temperature SBS Underlayment: We install two layers of premium self-adhering or mechanically fastened synthetic/SBS modified underlayment rated to withstand 240°F under tile baking conditions.
4. New Flashing & Battens: We install brand new 26-gauge galvanized or copper valley pans, bird stops at the eaves to keep out pests, and pressure-treated battens for elevated airflow.
5. Tile Re-Installation: The original tiles are re-laid, interlocking seamlessly, with new stainless steel screws and hurricane wire clips.
3. Saving 40% to 50% Compared to Brand New Tile
Purchasing brand new clay or concrete tiles for a 3,500 sq ft home can cost $12,000 to $20,000 in raw material and freight costs alone.
By salvaging and resetting your home’s existing tiles, you preserve the natural weathered patina of your home, keep thousands of pounds of heavy tiles out of local landfills, and save roughly 45% compared to purchasing new tile systems.
Best of all, with modern SBS polymer underlayment installed beneath, your roof deck receives a brand new 30-year to 50-year waterproofing warranty.
We install molded aluminum bird stops and mortar closures along all eave channels to prevent pigeons, swallows, and desert rodents from nesting beneath your tiles.
4. Precision Workmanship by APR In-House Tile Specialists
Tile Lift & Resets require immense skill and delicate handling so that original tiles are not broken during tear-off. Unlike general contractors who subcontract their roofing, APR Roofing uses 100% in-house trained craftsmen who specialize in clay and concrete tile architecture.
Call our office at (661) 406-0863 to schedule a free tile inspection and get an honest assessment of your underlayment condition.