Tile roofs are extremely popular, especially in areas that experience significant sunshine throughout the year. They are long lasting, environmentally friendly, energy efficient, low maintenance, and create a great look for your home. While the tiles are an incredibly important part of a tile roofing system, the underlayment is almost equally important.
Underlayment is the key to protecting your roof and the rest of your home from damage.
Craven Construction always encourages educating yourself on your home and everything that keeps it functioning. Your roof is one of the essential pieces of the house and understanding the importance of the underlayment will ensure you are properly caring for it. To help you, we have put together this guide to understanding your tile roof underlayment.
What Is Tile Roof Underlayment?
The first line of defense against the elements are your tiles, the underlayment is often seen as a secondary barrier. Underlayment is a water resistant material that is installed between the roof deck and tiles. Typically one or two layers is installed as a part of the roofing system to ensure your home is protected in the event that the tiles fail.
There are several types of roofing underlayment, including traditional or synthetic, that can be used for a tile roof. Many roofers choose synthetic because of its advantages over tradition, including being budget friendly. Regardless of the type used for your tile roof, ensuring it provides the necessary protection from the elements is most important. Discussing your options with your local roofing contractor will help you further understand your roof’s needs.
An Added Layer Of Protection
Like we said before, underlayment provides a necessary additional layer of protection. For example, if a few tiles are cracked or slip during heavy rains, your home is at risk of a leak forming. The longer the lower layers of the roofing system are exposed, the worse the damage can be. However, if the roof has the proper underlayment, large leaks and significant damage can be prevented.
How Long Does The Underlayment Last?
Tile roofs can last upwards of 50 years with proper maintenance. Replacing the underlayment is vital to ensuring your tile roof lasts as long as it should. Typically, the underlayment will last anywhere from 10 to 30 or more years. Of course this is based on the upkeep, repairs, weather, and other elements that can shorten or lengthen its lifespan. Ensuring your tile roof is professionally installed and cared for will help it last as long as possible.
Signs The Tile Roofing Underlayment Needs Replaced
Weather and age can take a toll on your roofing system and cause the underlayment to wear faster than the tile. Luckily, the underlayment can be replaced while keeping your same tiles. Here are a few signs that it is time to have the underlayment replaced:
- Missing / Damaged Tiles – If you have tiles that are damaged or missing, it is exposing the underlayment to the elements. The longer you wait to have the tiles replaced, the more extensive the underlayment will be damaged.
- Water Circles – A very clear sign that your roofing system has a leak is water circles inside your home. If your home has water circles showing on walls or ceilings, you will want to have your roof inspected and likely the underlayment replaced.
- Soffit, Fascia, or Gutter Damage – When any of the parts of your roofing system are damaged, water will not have a way of escaping. As it sits on your roof, it can cause additional damage to your underlayment. You will want to have the underlayment examined while your roofer is looking at the damaged pieces.
- Age – Sometimes, nothing happens that damages the roof and simply age is the determining factor in getting work done on your roof. Have your local roofing company examine your roof and ask them for an estimated age on the underlayment. Discuss your options to determine what is best for your roof at this time.
Your East Valley Tile Roofer
Tile roofs are incredibly popular in the East Valley. If you are in need of a professional tile roofer, contact Craven Construction today. We offer over 20 years of tile roofing experience and are available to assess your roofing needs. Our team is experienced with roofs of every size and will make sure you are taken care of the first time. Call our office to schedule your FREE estimate for any tile roofing repairs, maintenance, or complete re-roof needs.
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About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.