Roof Tile Underlayment: The Hidden Hero of Your Tile Roof

What Is Roof Tile Underlayment?

Underlayment is a waterproof or water-resistant material installed beneath your roof tiles. While the tiles provide UV resistance and shield against wind and impact, they are not fully waterproof. The underlayment is what truly keeps water out, especially during Arizona’s monsoon storms or occasional snowfall in higher elevations.

Common types of underlayment include:

  • Felt Paper (30 lb.): Traditional and affordable, but breaks down faster under heat.
  • Synthetic Underlayment: Lightweight and resistant to mold and UV, with better durability than felt.
  • Modified Bitumen (Peel & Stick): Offers premium protection, especially in valleys and leak-prone areas.

Why Underlayment Fails (and When to Replace It)

Even though tile roofs can last 50 years or more, the underlayment typically wears out in 20 to 30 years, depending on the material, exposure, and installation quality. Signs that your underlayment is failing include:

  • Water Stains or Active Leaks: Especially around valleys, chimneys, or skylights.
  • Cracked or Slipped Tiles: These may expose damaged underlayment beneath.
  • Roof Age Over 20 Years: Even if there are no visible problems, the underlayment may be deteriorating underneath the surface.
  • Sagging Roof Sections or Soft Spots: Water intrusion over time can lead to wood rot beneath the underlayment.

If your roof tiles are still in good condition, you may not need a full roof replacement. Underlayment replacement allows us to keep your existing tiles, saving you thousands while restoring your roof’s waterproof barrier.

The Travek Roof Tile Underlayment Replacement Process

Our team at Travek Roofing takes great care to protect your home and preserve your tile investment:

  1. Inspection & Evaluation: We assess your roof’s current condition, identify problem areas, and determine if full or partial underlayment replacement is needed.
  2. Tile Removal & Cataloging: Each tile is carefully removed, labeled, and set aside for reinstallation.
  3. Underlayment Replacement: We install a premium waterproof underlayment system designed to resist UV, mold, and water intrusion—built to last 30+ years.
  4. Reinstallation of Tiles: Once the new underlayment is in place, we re-install the original tiles in their exact layout, replacing any broken tiles with close matches.
  5. Final Inspection & Cleanup: We ensure your roof is watertight, visually consistent, and completely free of debris.

Why Choose Travek Roofing for Underlayment Replacement?

We’ve built a reputation across Arizona for quality tile roof restoration—especially underlayment work. Homeowners trust us because:

  • We use only premium materials that stand up to Arizona’s harsh sun and intense monsoon rains.
  • Our crews are highly trained in tile handling, ensuring your existing roof aesthetic is preserved.
  • We provide honest assessments—if your tiles are still good, we’ll help you avoid the cost of a full roof replacement.

We stand behind our work with warranties and expert craftsmanship.

Protect Your Home from the Inside Out

Your tile roof is only as strong as the underlayment beneath it. Don’t wait for leaks or water damage to act. If your roof is over 20 years old or showing signs of wear, call Travek Roofing today.

Schedule your free roof inspection at (480) 376-7393.

We’ll help you preserve the beauty of your tile roof—while rebuilding the barrier that keeps your home safe and dry.