Services · Tile Lift & Relay
Tile Lift & Relay Underlayment Replacement in San Diego
Your tile lasts 75 years — the underlayment beneath it does not. Lift and relay removes your existing tile, replaces the underlayment and battens with new high-temperature synthetic systems, then relays the original tile. It typically costs 50–65% of full replacement and resets your roof's service life.
Reuse your existing concrete or clay tile — no color or profile mismatch
New high-temperature synthetic or SBS-modified underlayment
Battens, valley metal, and flashing replaced in full
Typically 50–65% the cost of a complete tile replacement
Careful stacking and handling — breakage allowance included in writing
25–40 year underlayment life, HOA-friendly appearance
About Our Tile Lift & Relay Service
Most San Diego tile roofs installed before 2000 used organic felt underlayment with a 25–30 year life. When ceiling stains appear under a 30-year-old tile roof, the tile is almost always fine and the felt has failed. Lift and relay is the highest-value roofing investment available to a tile homeowner: same roof appearance, brand-new waterproofing system, a fraction of the replacement cost.
Best For
Tile roofs 25+ years old with sound tile and failing underlayment; HOA communities where matching tile is mandatory; homeowners with discontinued tile profiles they want to keep.
Our Process
We stack and protect tile on the roof or on site, strip old felt to bare deck, replace damaged sheathing, install new synthetic underlayment and battens, rebuild valley and penetration flashing in metal, then relay the original tile with a documented breakage and replacement allowance.
Warranty
25–40 year underlayment manufacturer warranty depending on system selected, plus our workmanship warranty on relay, flashing, and detailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tile lift and relay cost in San Diego?
Lift and relay typically runs $7–$12 per square foot installed — roughly 50–65% of a complete tile replacement — including new underlayment, battens, flashing, and a written tile breakage allowance.
How do I know if I need lift and relay instead of full replacement?
If your tile is sound but the roof is 25+ years old with original felt and showing leaks or granule loss at gutters, lift and relay is usually the right call. A drone and attic inspection confirms which path makes sense.
How much tile breaks during a lift and relay?
Typical breakage runs 3–8% depending on tile age and profile. We include a specific breakage allowance in the proposal and source matching replacement tile from Boral, Eagle, MCA, and salvage yards.
How long does lift and relay take?
Most single-family San Diego lift and relay projects finish in 4–7 working days — often faster than a full replacement because there is no new-tile delivery or staging.
Does lift and relay come with a warranty?
Yes — the new underlayment carries its manufacturer warranty of 25–40 years, and our workmanship warranty covers the relay, flashing, valleys, and all penetration details.
Will my roof look different after lift and relay?
No — that is the main advantage. Your original tile goes back on, so color, profile, and weathering stay identical, which keeps HOA architectural committees satisfied with no submittal for a new material.
Do you replace rotted plywood during lift and relay?
Yes. With the tile off and felt stripped we inspect the full deck and replace any delaminated or rotted sheathing before new underlayment is installed. Decking work is line-itemed at a fixed unit price.
Can lift and relay fix a leak without replacing the whole roof?
For localized leaks we can perform a partial lift and relay of the affected slope or valley. When the underlayment is uniformly at end of life, a whole-roof relay costs less per square foot and avoids repeat repairs.
Get a Free Tile Lift & Relay Estimate
Speak with a senior roofing consultant today. On-site assessment, drone imagery, and a fixed-price proposal — no obligation.
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