Personal Consumer Issues • Tile Roof Question

Our house has a concrete shingle roof that's 28 years old. We're getting bids to replace the "underlayment" under the tiles.
We don't have any leaks, but since the underlayment has an expected lifespan of about 30 years we want to get ahead of any issues.

We have bids from three companies, each proposing a slightly different approach.
Here are the proposed options:

1 - Remove all the existing felt underlayment and replace with 2 layers of 40-lb UDL, ASTM D2626-97 type 1
2 - Cover the existing felt underlayment with 2 layers of 40-lb UDL - removing only any damaged areas and around eaves
3 - Cover the existing felt underlayment with 2 layers of Titanium UDL 30 synthetic underlayment - removing only damaged areas & above eaves

All three companies have indicated there are no outwardly visible signs that water is building up under the tiles, so don't they expect to find a lot of damaged felt or wood.

I'm hoping those reading this who have experience/expertise in this area will share their perspectives on how they would proceed.
Thank you!

Concrete tiles have wood battens. They have to be removed and reinstalled, either the same ones or new, when replacing the felt.
If your roofing felt/underlayment is 28 years old, it is likely asphalt based and drying out and brittle. While it may not be leaking now, it will.
Suggest #1, remove all batts, replace with synthetic underlayment, best quality, and reinstall batts while replacing rotted ones or soft or cracked with new.
The titanium UDL 30 synthetic is a good choice.
Only do the partials 2 and 3 if your budget is tight and you have no choice.
when it comes to roofs, do the best job with the best contractor and best materials that you can affford, every time.

Do you have spare tiles. It is common that they will break a few. The tile is very hard and durable, but brittle.
j
my home is over 5000 sf with a multi level roof on 3 stories. Concrete tile roof.

Thank you Sandtrap.
You've answered Question #1 about the best option for the underlayment material.
That was my sense also, but I feel better hearing it from you.

I realize I wasn't clear in my description of Options #2 and #3.
All three bids are to do the whole roof.
They'll all remove all the tiles, replace battens as needed, etc.
The difference is:
#1 will remove and discard all the existing felt underlayment then put down 2 layers of 40-lb UDL, ASTM D2626-97 type 1
#3 will only remove and discard existing felt underlayment showing signs of damage. They will leave the rest on the roof and add 2 layers of Titanium UDL synthetic underlayment on top

#3 is proposing better underlayment material, but I wonder about leaving the "good" old felt under it.

(#2 is now out of the running but I'll keep the numbers to minimize confusion)

We've been warned to expect tile breakage. All bids have included a line item for replacement tiles.
When we told them we have extra tiles after we had solar installed, they got a good chuckle.

Thanks so much for your advice!

Statistics: Posted by PalmQueen — Fri Oct 11, 2024 9:03 pm — Replies 2 — Views 197

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