The Best Underlayment for Roofing Lift and Lay Jobs
What is Roof Tile Lift and Lay ?
A tile Lift and Lay, also known as a Lift and Relay, is an important consideration if you already have extra durable tiles like concrete, slate, clay, or metal on your roof. These tile materials are built to last, but the original underlayment beneath them may not offer the same longevity. The underlayment used on older roofs was likely a traditional felt paper or tar paper, which has a limited lifespan and can break down quickly. For a home or multi-family unit with durable tile roofing, it is important to understand this process as a less expensive alternative to a full roof replacement, especially in combination with TUFFDRY synthetic underlayment which has premium quality at 50% less cost than underlayment that you will find at your local hardware or roofing supply store.
What is a Lift and Lay aka Roof and Re-lay or Roof Underlayment Replacement ?
A roofing "lift and reset" is a specialized process focused on extending the life of your existing tile roof. Over time, while the tiles themselves often remain in good condition, the underlayment—the protective barrier beneath the tiles—can deteriorate. The underlayment used on roofs older than 7 years was likely a traditional felt paper or tar paper, which has a limited lifespan and can break down quickly. Once it begins to deteriorate, your roof becomes vulnerable to leaks, water damage, and other costly issues.
The "lift and reset" process involves carefully removing the existing tiles, replacing the old, deteriorated underlayment with a modern synthetic version, and then resetting the original tiles back in place. This method not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your home but also ensures that your roof remains a strong, watertight barrier against the elements.
Why Replace the Underlayment?
The underlayment is your roof's first line of defense against water intrusion. Traditional felt or tar paper underlayments served their purpose well for many years but have a limited life expectancy. As they age, they become brittle, prone to tearing, and lose their ability to repel water effectively. This is where synthetic underlayments come in.
Synthetic underlayment like TUFFDRY, is a game-changer in the roofing industry. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, these underlayments provide 30+ years of water resistance protection—far outlasting traditional options. They are not only more durable but also more resistant to UV damage, mold, and mildew. By choosing a synthetic underlayment during a lift and reset, you're essentially giving your roof a new lease on life, ensuring it remains watertight for decades to come.
The Process: More Than Just a Quick Fix
A "lift and reset" is more than just replacing underlayment. It's a thorough inspection and refurbishment of your roof's structure. Here's what the process typically involves:
Tile Removal: The first step is carefully lifting the existing tiles from your roof. Skilled roofers handle this task to prevent any damage to the tiles, which will be reset after the underlayment is replaced.
Underlayment Replacement: Once the tiles are removed, the old underlayment is stripped away, revealing the roof's substrate. The new, high-performance synthetic underlayment is then installed, providing superior water resistance and longevity.
Substrate and Batten Inspection: During the process, the roofing contractor will inspect the substrate (the wooden decking beneath the underlayment) for any signs of damage. Any compromised sections are replaced to ensure the roof's structural integrity. Additionally, the battens—wooden strips that support the tiles—are checked and replaced if necessary.
Tile Resetting: After the new underlayment is in place and any necessary repairs are made, the original tiles are carefully reset onto the roof. Since the tiles themselves are typically in good condition, this step preserves the original look of your roof while significantly enhancing its performance.
Why Consider a Lift and Reset?
The "lift and reset" process is a cost-effective alternative to a full roof replacement. By reusing the existing tiles, you save on the cost of new materials, and because the tiles are often the most expensive part of a roof, this can lead to substantial savings. Moreover, by upgrading to a synthetic underlayment, you're investing in long-term protection, reducing the likelihood of future repairs and extending the overall life of your roof.
TUFFDRY: The Ideal Underlayment for Lift and Reset Projects
THE FASTEST GROWING SOURCE FOR UNDERLAYMENT
We supply savvy roofers with the highest performing underlayment at the lowest possible prices, so you can pocket more of your revenue.
QUALITY: For a lift and reset roofing project, TUFFDRY is the best underlayment choice. Known for its high quality, durability, and 30-year product warranty, TUFFDRY underlayment is engineered with four layers of premium synthetic material. This construction makes it completely unaffected by water, ensuring that it will last for years and resist mold growth. Unlike traditional felt paper or tar paper, TUFFDRY won’t leach oils, stiffen, or dry out. It also won’t crack and tear underfoot during installation, which can happen with felt paper, leading to future leaks.
EASY TO INSTALL: TUFFDRY’s quality manufacturing means it is light and lays flat on the roof during installation, making it easy to work with. When installed properly, it creates a reliable dry barrier that offers 180 days of UV protection, allowing it to be left uncovered for up to six months while the tiles are reset.
LOW PRICE: TUFFDRY is a premium roofing underlayment sourced directly from the factory, where we maintain full control over the quality processes. It’s then brought directly to locally owned warehouses for shipping directly to roofers, bypassing multiple intermediaries that often raise the cost of underlayment found at local supply stores. In many cases, TUFFDRY can be up to 50% less expensive for a comparable quality product, making it the perfect choice for lift and reset roofing projects.