Quick answer
A tile roof lift and relay is when a roofer carefully removes your existing concrete or clay tile, replaces the worn underlayment and battens beneath it, repairs any flashing, then reinstalls the same tile, swapping in matching replacements for broken pieces. It makes sense when the tile is still in good condition but the underlayment, which typically lasts around 20 to 25 years, has worn out.
What a lift and relay is
A tile roof is really two roofs. On top is the tile, which can last 50 years or more. Underneath is the underlayment, the waterproof layer that actually keeps water out, which typically needs replacement around every 20 to 25 years.
A lift and relay (also called a tile reset or underlayment replacement) takes advantage of that gap. Instead of throwing away good tile, the crew lifts it off, replaces what's worn out underneath and sets the tile back down. You end up with a new waterproof layer and the same look your home has always had.
If you're not sure why your tile roof is leaking in the first place, start with why tile roofs leak.
When it makes sense
A lift and relay is usually a good fit when:
- The tile itself is mostly sound, without widespread cracking or crumbling.
- The roof is old enough that the underlayment is near the end of its life.
- You've had leaks in more than one spot, or leaks keep returning after repairs.
- You like the tile and want to keep the look, or matching a new tile to your neighborhood would be hard.
It's usually not the best fit when the tile is badly weathered, brittle or discontinued with no good replacements, or when the problem is one isolated spot that a simple tile repair can fix. In those cases, a spot repair or a new tile roof may be the better call.
The process, step by step
Every roof is a little different, but a typical lift and relay goes like this:
- Inspection and planning. The roofer checks the tile condition, counts likely replacements and looks at flashing, vents and the deck.
- Removing the tile. Tile is lifted by hand and stacked on the roof or on the ground, organized so it can go back in place. Ridge and hip tiles come off too.
- Tearing off the old underlayment and battens. This exposes the deck.
- Deck repair. Any rotted or damaged sheathing is replaced.
- New underlayment. A new underlayment system goes down, lapped and fastened for a tile roof.
- New battens and flashing. Battens are installed where the system calls for them, and flashing at walls, valleys, vents and edges is replaced or rebuilt, along with bird stop at the eaves.
- Relaying the tile. The original tile goes back, fastened to current requirements, with broken pieces replaced.
- Ridges, hips and cleanup. Caps are reset, the site is cleaned and the building inspector signs off.
Because the roof is opened in sections, the crew should only strip as much as they can protect that day. That matters during monsoon season.
Reusing your tile: breakage and matching
Concrete and clay tile is tough, but some breakage during removal is normal, and older tile is more fragile. A good estimate should say how replacement tiles are handled and priced.
Common concrete and clay profiles are often easy to match closely. Older or discontinued tiles are harder. When an exact match isn't available, one common approach is to pull good original tiles from a less visible slope for the front of the house and use the closest available match in the back. Ask your roofer how they plan to handle it before the job starts.
If you have spare tiles in the garage or side yard from the original build, tell your roofer. Original spares can be the best possible match.
Lift and relay vs. a new tile roof vs. a repair
Here's a simple way to think about the three options. The right one depends on the condition of both layers, the tile on top and the underlayment below, and on how long you plan to stay in the home.
- Spot repair: one or two problem areas, the rest of the underlayment still has life. Lowest cost, but it doesn't reset the clock on the whole roof.
- Lift and relay: good tile, tired underlayment. New waterproofing across the roof while keeping your tile. A great value when the tile is sound.
- New tile roof or a switch to shingles: tile is worn out, broken in many places or can't be matched, or you want a different look or lighter roof. Our guide on repair or replace covers how to weigh it.
Permits and code questions to ask
Because a lift and relay replaces the roof's underlayment across a large area, it generally needs a building permit from the City of Hesperia Building & Safety or San Bernardino County, depending on where you live. Your roofer should pull the permit.
California's cool roof rules apply when more than half of an existing roof is re-roofed in our climate zones, and fire zone rules apply to major re-roofs in Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Concrete and clay tile is commonly Class A rated as a listed assembly. How these rules apply when your existing tile is reinstalled is a question for your building department, so ask your roofer to confirm before you sign. Our guide to cool roof requirements has the background.
Questions to ask before you sign
A lift and relay is a big job, so it's worth getting clear answers in writing. Ask each roofer:
- What underlayment system will you install, and how many layers?
- Are battens being replaced, and what are they made of?
- Which flashings are being replaced (walls, valleys, vents, skylights, edges)?
- How is tile breakage handled, and how are replacement tiles priced?
- How is deck repair priced if you find damaged sheathing?
- Who pulls the permit and schedules the inspection?
- What warranty covers the materials, and what covers your workmanship?
That last question matters. Material warranties and workmanship warranties cover different things, so read both in writing. Our guide to roof warranties explains the difference.
How Ocelot Roofing can help
Ocelot Roofing does tile lift and relay work across the High Desert, the Inland Empire and mountain communities. We'll inspect your tile and underlayment, tell you honestly whether a repair, a lift and relay or a new roof makes sense, and give you a free, itemized, no-obligation estimate that spells out how tile breakage and replacements are handled.
We'll also walk you through the underlayment, flashing and warranty options before you sign, so you know exactly what's going under your tile and what's covered.
Owner Manny Torres oversees every project from start to finish. Request your free estimate or call (866) 837-3311.
Common questions
How long does a tile lift and relay take?
It usually takes longer than a shingle re-roof of the same size, because every tile is removed by hand and reinstalled. The exact time depends on roof size, pitch, deck repairs and weather. Your roofer should give you a schedule with the estimate.
Is a lift and relay cheaper than a new tile roof?
It often costs less than buying all-new tile, because you're reusing tile you already own. Labor is significant, though, since the tile is handled twice. The best way to know is to get both options priced on the same itemized estimate.
Will my roof look different after a lift and relay?
In most cases it looks the same, because your original tile goes back on. You may notice a few replacement tiles if an exact match wasn't available, and a good roofer will place those where they're least visible.
About the author
Manny Torres, Owner, Ocelot Roofing
Manny Torres owns Ocelot Roofing and personally oversees every project from estimate to final cleanup. Ocelot Roofing is part of Verde Home Design Inc., a third-generation family business based in Hesperia, CA.
