Tile roof replacement, or re-lay.
Tile roof replacement and re-lay work for homeowners across Coweta County and the south side of metro Atlanta, whether it's the underlayment that failed or the tiles themselves.
Griffintegrity Roof & Remod replaces and re-lays tile roofs for homeowners across Coweta County and the south side of metro Atlanta. This page covers tile roof replacement: what happens when the tiles themselves are still in good shape but the underlayment underneath has failed, and what a full tear-off and re-lay or replacement involves. We've served the area for 10 years as a full-service roofing and remodeling contractor, and tile is one of the roofing systems we work on alongside asphalt shingle and metal.
Do you need to replace the tiles or just the underlayment?
In most cases the tiles themselves outlast the underlayment underneath them by decades, so a leaking tile roof often needs the underlayment replaced, not the tiles. We carefully lift and set aside the existing tile, tear off and replace the failed underlayment, and re-lay the same tiles, cracking or breaking as few as possible along the way. If enough tiles are already cracked, chipped, or missing that a repair doesn't make sense, or the roof has structural issues underneath, a full replacement is the better call. We'll tell you honestly which situation you're in after we get up on the roof.
Signs your tile roof needs attention
Leaks with no visible tile damage
Water coming through with the tiles looking intact is the classic sign that the underlayment underneath has failed while the tiles themselves are still fine.
Cracked, slipped, or missing tiles
Individual broken or displaced tiles expose the underlayment to direct sun and rain, and enough of them scattered across the roof points toward a wider re-lay rather than a spot fix.
Staining or daylight in the attic
Dark staining on the decking or daylight coming through at a penetration usually means the underlayment has given out in that area, even before a leak shows up inside the house.
A roof that has never had the underlayment replaced
Tile roofs are often decades old, and if the underlayment has never been redone, it's likely well past the point where it's still doing its job even if the tiles look fine from the ground.
What we look at before recommending a re-lay or replacement
Underlayment condition
The felt or synthetic underlayment beneath the tile has a shorter life than the tile itself, and its condition is the main factor in whether we recommend a re-lay.
Tile condition and availability
We assess how many tiles are already cracked or missing and whether matching replacements are realistic, since that affects whether a re-lay or a full replacement makes more sense.
Decking and structure
Tile is heavier than shingles or metal, so we check the decking and framing carefully for any sign of sag or rot before setting tile back down.
Storm impact
Hail and wind can crack tiles or dislodge them outright, and if that's the cause, it may be a matter for your insurance rather than routine wear.
What to expect during the visit
We carefully lift the existing tile and set it aside so it can be reused wherever it's still in good condition. From there we tear off the old underlayment down to the decking, check every section of plywood for soft spots or rot, and install new underlayment built for the weight and walkability of a tile system. We then re-lay the original tiles, replacing any that are cracked or missing with matching tile where we can. Tile work takes more time on site than a shingle tear-off because of the careful handling involved, and we'll walk you through a timeline specific to your roof before we start.
Related services you may need
A tile roof re-lay is a good time to have the gutters and flashing checked too, since they take on the same weather your tile does. Our Gutters & Metal Fabrication team handles that, and if storm damage is part of why the tiles need attention, Storm & Hail Damage Repair can document it for your insurer.
The cost of waiting
Failed underlayment under intact tile does not fix itself, and every rain that gets past it soaks the decking a little more. What starts as a small leak in one spot can spread to rot across a wider section of decking, and by the time that happens, a straightforward re-lay turns into a bigger job with structural repair added on top. Cracked or missing tiles left in place only make it easier for water and wind to get underneath the rest of the roof.
How do I know if my tile roof needs a re-lay or a full replacement?
It comes down to the condition of the underlayment and the tiles themselves, which we check up close on the roof. If the tiles are largely intact and it's the underlayment that's failed, a re-lay usually makes more sense than a full replacement.
Can you reuse my existing tiles?
In most cases, yes, we lift and reuse tiles that are still in good shape during a re-lay. Any tiles that are already cracked, chipped, or missing get replaced with matching tile where we can.
How long does a tile roof re-lay or replacement take?
It depends on the size of the roof and how much of the tile is being reused versus replaced, since careful handling of existing tile takes more time than a standard tear-off. We give you a specific timeline for your roof before work starts.
If your tile roof is leaking or showing cracked and missing tiles, call Griffintegrity Roof & Remod for a free inspection. We work on tile roofs across Coweta County and the south side of metro Atlanta.
- Full tear-off and a new Owens Corning shingle or metal roof, installed by a crew that finishes most single-family homes in a single day.