Tile Lift & Lay — Underlayment Replacement for Clay & Concrete Tile
Keep the look you love and stop leaks for the long term. We **remove and stage your tiles**, install new premium underlayment, **upgrade flashings/valleys**, replace broken tiles, and **relay** the roof. Serving Escondido, North County San Diego, Temecula, and greater San Diego County.
Why Tile Lift & Lay (aka Lift & Relay / Reset)
- ✓ Solves the true waterproofing problem: **aged underlayment**
- ✓ Keeps your existing clay/concrete tiles & curb appeal
- ✓ Upgrades valleys, wall/pipe/skylight flashings for longevity
- ✓ Replace broken tiles and add bird-stop/eave closure
- ✓ Targets leaks at penetrations, walls, and transitions
- ✓ Optional high-temp or **fire-rated** assemblies
- ✓ Smoother, faster, and often **more cost-effective** than full re-tile
- ✓ Photo documentation for your records
Underlayment Systems We Offer
Choose from proven **two-layer** and **peel-and-stick** assemblies designed for tile in Southern California. We’ll recommend the best fit based on pitch, exposure, and fire rating needs.
| System | Build | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Layer “RightStart” Style | Base + cap synthetic layers (e.g., Malarkey RightStart approach) | General SoCal tile applications | Durable, breathable, excellent under tile battens; strong nail-hold |
| Two-Layer “Titanium” Style | Two plies of premium synthetic (Titanium-type underlayments) | Hot exposures, long runs, added redundancy | High tear strength, UV/work window during staging, robust overlap |
| Peel-and-Stick FR (Fire-Rated) | Self-adhered membrane designed for tile assemblies | Wildland-urban interface or where a **fire-rated** stack is preferred | Self-sealing around fasteners, clean laps, enhanced fire performance |
We build to manufacturer instructions and local code. Final spec may vary by roof geometry, pitch, ventilation, and inspector requirements.
Our Tile Lift & Lay Process
1) Protect & Stage
Protect landscaping/hardscape, carefully remove and stage tiles for reuse.
2) Deck Prep
Inspect decking; address damaged sheathing and prepare for new underlayment.
3) Underlayment Install
Install the chosen **two-layer** or **peel-and-stick** system with proper laps and fasteners.
4) Flashings & Valleys
Upgrade valley metal and integrate new headwall/sidewall/chimney/skylight flashings.
5) Relay Tiles
Replace broken tiles, add bird-stop/eave closure, re-bed/re-point mortar/foam where needed.
6) Final Check
Cleanup, photo documentation, and walkthrough so you know exactly what was done.
Pricing & Factors
- ✓ Roof size, pitch, and access
- ✓ Tile type (clay vs. concrete) & breakage rate
- ✓ Choice of underlayment system
- ✓ Required flashing/stucco details
- ✓ Valley count & complexity
- ✓ Skylights, chimneys, solar standoffs
We’ll verify on site and give you a clear scope and price. **Ask about 20-year two-layer assemblies.**
Tile Lift & Lay FAQs
Is this better than a full tile replacement?
If your tiles are in good shape, Lift & Lay targets the real failure point—underlayment and flashings—while keeping your existing tiles and look.
Will you walk on and break my tiles?
We use tile-safe paths and staging. Some breakage is normal; we replace damaged tiles and blend the repair.
Do you offer fire-rated options?
Yes—**peel-and-stick FR** systems are available for assemblies where a fire-rated stack is preferred or required.
Service Areas
North County San Diego, Temecula Valley, the rest of San Diego County, and nearby Southern California communities.
1) North County San Diego
Escondido • Carlsbad • San Marcos • Encinitas • Vista • Oceanside • Poway • Rancho Bernardo
- Escondido 92025–92029
- Carlsbad 92008–92011
- San Marcos 92069–92078
- Encinitas 92024
- Vista 92081–92084
- Oceanside 92054–92057
- Poway 92064
- Rancho Bernardo 92127–92128
See more North County ZIPs
Rancho Peñasquitos 92129 • Fallbrook 92028 • Solana Beach 92075 • Del Mar 92014 • La Costa 92009
2) Temecula Valley
Temecula • Murrieta • Menifee • Wildomar • Lake Elsinore
- Temecula 92590–92592
- Murrieta 92562–92563
- Menifee 92584
- Wildomar 92595
- Lake Elsinore 92530–92532
3) Greater San Diego County
Coastal, inland, and metro neighborhoods.
- San Diego
- La Jolla
- Scripps Ranch
- Chula Vista
- La Mesa
- El Cajon
4) Southern California
Select nearby communities by request.
- Orange County (by request)
- Riverside County (by request)
*Free estimates exclude real-estate transaction inspections/reports. If you’re buying/selling or an agent, ask about our paid inspection/report options.