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Yes, an underlayment is required for metal roofs, especially when installed over an indoor residential living space. This underlayment acts as a protective barrier between the metal roofing and the roof deck. Common materials include tar, asphalt felt, or woven synthetic polymers. Depending on local building codes, existing shingles in good condition may also suffice. A quality underlayment is crucial as it provides protection against water intrusion, improves energy efficiency through insulation, helps absorb sound, and ultimately extends the lifespan of your roof.

A well-maintained tile roof can last anywhere from 40 to over 100 years, with its exact lifespan depending on the material and level of care. Proper maintenance, which includes keeping the roof clean, free of debris, and performing routine repairs for any cracked tiles, is crucial for longevity. The lifespan varies significantly by tile type:

• Clay, terracotta, and slate tiles are highly durable and can last over 100 years.

• Concrete tiles typically last from 30 to 100 years.

• Metal tile roofs generally last between 40 and 70 years.

• Composite tile roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years.

Be aware that maintenance for a tile roof can sometimes be more expensive than for an asphalt roof.

DIY is not recommended, as slate requires specialized handling and proper underlayment installation for durability.

Most Cape Cod houses are two stories tall at the peak, although they’re considered one-and-a-half stories tall because the steep roof pitch cuts off a portion of the living space on the second story. Unless you raise the roof on your Cape Cod house to add a dormer, the interior rooms upstairs will lose some usable living space to the sloped ceilings.