
How To Keep Up With Maintenance On Tile Roofs
Tile roofing has been a material of choice for home and property owners for literally centuries, spanning several regions of the globe. It’s widely appreciated for its extreme durability and energy efficiency. Not to mention, it adds a classic Mediterranean look to any building or home.
Even though clay or concrete tile is rugged and dependable, it does require periodic maintenance to extend its lifespan and ensure you get the most value out of your roofing investment. One of the most common problems is cracks and broken tiles. Tile roofs can contain thousands of individual tiles, so cracks or missing tiles can be easy to miss.
The best strategy to keep your roof in peak functioning condition is to have it inspected yearly by a roofer like Horizon Roofing, who is experienced in working with tile roofs. Tile roof maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated as long as you follow a few simple steps. Contacting Horizon should be your top priority, as we can make sure you keep up with all these steps safely and in as little time as possible.
Step 1: Keep Your Roof Clean
Over time, debris and particles in the air can cause a buildup to form on your tile roof. There are several types of stains or patches you’ll want to keep an eye out for, and have cleaned off as soon as possible.
Sometimes, these buildups are caused simply by dirt and dust in the air. Some areas are particularly prone to this because of prevailing winds and the presence of nearby trees, hills or fields. Not only is dirt buildup unsightly, but it can also make it more difficult to see where any cracks have taken place.
The other issue is that dirt can block the various channels that water is supposed to flow smoothly over as heads for the gutters. Too much dirt can also provide a breeding ground for moss or even tiny opportunistic weeds or tree seedlings. The roots can work their way into the cracks between the tiles causing them to break, or stay wet.
Another common problem is what’s called “lichen.” These growths often look like a brightly colored moss or powder. They come from the interaction and growth of various types of fungus and algae. While the presence of lichen might give a house that weathered storybook appearance, it can harbor humidity, which can cause major damage to your clay tiles, causing them to become brittle and damaged.
While the wind may carry away leaf and tree debris from your roof, some will usually be left behind after storms, or during the fall. Twigs and leaves find a way to stick. They’ll harbor moisture, and prevent water from properly flowing towards gutters.
Having an experienced roofer like Horizon address these problems is your best bet to make sure they are taken care of properly. While sweeping away a few leaves may seem simple, our roofers are experienced at working on roofs to prevent any tile breakage and additional damage.
Moss and lichen removal requires applying special liquid solutions to remove and clean the roof. We’ll make sure this gets done the right way, safeguarding your plants, lawn and other parts of your home.
Step 2: Repair And Replace Cracked Or Missing Tiles.
While one cracked tile in a thousand may not seem like a big deal, it’s often these little problems that become big ones down the road. All the tiles of your roof make up a system. If there’s a weak point in the system, water can work its way down to the underlayment, and then to the plywood, finally entering the home. This can cause big, unnecessary headaches and expenses.
Our experienced roofers know exactly what to look for, and how to make those repairs to cracked or missing tiles now, so the rest of your roofing stays protected. We know how to work on a tile roof, so that no further damage takes place while repairs and inspections are being done.
Step 3: Inspect Flashing, Gutters, Underlayment, And Eves
Your roofing system isn’t just made up of the actual tiles. It’s a system of many parts. You’ll want to make sure that all these parts are functioning perfectly to get the most value out of your roofing investment.
Flashing is found around skylights, pipes, dormers, and other structural elements of your roof and home. It makes sure that water doesn’t penetrate these areas. Making sure that the flashing continues to be watertight and free of any rust or corrosion is essential.
Gutters need to be angled properly to make sure that water flows down away from the roof, rather than pooling and causing big problems.
The underlayment sits under the tiles. It’s an essential part of keeping water out of the home underneath. This special material doesn’t typically last nearly as long as the tiles themselves. Our roofing experts can inspect the underlayment and give you a sense of when it may need to be replaced.
Taking a look at the roof’s eave is also important. Any damage, rotting or blistering paint can be a sure sign that moisture is accumulating on the roof where it shouldn’t. These areas need to be repaired, and the source of the moisture needs to be found before it does additional damage.
Step 4: Stay On Top Of Routine Maintenance
When you enlist the help of an experienced, expert roofing company like Horizon, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be receiving the most thorough and complete roofing inspection. We understand the challenge of budgeting and planning home repairs. When you have annual roof inspections, you’ll know which maintenance tasks need to be done right away, and which ones can be deferred so they fit within your budget.
The minor investment you make now in preventative roof inspection and repair will pay off by protecting your large investment in a tile roof. Properly maintained, a tile roof can last 50 or more years! Get the most out of your roof by scheduling a tile roof inspection today
Sources
https://www.picazzopainting.com/blog/what-causes-lichen-on-roof/
https://www.investmentpropertiesinfo.com/learn/tile-roof-maintenance/
https://allclimateroofing.com/tile-roof-maintenance-tips/
Horizon Roofing – serving the Orange County, CA area – is your reliable local roofing contractors. We specialize in residential roofing and commercial roofing and have been in the industry for over a decade. We have excellent reviews and look forward to serving your need.
Call us on(714) 328-1967, email us at horizonroofingcompany@gmail.com, or contact us here today.