How To Keep Up With Maintenance On Tile Roofs

Tile Roofing, How To Keep Up With Maintenance On Tile Roofs, roof maintenance, tile roof, tile roof maintenance
Tile Roofing, How To Keep Up With Maintenance On Tile Roofs, roof maintenance, tile roof, tile roof maintenance

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.

Why Is It Important to Keep Your Roof Maintained?

roof maintenance, commercial roofing, roof repair, Why Is It Important to Keep Your Roof Maintained?
roof maintenance, commercial roofing, roof repair, Why Is It Important to Keep Your Roof Maintained?

Why Is It Important to Keep Your Roof Maintained?

When it comes to your home, you want to make sure that everything is in good shape. Part of being a homeowner is the pride that comes with owning a properly looked after slice of your neighborhood. Poor maintenance isn’t just bad form. It can actively cause ongoing problems that can make owning your home far more expensive than it has to be. This is especially the case when it comes to maintaining your shingles, gutters, and structural support of your roof. Let’s go into some of the primary reasons for maintaining your roof, so you can avoid all of the major issues associated with it.

 

Keeping your roof maintained is important for several reasons

The main ones include:

  1. – Preventing Excessive Damage
  2. – Maintaining Your Home’s Value
  3. – Insurance Issues

Firstly and most importantly, when the right steps are taken during the course of standard roof maintenance, any problems will be spotted early on and fixed before it becomes too big of an issue. This prevents things like excessive mold growth and or rot, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Secondly, by keeping up with regular inspections you can extend the life span of your property which means less money spent on replacement costs later on down the line. Maintaining your roof enables your home to hold its value better. Finally, insurance will often cover certain roof problems while denying coverage for others. Often, the stuff they won’t cover includes things that could have been prevented, including:

  1. – Mold remediation
  2. – Collapses and structural damage due to rot
  3. – Water Stains

Failure to maintain your roof comes can result is several very common, and often quite severe issues. Let’s go over a few of them.

 

A damaged roof can cause leaks

Leaks from your roof can cause damage to both the inside and outside of your home. If water leaks into your ceilings or walls, you could end up with a big mess on your hands that will require expensive repairs. Not only does wetness create mold, but it also provides places for mold spores to grow after they’ve been washed away. Mold can damage the structure of a building and its contents by causing structural rot and weakening materials such as wood beams and joists within the structure. It can also damage drywall by penetrating through it to attack hidden framing members beneath the walls’ outer layer.

Excessive mold can also cause health problems, such as:

  1. – Fatigue
  2. – Brain fog
  3. – Respiratory strain

In rare cases, mold exposure can be fatal. Mold damage can result in significant deterioration over time if left untreated because mold spores continue spreading through ventilation ducts or even just through air currents until they reach other locations inside buildings that are not being properly ventilated or cleaned regularly enough (e.g., by professionals). If you find mold spots in your home, it is important that you have a professional inspection done to ensure all of the mold is taken care of. If it isn’t, a part of your home that naturally contains moisture, such as your AC unit, can continue to develop mold long after the original source has been cleared.

 

Leaks can damage your ceilings and walls

Even if a leaky roof doesn’t cause mold, moisture trapped in the wall can degrade the structural integrity of your supporting wood beams. While it’s rare, severe cases of water damage can actually cause total structural failure, bringing your roof down on your head at some point in the future. Having a professional roofer maintain your roof prevents this and costs much, much less than the resulting disaster.

 

Older roofs can put you at a greater risk of fire

The older your roof is, the more likely it is that it will have dry rot and non-fire retardant shingles. Asbestos shingles are often used in older roofs as well, which is not only a cancer and fire risk, but it’s also out of code in most areas as well. Older roofs are also more likely to have lead paint on them, which can pose serious health hazards if inhaled or ingested, especially during a fire. Your roof should be fully replaced roughly every 12 years as part of your routine maintenance schedule. Avoid roofing issues by consulting a professional and ensuring you don’t need a roof replacemet.

 

Damaged shingles can reduce the value of your home

If you discover that your roof needs maintenance, it’s important to get in touch with a professional. Damaged shingles can reduce the value of your home and cause other issues. The good news is that damaged shakes can be replaced at a reasonable cost, which will increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

 

Improperly maintained roofs may not be covered under your insurance policy

If you neglect to maintain your roof, it could mean that your insurance company will not cover a claim if there is damage. If your roof is damaged and isn’t properly maintained, you may also have trouble selling your house or refinancing the one you own.

 

Prevent future headaches by keeping your roof maintained

Keeping up with roof maintenance will help prevent headaches in the future.

  1. – Prevent leaks: If you are experiencing a leak, it can be very frustrating, especially if it happens during a rainy day or when you’re not home to fix it. Roof maintenance is key for preventing leaks as well as any other damage that could occur from water buildup on your roof.
  2. – Prevent mold: If you have an older roof, then there may be some problems with moisture buildup on top of the shingles due to poor ventilation or improper installation. This can lead to mold growth which is not only harmful to humans but also looks terrible and makes your home look worn down or run down even if it is not!
  3. – Prevent fire: When shingles age, they become brittle and crack easily from heat exposure or high winds over time which creates an opportunity for sparks caused by a lightning strike (or even just sunlight hitting them) that would normally cause no damage at all now becomes fuel for flames because these cracks provide access between layers of material where it wouldn’t normally be present otherwise!

We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of roof maintenance. Whether it’s a small job like repairing a few shingles or a major project like replacing an entire roof, it’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t end up with bigger problems down the road.

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.

Why Roof Inspections Are Important For Keeping Your Tenants Happy

Preventative Maintenance, Roof Inspections, roof maintenance, Why Roof Inspections Are Important For Keeping Your Tenants Happy
Preventative Maintenance, Roof Inspections, roof maintenance, Why Roof Inspections Are Important For Keeping Your Tenants Happy

Why Roof Inspections Are Important For Keeping Your Tenants Happy

If you are a property owner with tenants, you probably already know how essential it is to keep them happy and satisfied. Just like finding and keeping customers, It’s much less work and expense to keep a good tenant, then going through the often lengthy and uncertain process of finding a new one.

 

So how do you keep those tenants happy? How do you ensure that they keep renewing their leases? The answer lies in providing them service and value. Making sure you are keeping up with proper maintenance to the property is something your tenants depend on and always appreciate. Roofing inspections are an essential part of this process. 

 

When an expert like Horizon roofing inspects your roof, we can identify small problems before they become big ones. Your tenants may not even notice a contractor inspecting and repairing a small portion of a roofing system. If you want until the problem becomes big, they most certainly will not appreciate potentially having the interruptions that come with roof replacement or major repair.

 

Roofing Inspections Find Small Problems Early

A roof is subjected to a lot of wear and tear, even in our gorgeous Orange County climate. First, there’s the hot rays of the sun beating down, day after day. Then, there are the weather elements like rain and hail. Temperature swings from hot summers to cool winters cause expansion and contraction that can damage shingles, waterproofing paper and sub roofing.

 

Then, there’s leaves and debris that accumulate in windy conditions like we sometimes have when the ocean winds blow through. When all that junk collects, it allows moisture to accumulate where it can do damage and invite in pests like termites.

 

The good news is that a properly engineered and installed roof is built to take abuse like this for years. That doesn’t mean it’s maintenance free, however. No matter how good your roof is, from time to time it needs to be inspected.

 

Professional roofers know what to look for to make sure that vents are clear, debris piles are removed and that any broken shingles or tiles are repaired. Getting after these problems early and quickly means they can be repaired in minutes, not in days.

 

Major Repairs Mean Major Interruption For Your Tenants

There’s no question that if your roof needs major repairs, you’ll need to take care of that immediately. When water damage or termites have diminished the structural integrity of the roof, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent any potential safety hazards for the occupants.

 

Unfortunately, this may mean days of noise for your tenants from the hammering and walking on the roof. It may even require tenants to move out for a few days if the interior spaces are left open to the sky while the repairs are taking place. 

 

While the noise alone can be highly disruptive to conducting business, there’s also usually a team of roofers working to get the job done, which means parking spaces will be taken up. Entrances may be blocked by ladders, and other areas may need to be blocked off as debris is removed. Asphalt and tar are often heated on site, meaning odor and noise, which can be disruptive as well. 

 

Whether your tenants are residential or commercial, all of this adds up to major disruption. While tenants might understand after a major weather event or something out of your control, they may be very unhappy if they sense that the problems being addressed are from a lack of preventative maintenance.

 

Keep Your Tenants Happy By Showing Your Commitment To Keeping Your Property In Tip-Top Shape!

Good communication is always key to building a solid landlord-tenant relationship. Whether it’s face to face or through a flier, letting your tenants know when an inspection is taking place will not only give them plenty of notice, it gives you the opportunity to show how much you care about providing a safe, secure property that they’ll want to stay in for years to come.

 

When you do preventative maintenance like roof inspections, it’s important to let your tenants know why. Otherwise, they might not understand the steps you are taking to invest in your property for the long term. If there’s some noise from the inspection, they’ll see it as a value, rather than a disruption. Phrase it as a value-add rather than an inconvenience, because that’s exactly what it is: more value for their rent in the form of a safe, well maintained structure to live or conduct business in.

 

What Is Involved In A Through Roof Inspection?

Roof inspections can usually be accomplished in a fairly quick amount of time. Qualified experienced roofers like the ones you’ll find at Horizon know exactly what to look for, so they don’t take more time than necessary. 

 

They’ll be looking for broken or missing shingles or tiles; evidence of water damage or termites; loose or damaged fascia boards as well as gutter function. All of these elements are essential parts of a working roofing system. When there’s a problem in one part of the system, it can affect the other ones down the line. That’s why it takes the expertise of a professional to make sure your inspection covers everything.

 

Sometimes, we’ll spot small repairs and can take care of those right away. Just imagine, a loose shingle: if we can properly replace that at the time of an inspection, when the rain and wind comes, your roof will be protected. Now, imagine if that shingle wasn’t discovered, the damage builds and spreads, and now instead of replacing a shingle, we might be talking about an entire section of water damaged roof.

 

Being A Responsible Property Owner Means Taking Preventative Maintenance Seriously

When you are a property owner, you have a responsibility to your tenants to be sure the structure and unit they rent will be safe, dry and protected. They also want to live their lives and conduct their business with minimal interruption and intrusion! When you show how seriously you take your duty as landlord, they’ll want to keep leasing from you for as long as possible.

 

Happy tenants are long term tenants! Call us at Horizon today at (714) 328-1967 to schedule a roof inspection today! The sooner we have a chance to evaluate your roofing system, the better chances your repairs will be smaller, and you’ll keep those same tenants for years to come.

 

Sources:

http://www.pacificroof.com/blog/want-happy-tenants-inspect-your-roof

https://rentalhousingjournal.com/7-proactive-maintenance-tips-that-keep-tenants-happy/

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.

How To Deal With Roof Damage From Termites

roof maintenance, roof damage, roof repair, How To Deal With Roof Damage From Termites
roof maintenance, roof damage, roof repair, How To Deal With Roof Damage From Termites

How To Deal With Roof Damage From Termites

Seeing a large termite tent over a neighbor’s house makes many people ask themselves, “Should I be worried about termites at my home?” The fear isn’t unfounded. Termites lurk and thrive across the country. They can inflict large amounts of damage on roofs, rafters and fascia boards.

How do you deal with this nuisance? What can be done to correct damage that has already occurred? In this article, we’ll discuss what type of damage termites cause and how it can be prevented and repaired.

 

Termites: a nuisance in the springtime and possibly year round

The end of winter is usually a time to celebrate warmer weather and blooming flowers. It also happens to be the time of year that termites become active. During the winter, these little pests are nesting and preparing for the year ahead.

 

When the weather starts to warm up, they emerge from the nest just in time to wreak havoc on wood and other building materials. In climates that are more temperate year-round, termites can even be active all year long.

 

Termite damage 

The longer termites breed, colonize and feed on your roof, the worse the damage will be. Sometimes, the damage can be subtle enough that you don’t notice it. Or, the damage may be taking place in areas that aren’t easily visible. Here’s just a few of the roof areas that will likely be impacted by termites.

 

Subroof damage

The subroof is an essential part of your roofing system. It structurally supports the shingles, metal or tiles that make up the outer skin. Some especially heavy roofs like concrete tiles require a substantial subroof structure. If it’s weakened, and water starts to rot away, those tiles could actually collapse inside.

 

Because the roofing material covers the subroof, you probably won’t be able to see any damage caused by termites from the outside. You’ll need to look for signs like termite droppings or actual damage to the wood to know if you have an infestation.

 

Termite droppings are usually seen as little piles of round crumbs or sawdust. Unlike rodent droppings, termite droppings aren’t especially harmful to humans. If you see them, it’s a sure sign that damage is taking place to your roof.

 

In many homes, you’ll need to climb up in the attic space to check for droppings or wood damage. If you spot any suspicious signs, it’s a good idea to call an exterminator with termite expertise right away.

 

Rafter damage

Rafters are another place that termites love to feed. This is another essential component of your roofing system. The rafters hold up the subroof which in turn holds up the shingles and tiles. Termites love the dark space of the attic, where they have plenty of wood to feed on. 

 

One big culprit is areas of the attic that can be moist, such as over the bathrooms or kitchen. If they aren’t properly vented, they can become damp, and become an inviting feeding ground for termites.

 

Fascia board damage

Fascia boards are on the outside of your home, typically running below a roof overhang. The good news is that these boards are often easy to see and inspect periodically. 

 

Just like the other areas of your roof, you’ll want to look for any termite droppings or piles of sawdust. You may see the telltale channels dug into the wood. You may also see bubbling or peeling paint. 

Any of these signs mean it’s time to have an exterminator take a look. If you find termites in one place, there’s a good chance you’ll find them in other places as well.

 

What do do if you have a termite infestation

Finding signs of termite damage is never ideal. It’s important to get started on a treatment and repair plan immediately. The first step is to deal with the termites themselves. After they are no longer active, you can begin to make repairs.

 

Dealing with the termites

Calling an exterminator is your first step. They can inspect the roof, rafters, fascia and other areas around the house to assess how bad the damage is. If the infestation isn’t too extensive, they can treat only the affected areas. Then, you can focus on preventing any future infiltration of termites.

Sometimes, the infestation is clearly widespread. Other times, it’s not possible to make a complete inspection without removing drywall or exterior walls. In these cases, tenting is recommended.

 

During tenting, crews place large tarps over the entire house. An insecticide gas is then released in and around the home within the tent that wipes out all the termites. The good news is that it’s highly effective. The bad news is that it’s expensive and requires you to be out of your home for several days. You also have to remove food and other personal belongings.

 

Dealing with the damage

Once the termites are no longer actively infesting your home, you’ll want to call a roofer to assess the damage and make repairs. Severely damaged and rotting wood will need to be replaced. It’s essential to get the repairs done right to prevent any water intrusion and termite issues in the future.

 

Preventing termites

There’s a few steps you can take to prevent termites from causing damage in the first place. Prevention is always cheaper than making repairs so it’s worth spending some time on double checking that your house isn’t friendly for termites.

 

  • First off, having a qualified, licensed roofer like Horizon perform a periodic inspection can help prevent any leaks or buildup in moisture which creates an inviting place for termites to set up shop.
  •  
  • Painting and sealing all exposed wood can help prevent termites from penetrating the outer surface of the wood. 
  •  
  • Cutting back grass, shrubs and trees close to your structure can really help moisture accumulation, which is a breeding ground for termites. Mulch is very useful in gardening, but keep it back from the house itself, as it keeps the soil moist.

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.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Concrete Tile Roof?

Concrete Tile Roof
Concrete Tile Roof

What are the Pros and Cons of a Concrete Tile Roof?

Replacing your roof has a significant cost element to it which means that you need to research and do your due diligence in choosing the right one that best fits your needs. One of the most popular options for roofing is a concrete tile roof. The main reason why it’s popular is that it looks great and can complement a wide variety of home styles. 

 

How are concrete tiles made?

Concrete roof tiles are made out of cement mixture which is formed under heat and pressure. The coloring and finished look can be achieved by adding color to the cement mixture before molding.

Concrete tile roofs are composed of three layers which are sand, wire mesh, and concrete onto wood support. These three layers are covered by another piece of plywood and flipped up so the sand side is facing up. 

 

Metal rods are installed under the concrete and bent over to create a loop. The whole process is repeated until enough concrete is created. Next, a steel frame with a heating attachment is used to heat the whole thing to completely dry it out. Once dried, the plywood gets removed and a concrete tile is done!

 

The Pros of a Concrete Tile Roof

Concrete tile is a very common roofing material not just in the United States but all over the world. Here are the different advantages when you are considering a concrete tile roof for your home:


  • Weather-resistant

Concrete tiles are very durable and can withstand most weather conditions and this includes high winds, hail, storms, and sometimes even fire. They have a natural resistance to fire which can help protect your home from ash or embers. Concrete tiles have a strong resistance against heavy snow loads and winds. It can withstand winds up to 180mph and is a great fit for people living in high wind areas.


  • Reduce energy costs

Concrete tile roofing has a gap under the tiles which can be beneficial in blocking the sun’s heat from transferring to your house which can help in reducing your cooling costs. In the wintertime, a tile roof can keep your house warm because it is a low heat transfer material.


  • Minimal maintenance

Even though your concrete tile roof can last a long time, it doesn’t mean that it is subject to wear and tear. The main advantage of tile roofs is that they have a lower maintenance requirement compared to clay tiles. Although the maintenance is quite easy compared to other materials, it is still advisable to hire a professional licensed contractor to make sure that the job is done right. 


  • Longevity

Concrete tile roofs can last up from 30 to 50 years which is a long time. 


  • Environmentally-friendly

Because they are made out of concrete or clay, tile comes from a sustainable resource. Disposing tiles is also easy because you can crush and recycle them for another use. 


  • Different options are available

You can choose from a variety of styles and colors depending on what complements your house the best. 


  • Versatility

Concrete tiles are a great option for both residential and commercial roofing systems. 

 

The Cons of a Concrete Tile Roof

Even if concrete tile roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials, there are disadvantages to it. Here are the cons of a concrete tile roof:


  • Heavy material

Tile roofing can be quite heavy which means that your home needs to have ample structural reinforcement to support this material. The standard weight for standard concrete tiles can vary from 900 lbs to 1200 lbs per square. The newer manufactured concrete tiles are lighter and come in at 500 lbs to 720 lbs per square. 

 

Even though this is the lighter option, it is still heavy compared to asphalt shingles which can weigh up to 350 lbs per square.  When installing a concrete tile roof, you can consult with a structural engineer to make sure your foundation can hold the total weight. A good workaround is to get reinforcement for your roof. 


  • Expensive

Compared to the cost of asphalt shingles, concrete tiles can be expensive and come up to double the price. Even though this material is expensive, you are paying for the longevity, durability, and quality of the material. This significant investment is well worth it in the long run because you don’t have to deal with replacing your roof right away.


  • A tile roof can be brittle

Even though tile roofing is durable, it can be brittle and crack because of impact damage. Concrete tile roofs can even get damaged if someone walks on them improperly which is why you should hire the services of a licensed roofing contractor to maintain your roof. 


  • Prone to fading

The color pigmentation tends to fade with concrete tiles due to normal wear and tear. This only happens when color is added to the tiles through concrete-based pigment. Replacing your tiles that are damaged due to the color fading might be problematic because it has to be color-matched to the roof which requires special handling. 


  • Prone to Efflorescence

Efflorescence occurs when water mixes with Carbon Dioxide. This mixture is needed to be combined with lime to create a white substance that has a chalky texture. Efflorescence can make your roof appear stained but it can be cleaned off, this chemical reaction is more superficial than anything. You can also seal the roof to prevent moisture from coming in.

 

Clay vs. Concrete Tile Roofing

Clay and Concrete are two roofing materials that are often confused together. Clay tiles have been around for a long time and are used in homes with traditional styles, classical architecture, and European-looking.

 

The key differences between clay & concrete tiles:


  • Production time

Concrete tiles are easier to produce than clay. The production of clay can sometimes have longer lead times which can lead to delays in installation.


  • Color and Style Variety

One of the biggest advantages of concrete tile is that it can come in different colors, shapes, and sizes to best fit your home’s aesthetic. Clay is limited in this aspect and only comes in specific textures. Clay can also come in different colors and styles. 


  • Material weight

Concrete tiles are already heavy but clay tiles are even heavier. When installing clay tiles, you have to make sure that your foundation can support all the weight properly. 

 

What Factors Should be Considered when Installing Concrete Roofing?

Like any other roofing material, a concrete tile roof has its pros and cons. Before deciding on this type of roofing you also have to consider factors about your existing roof and home. 

 

Deciding on whether you want to install this type of roof can be dependent on the following factors:


  • Roof slope

If you have a steep roof slope measuring more than 18 degrees, this can make the concrete tile roof installation tricky. You might have to tap into a specialized construction and installation team to do this for you. 


  • The size of your roof  

The larger your roof equates to more expensive costs for materials and installation. Larger roofs might also require a special adhesive and materials under the actual roof when installing. 


  • Roof complexity 

If your roof includes valleys, hips, and ridges – it is considered complex. The more complex your roof is, the more challenging the installation is and can increase your costs. 


  • Installation and material Costs

Getting a proper estimate for your roofing installation is important so that you can get an actual idea of how much you will have to spend and budget accordingly. This is why it is important to work with a licensed roofing contractor when you are doing this home improvement project. 


  • Installation in different Weather Conditions

Timing of the installation of your concrete tile roof is also important. During summertime, you will need heat and ventilation for proper installation. On the other hand, wintertime can also be a challenging time because it is cold.

 

Why hiring a professional is important in installing your concrete tile roof 

Your roof is an important piece of your home because it protects it from weather conditions. Improperly installed roofing can lead to water leaks and damage.

 

You might think that installing tiles on your own is easy and that you don’t need a roofing company to help you out with this. This might appear simple but it’s not as easy as it looks. 

 

Reasons why you should hire a roofing company to install your concrete tile roof:


  • Concrete tiles are heavy

Properly handling the tiles and carrying them is a two-person job because the material is so heavy. 


  • Dangerous job

Not having the right tools to install a roof will be dangerous and should not be attempted. Roofing companies also have safety procedures and tools that can help them do the job safely and properly. 


  • Incorrect installation

If you don’t have an expert install your roof and prefer to do it on your own, you might install it incorrectly and this can lead to problems later on like water leaks and flooding. 

 

How can you extend the Life of your Concrete Roof Tiles?

It is very common for concrete tile roofs to last up to 50 years with proper care and maintenance. The longevity of your roof depends on the installation process and ongoing maintenance that you perform on it.

 

Ways you can extend the life of your concrete tile roof:


  • Ensure proper installation

Properly installing your roof is key to making it last. Improper installation may lead to water going underneath the tiles and damaging them. This can lead to erosion and rust.


  • Make sure the underlayment is done properly

Before installing your concrete tile roof, an underlayment is needed. This is a layer of waterproof material that is laid down first to prevent the water from getting into the tiles. You can choose from a variety of different materials for this but it is to your advantage to choose a material that is more porous than the tiles. This will ensure that the water vapor will escape and at the same time prevent water from passing through.

 

Conclusion

Deciding on what roofing material you want to install can take time. This is an important decision that you will have to make at one point. You have to consider a lot of factors and each material has its pros and cons.

 

Deciding on a roofing material depends on what your needs are. With a concrete tile roof, you will have durability and longevity which are both important things to consider in roofing. Contacting a licensed roofing company is important to carry out your plan.

 

 

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.