10 Maintenance Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Tile Roof
Your tile roof is exposed to the elements and takes a lot of punishment on a day-to-day basis and can develop problems over time. To keep your tile roof working at its optimum efficiency and extend its lifespan, inspect and maintain it regularly.
Preventive tile roof maintenance is more cost-effective than reactive tile roofs repair in Danville. Regular maintenance addresses existing roof problems before they worsen and prevents potential issues, ensuring your roof’s structural integrity.
Follow these tile roof maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your tile roof.
Periodically Inspect Your Roof
Inspect your tile roof bi-annually, ideally in the spring and fall. Look for cracked, broken, or missing tiles, and look for signs of wear and tear around the edges, near chimneys or vents. Remember to inspect your tile roof immediately after an extreme weather event, regardless of the time of the year.
Do not Delay Repairs
If you notice damaged or missing tiles, reach out to a roofing company that specializes in tile roofs repair in Danville immediately. Delayed repairs can lead to leaks, which might lead to water damage.
Clean Gutters and Downspout
Over time, your gutters and downspout can become clogged with debris such as pebbles and leaves. Clogged gutters and downspout can lead to water accumulation. Ponding water on your tile roof can seep through roofing materials or roof membrane, causing leaks.
Using a gutter scoop, remove debris from your gutters and pressure wash them. After clearing your gutters, notice the rate at which water drains. If the gutters take longer to drain, your downspout may be clogged. A plumber’s snake can help clear stubborn blockages.
Install gutter guards over your gutters to reduce the amount of debris entering them. Some types of gutter guards include mesh screens, foam guards, and brush filters.
Keep Your Roof Clean
Leaves, pebbles, and other debris can accumulate on your tile roof, especially in valleys between roofing pitches. Debris retains moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Mold can cause structural damage.
To clean your tile roof, gently use a broom to avoid damage, starting at the ridge and working downward. For algae, moss, and dirt, use a suitable cleaning solution, such as a water and white vinegar mix or a commercial tile roof cleaner.
Using a sprayer, apply the solution-one section at a time. Scrub your roof gently with a soft brush and rinse it with clean water to prevent streaks and wash away loosened dirt. Use a garden hose to wash your tile roof, instead of a pressure washer as high-pressure water can damage the tiles. If you do not know how to get on your tile roof safely, hire a professional to clean it.
Prevent Moss and Algae Growth
Moss and algae growing on your tile roof are more than just an eyesore. While moss can cause wood to rot, algae retains moisture, which can lead to leaks. If moss and algae are already growing on your tile roof, apply a moss and algae killer/remove. To prevent moss and algae growth, install copper or zinc strips at the roof’s peak.
Inspect the Flashing
Made of galvanized steel, roof flashing helps direct water away from vulnerable areas. While flashing is durable, it is not impervious to damage. Some common causes of flashing damage include age-related deterioration, temperature fluctuations, membrane shrinkage, and faulty installation. A deteriorating roof flashing can leave your tile roof vulnerable to water damage. Regularly check your flashing around the vents, skylights, and chimneys and keep it in good repair to prevent water from entering your property.
Apply a Roof Sealant
Roof sealants are adhesive coatings that create a layer of protection to prevent damage to different parts of tile roofs such as chimneys, vents, and flashings. They can be used to seal cracks and gaps.
A quality roof sealant can help prevent water from penetrating the building envelope and algae and moss growth. Instead of trying to apply a roof sealant to your tile roof yourself, hire a roofing contractor for the task. A professional will help you choose the right type of sealant for your roof and make sure that it is applied correctly.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Tree branches hanging over your tile roof can scrape against it, causing damage. Leaves from overhanging branches can end up in your gutters. Regularly trim any nearby tree branches that could scrape against the roof or fall onto it during storms. Before cutting an overhanging branch, get any necessary permissions.
Avoid Walking on the Roof
Tile roofs are fragile compared to other roofing materials. Avoid walking on your tile roof unless absolutely necessary. If you must walk on your roof, use a walking board and step gently on two tiles at once to avoid breaking tiles. Wear soft-soled work boots and walk diagonally up and down your tile roof to keep your feet parallel to the ridge.
Stay on top of Professional Maintenance
Have a professional maintain your tile roof at least twice a year. Tile roofing contractors have acquired specialized knowledge and understand the nature of tile roof problems. Periodic professional maintenance can save you money and headaches down the road. During maintenance sessions, your roofing contractor performs necessary tile roofs repair in Danville to nip roofing problems in the bud.
Roof Tile Custom Specialists, Inc is a reliable tile roofing contractor in Danville and surrounding areas. Our professionals are equipped to develop custom repair solutions that address the root causes of tile roof problems. To learn more, call 925-634-8700.