A leaking clay tile roof is a recipe for disaster as it can cause serious structural damage and you may end up with costly repairs. There are various reasons why clay tile roofs leak ranging from debris accumulation to improper flashing.
Ignoring leaks on a tile roof can prove to be a costly mistake. Even a minor, seemingly innocuous leak that has gone unaddressed for too long can wreak havoc on your structure and you might have to replace your roof. A leak can even damage your ceiling and appliances.
In addition to causing structural damage, a leaky roof can impact your health by creating the perfect environment for mold and fungus to grow. Water dripping from the ceiling onto your floor can make it slippery and someone could fall.
A leaky roof demands urgent attention. If your roof is leaking, follow these steps from Roof Tile Custom Specialists, Antioch tile roof experts, to fix it.
Determine the Cause of the Leak
First and foremost, you need to determine the cause of the leak. Some common issues that can cause your clay tile roof to leak are cracked or broken tiles, worn out or defective waterproof membrane, and buildup of debris on the roof valley.
Once you have determined the cause of the problem, create an action plan. Clay roof tiles break easily under pressure. Be careful when climbing and walking on your roof to visually inspect it or you may end up with multiple damaged tiles.
Fix the Issue
Once you have diagnosed the problem, move swiftly to address it. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Cracks
Age-related deterioration or lack of maintenance can cause tiles to crack. If you notice fine cracks on your tile, fix them by applying RT-600 on the cracked area. The solution will take a few minutes to spread and dry.
Damaged Membrane
If your waterproof membrane is damaged, remove the existing tiles and replace the membrane with a new one. This is a complex process. If you are an enthusiastic amateur and are not sure how to proceed, hire a professional tile roofer in Antioch.
Broken Tiles
Broken tiles are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. If your tiles have sustained major damage and are beyond repair, you will need to replace them. First, remove the damaged tiles with a pry bar and hammer. Be careful not to damage the good tiles.
If you have an old roof, there is a high probability that mortar was used to seal them in place. If this is the case, place the new tiles and use mortar to seal them.
If you have a relatively new roof, it may have nails to hold the tiles together. In that case you will need a holder lash to remove the tiles. When replacing a damaged tile, place the new tile on the holder lash and slide it in.
Be gentle. Do not force the tile in place. Use a wet saw to cut edges. Use a hammer to drive the nails into the tiles so they are firmly held together. To block spaces around the new tiles, apply RT-600 or mortar to their sides. Allow your tiles to dry.
Debris Buildup
A closed roof valley can accumulate dirt and dust over time. Dust and debris do not only make your roof appear older than it is, they can cause leaks and alter its structure.
If debris has damaged your roof, causing it to develop leaks, remove the tiles from the affected area. Next clean the area and replace the damaged tiles with the new ones. Since closed valleys accumulate debris easily, it makes sense to convert a closed roof valley to an open one.
Some Tips to Consider When Repairing a Leaky Roof
Perform a Thorough Inspection
Even if you can see the damaged tiles from the ground, climb onto your roof to thoroughly examine your roof tiles. Assess the extent of damage and determine the number of tiles that need to be replaced. A thorough inspection will reveal issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Safety Comes First
Repairing a leaky roof will require climbing a ladder. Getting up and down a ladder is inherently dangerous. Thousands of people fall from their ladders and sustain injuries while inspecting their roofs every year.
If you do not know how to climb a ladder safely, hire a professional for roof inspection and repair. Before you climb a roof, put on protective equipment including protective eyewear and gloves.
Be Careful
Do not walk on your rooftop or on the edges of the line or you might end up inadvertently damaging your tiles. To avoid damage, distribute your weight as evenly as possible.
Be careful when removing the flashing or you might injure yourself. Pick up broken tiles, debris and remove them. If there is tar with the old flashing, try to remove it as much as possible.
Gather Tools
Before starting to repair your roof, gather all the necessary tools including nails, a wet saw, pry bar, hammer, RT-600, hanger strap, caulk gun, waterproof membrane, and mortar.
Some of this equipment can be heavy and you should be careful when placing them on your roof. If possible, carry every tool one-by-one when you need it. If this is not feasible, spread your tools on your rooftop instead of gathering them at a single spot to prevent damage.
Roof Tile Custom Specialists is a leading roofing company in Antioch. We are your go-to team for Tile Roof Repair in Antioch. Whatever your roofing problem, we will come up with a solution. To make an appointment, call our office at (925) 634-8700.