Slate, clay and concrete roof tiles are all fairly popular alternatives to asphalt shingles. While a tile roof costs quite a bit more than shingles, it can add much more to a home’s curb appeal. Tile roofs also typically last far longer than shingle roofs, which helps to offset the higher cost. The main drawback to tile roofs is that they are more complex, so there is more that could go wrong and force you to pay for roof repairs.
Broken or Cracked Tiles
Although roof tiles are quite strong and durable, they are still brittle enough that they can be damaged by any major impact. Most hail other than extremely large hailstones won’t be an issue, but things like a tree branch falling on the roof can easily crack or break some of the tiles. The good news in this situation is that repairing or replacing any cracked or broken tiles tends to be fairly easy. In most cases, the repairs can also be done without needing to remove any other tiles that are still in good shape.
Tiles that are only slightly cracked or have minor damage can usually be fixed and sealed with plastic roofing cement to prevent any potential leaks. In this case, the roofer will first scrub the damaged tile clean with a wire brush to ensure the cement adheres properly. They will then completely fill in the crack with the cement so that the tile is sealed and water can’t seep through it. If any tiles have larger cracks, the roofer will often use fiber cement instead since it is stronger and more durable than plastic roofing cement.
If any tiles are completely broken, they can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced. This is done by first gently prying up the edges of the adjacent tiles. This step must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the underlying waterproof membrane. After prying up the other tiles, the roofer can easily slide the broken tile out. Before installing the replacement tile, they will first check to make sure that the membrane isn’t damaged since this would likely cause the roof to leak eventually.
Failed or Improperly Installed Flashing
All roofs have metal flashing in certain places that is installed on top of the roofing membrane and sits underneath the tiles or other roofing materials. Flashing is used in any place that can be especially prone to leaking. This includes all valleys and around every roof intrusion such as plumbing vents, exhaust flues, chimneys and skylights. If the flashing isn’t installed properly, it will almost always lead to an eventual roof leak.
Replacing any of the flashing on a tile roof is slightly more complicated, but it can still be done without needing to completely tear off the roof. To replace the flashing, the roofers will need to first remove all the tiles in the surrounding area. They will then tear off the old flashing, install the new metal and seal all the way around it with silicone or caulk. In some cases, they may also need to install a new layer of membrane before putting the flashing on to ensure the roof doesn’t leak.
Moss Growth
Moss growth is an especially common issue in the Pacific Northwest due to our rainy weather. While many people find the idea of a moss-covered roof charming, moss can easily contribute to leaks. The main issue is that moss can begin growing underneath tiles and causing them to lift up so that water can seep underneath them. This issue is a good reason to have your roof professionally cleaned at least every year or so if it is susceptible to moss growth. There are also roof coatings and fungicide treatments you can use to kill any moss and prevent it from returning for some time.
Damaged or Deteriorated Roofing Membrane
Another issue with tile roofs is that the waterproof underlayment or roofing membrane deteriorates over time to where it starts being less effective at keeping water out. This also happens on shingle roofs, but the shingles themselves will usually fail before the membrane does. On tile roofs, you may need to eventually have at least some parts of the membrane replaced even if the tiles are still in good shape. This is especially true if you notice that your roof has developed any leaks.
Jimmy's Roofing has been helping residents of Oregon, Washington and Idaho with their roofing needs since 2001. If you need roof repairs or a roof inspection in the Spokane, Seattle, Portland or Coeur d’Alene area, you can count on our team of experts for help. We work with most types of residential and commercial roofing and can take care of your cleaning, maintenance and replacement needs as well.
Give us a call today to schedule roofing service or get more information.
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