A tile roof is a popular option in South Florida – for many reasons. Not only does a tile roof look beautiful, but it is also a long-lasting option which withstands our severe weather quite well.
As with any roof, however, it is important to understand how to best take care of the materials in order to ensure the roof lasts as long as possible. If you have a tile roof on your Venice or Englewood home, here are some tile roof maintenance tips to make sure it remains in top shape for decades to come.
Tile Roof Maintenance
The good news is, a properly installed tile roof can last for 40 years or more. This means that most homeowners will only have to install one new roof for as long as they own their home. However, it also means that many people don’t think about roof maintenance as an annual requirement.
- A tile roof (as opposed to asphalt shingle) is resistant to algae and mold. While a shingle roof may erode under patches of mold, the integrity of your tile roof should not be affected.
- The biggest problem associated with this type of roof is that the clay tiles do tend to crack and break. Therefore, it is important to never walk on a tile roof, as you can do damage easily. You will also want to check the roof after any major storm to make sure that no debris has broken any of your tiles.
- Debris, dirt, and algae can get caught in between tiles and cause them to shift. Therefore you should periodically clean your roof with a hose or pressure washer to make sure that any dirt is washed away. You do not need to use any special solutions, and it is important to use a low setting so as not to dislodge any of the materials.
- Properly installed tiles will last for decades. However, if you notice your roof mysteriously losing tiles, you should check to see what type of mails were used in the installation. A professional installer should have used copper or galvanized nails. You can also use adhesive to repair, but we recommend that you first call a local Venice roofing company for a complete evaluation as to the condition of your roof.
- If you have decided to fix a cracked tile yourself, break the tile into smaller pieces that can be easily removed. Pry the tile directly above it up slightly, and slide the new tile into place. Finding a matching tile may be tricky, but you can contact the original manufacturer for ideas as to where to find similar tiles.
Important to Remember: As stated, roof tiles can break easily. If you determine that your roof is in need of repair, walking onto the roof can cause more damage. Therefore, we recommend that you call in a professional to perform the repair. Unfortunately, you may find that by trying to save money repairing the tile yourself, you could cause even more damage.
If you have any further questions about tile roof maintenance, call the roofing experts at Avery Roof Services. We have decades of experience installing quality roofs for Sarasota area residents. Whether you are looking for a new roof installation, or you are in need of roof repair – we are the place to call. Avery Roof Services is proud to provide roof inspections, roof maintenance, roof installation and roof cleaning.
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