The Tile Roofing Guide – Part Three: Tile Roofing Maintenance

In part one, we tackled some of the facts on tile roofing and in part two we got to know their benefits, but it’s not enough to know these things without knowing how to care for tile roofing and maximize its potential.

It is necessary to keep your tile roof properly and regularly maintained. You need to ensure prompt and professional care for any damage it may have sustained. Minor damage, after all, can cause more extensive damage and thus reduce the roof’s life span.

Roof Inspection
First things first, a tile roof should be left to trained roofers for inspection. But you can still keep an eye out for damage without actually getting on the roof. If you must use a ladder, make sure you have someone assist you and hold the ladder steady. Look for evidence of physical damage to the tiles, and make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris. Flashings are common areas for damage and should stay firmly in place – they should not be cracked or corroded.

If you see tiles that have slipped or fallen out, these are probably caused by rusted nails. Slate in the gutter or water stains on the tiles are often a sign of rusted nails. Nail failure can lead to leaks and further damage.

Cleaning
Depending on the age of your roof, seeing it streaked with mildew, dirt, or moss is a sign to any homeowner that it’s time for cleaning. However, improper roof cleaning can also lead to the roof damage you were preventing in the first place. You should not have your roof cleaned with just any substance, or use high pressure cleaning indiscriminately. Harmful chemicals and the improper use of high pressure cleaning can damage your roof as well as the surrounding property. Be sure to carefully look into a product first, or consult with roofing professionals, before you use any strategy for cleaning.

Moss and algae, on the other hand, are not going to eat through or rot away at a tile roof as quickly as with other materials. But they can still cause some serious problems. Moss growth in the space between tiles can hinder proper water flow and instead allow it to seep into the sides and underneath the tiles. You can prevent this by applying moss killer annually or biannually. Zinc strips can also limit moss growth to an extent.

Installation
Tiles should use non-ferrous nails to avoid rusting and nail failure. Tiles that are center nailed rather than head nailed provide a number of benefits. Center nails are cheaper and make tiles less likely to move in the wind. And in case they break, they can be easily replaced.

The installation of tile roofing can be a very complicated process, especially to the inexperienced. Contact your local roofing professional for the installation of your clay, slate, or concrete tile roof and to get the best results.