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Common Problems With Clay Tile Roofs – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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Common Problems With Clay Tile Roofs

Aside from metal roofs, most roofers will recommend having clay tile roofs as an alternative to raising prices of a remodeled or refurbished property.  True enough, clay tile roofs are aesthetically beautiful.  They give your home a Mediterranean appeal that is worthy of a re-appraisal for a higher market value.  Unfortunately, just like all roofing materials, clay tile roofs have their own distinct disadvantages.  One of the most prominent is its costly initial material cost and additional labor cost because it requires a unique and careful way to handle during construction.  True enough, you’ll end up with a beautiful and capable roof, but that is as long as you give it ample maintenance to prevent the following.

Microorganisms Love It

Algae, molds, mildew, fungi, and other microorganisms that travel by air or moisture will want to create habitats in clay tile roofs.  Clay is an organic material. Whether or not it’s reinforced or natural clay-made tiles with limestone, molds, algae, moss, and other organisms will want to make their homes right inside of it because of its moisture and the nutrition it provides.  A good amount of professional cleaning can help moss and algae off your roof.  Regularly inspect your roof before microorganisms infest and shorten its lifespan and dependability.

Organic debris include bird droppings, leaves with microorganisms invading and feeding on the moisture and other organic materials found in clay tiles.  It’s vital to know that your clay tile roof is made mostly of soil, clay, and water.  Therefore, bacteria and other small organisms can turn it into their habitat. This often leads to the formation of moss and other undesirable materials you can find on your roof.

It’s Brittle and Fragile Than You Can Imagine

Clay tile roofs can withstand rain, hail, and snowstorms.  Castles that remain standing from the 17th century are proof of its capability and durability despite the contribution of modern restoration efforts.  However, one wrong step can mean destroying a huge part of its tiles too.

Cracking and Chipping Due to Brittleness

These two types of damages can be due to moisture penetrating the tiles.  While you can replace them if you have a spare clay tile bundle, it is still added expense.  However, the tiles can withstand extensive freezing, thawing, and even harsh weather thanks to their density and exceptional manufacturing quality.

Difficult Roof Inspections

One wrong step, and you can crack a tile on your roof.  However, you’ll need to step on your roof to perform inspections.  Learn more below:

Tips for Walking On Your Roof

  • Distribute your weight evenly

  • Transfer your weight between your feet gradually as you walk

  • Walk on the balls of your feet

  • Never jump or leap from tile to tile

  • Make sure you’re wearing soft-soled shoes with good grip.

Best Places to Step

Most concrete tiles are lifted a little off of your roof and sit on wood batten strips, creating a gap under the tiles for ventilation.  When you walk on your roof, make sure you are walking on the reinforced part—the lower third of the visible tile. Also, walk on the peaks of the tile, not the valleys

Places You Should NEVER Step

When walking on your concrete tile roof, don’t ever walk on:

Ridge or hip tiles (the tiles on the peak of your roof)

Tiles in the valley of your roof

Your roof’s rake

The tile’s water channels (where tiles overlap on the sides)

Possibly Expensive Repairs Due To Materials

Lastly, the biggest problem with clay tile roofs is having to buy an extra bundle just in case you need to repair them in the future.  Clay tiles are expensive on their own — most homeowners intend to DIY their roof repairs because the materials alone are quite expensive.  However, doing DIY on your own is impractical and can inflate your costs rather than help you safe instead.

There’s a Correct Way of Maintaining It

Maintenance Tips for Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile is among today’s most popular styles of roofing.  Under normal circumstances, an annual inspection and periodic maintenance are sufficient to keep clay roofing in excellent condition and free of leaks.  Below are some tips for keeping clay roofing trouble-free and the home dry.

Schedule an Annual Inspection

Schedule a professional inspection of the roof every spring or fall.  A qualified roofing contractor knows where to find the cracks, chips, bruising, and other distortions caused by rain, heat, wind, snow, and ice.  Immediately replace any tiles that are cracked or leaking.

Combat Roof Algae

Clay tiles tend to attract algae.  A low-pressure power washer and a mild solution of dish detergent and warm water will eliminate it, but never aim the spray directly at the tiles—water pressure can crack them. An appropriate sealant will discourage the accumulation of algae, dirt, and mold on the roof.

Limit the Threat of Routine Debris

In addition to algae, clay tile roofing is as vulnerable as any other roof to the natural accumulation of tree branches, leaves, grime, and other airborne debris.  Too much of this rubble clogs gutters and backs up water that can leak through the roof and cascade from it, increasing the possibility of repairs in and outside the home.  At this point, a qualified roofing contractor should be contacted for an evaluation.