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There are a variety of different tile roofs, but one thing they all have in common is that they require a basic level of maintenance.  It is important to pay attention to the signs that your tile roof has sustained damage.  Below are some of the most commons signs of tile roof damage and the how to fix the problems.

Fired clay, terra cotta, and molded, tinted concrete are standard tile materials.  Tile roofs made with these earth minerals can survive storms, high winds, and even fire.  They are energy-efficient, resistant to decay and insect damage, and provide a low maintenance roof.  But as with every other material thing, damage can still occur: damage from wind, debris falling on the roof, freezing weather, the stresses of snow or water, the heat of the sun, and even accidental damage caused by humans stepping on them or hitting them while working on or near them.  The damage mostly ends up affecting individual tiles. Often the damaged tiles do not need to be replaced, and some minor adjustment and repair will be enough.

How much it will cost to repair a tile roof will depend on the type of damage and the number of damaged tiles, and also which company you hire for the job.  However, if the issue is not too complicated, some basic knowledge and a steady ladder can help you solve the problem all by yourself!

Identifying Your Tile Roof Problem

Tile roofs should be visually inspected every three months to check for cracks and other damage.  Gutters should be cleaned out monthly so that no debris can accumulate.  If a problem is found, a fast response is needed since damaged tiles or worn out underlayment can cause leaks which lead to ever-increasing water damage to the building.  More damage will cost more to repair.  To solve any problem, the first step is to properly identify the damage and the exact points where the repairs need to be done.

If you are determined to repair a tile roof without professional help, some basic knowledge is a must.  There could be several reasons for damaged tiles, and issues can result from problems with other parts of the roof.

Common issues with tile roofs that need attention are:

• Tiles with minor cracks or holes

• Broken tiles

• Build-up of debris in the roof valley

• Defects in the underlayment

1. Cracked or Missing Roof Tiles

If you look at your tile roof damage and you notice some tiles are cracked or missing they must be replaced.  Depending on the type of tile and your aptitude for roof repair, you could do this yourself.  It’s important to remember the old saying that “a chain is only as strong as the weakest link,” if one tile is compromised the entire roof system is at risk of failing.

2. Water Leak in Attic

A leak or moldy smell coming from your attic signals that there is a significant amount of moisture in the attic, quite possibly being let in through your tile roof.  In theory, you could find the source of the moisture, stop it and open some vents to let the moisture dry out.  It sounds simple, but unless you have experience doing this, it’s going to be a learning process for a first timer and like most learning processes, you are going to make mistakes as you learn.  It is best to hire a professional tile roofing company because if water damage goes unchecked, it can cause further issues with the home. It can also cause health issues caused by toxic mold growth as a result of the unnoticed excess water.

3. Tile Roof Bowing

When your tile roof starts to bow and or you notice the roof itself is no longer the shape it used to be, this is a major sign of tile roof damage.  The solution for this is the replacement of individual supporting portions of the roof. This is something you need to hire a professional tile roofing company to do.  There are aspects of tile roof repair that you can handle on your own such as repairing small holes and maybe even replacing a tile here or there. However, the most important skill you can have as a tile roof owner is knowing when to call a company that has experience.

4. Wind Damage

The typical damage that results from high winds is observed as displaced tiles, missing tiles, and broken tiles from debris impact.  The areas of a roof most susceptible to wind damage are located on the perimeter of the roof, the ridges, and the hips, where wind pressures are greatest.  As observed above, the missing and displaced tiles occur along the ridges and hips. It is important to note how high winds will lift the ridge and hip tiles and displace them, and not set the tiles back in their original locations.

5. Tile Roof Leaks

Leaks are a rather complicated problem. To solve it, you need to identify and repair the source of the leak.  To identify the source of the leak, you should perform a visual inspection of the roof surface.  Before getting up on the roof, note that wet spots, watermarks, stains, or discolorations on the underside of the roof may be seen in the attic.  With the attic light turned off, daylight may even be seen through the hole. This will give you an idea as to where to look on the roof.

If you still can’t find it, run water onto the roof with a hose, and water from the leak should appear in the attic.  If you can identify a hole as the source of the leak, push a nail or a piece of thin wire through the hole from below to mark it for when you are on the roof.

• Use a flat pry bar to lift up the tiles around the leak.

• Using roofing cement, fill the hole.

• Replace the tile if broken or cracked.

• If there is long-term water damage to the supporting roof structure that has caused sagging, the wood sheathing and rafters underneath the roof tiles probably need to be fixed first. Contact a roofing contractor.

Conclusion

Even one single broken tile can create havoc by causing water leaks or sun damage to waterproof underlayment. Steps should be taken before the damage is done.  Making your own repairs may be a good way to save money when the problem is fairly simple.  For more serious issues with your tile roof, find a qualified roofer to make the repairs as soon as you can; otherwise worse things may happen, including severe structural damage.