Many people tend to choose tiled roofs for their elegance and longevity. Using roof tiles gives you a diverse range of options to choose from in terms of weight, durability, appearance, and budget. Tiled roofs look beautiful with their distinctive yet natural aesthetics.
Tiled roofs not only look good but are strong and exceptionally resistant to water, frost, insect damage, and other natural elements. Tiled roofs are also energy efficient. Their surprising thermal properties and natural air barrier make them ideal for all kinds of climates and geographical areas.
They offer unparalleled value for the cost with all these and more advantages. However, to make the most of it, you need to be aware of all the ways you can enhance the lifespan and quality of these features.
Why do tile roofs need maintenance?
Even the strongest roof can fall prey to accidents and damage, such as water leaks. Fixing or replacing tiled roofs can be costly, so prevent extensive costs by taking care of your tile roof. It is always recommended to contact an expert contractor who can help you with maintenance.
6 ways to extend the lifespan of your tile roof
Although it is recommended to hire a professional for complete maintenance, there are a few things you can do to take care of your tiles on your own. Here are some tips to ensure that your tile roofs last as long as possible.
1. Conduct annual inspections
You should inspect your roof for superficial problems like cracks, leaks, water damage, mold, or major signs of weather-induced damage.
For a deeper and more thorough inspection of all the hidden problems, you will need to seek help from a professional roofing contractor during the spring or fall seasons. They are trained and experienced enough to spot issues that can lead to greater damage in the future. It’s an important step in roof maintenance that can save you from multiple problems and spending a lot of money, as you can find the potential damages beforehand.
2. Carry out top flashing
Roof flashing is conducted using a thin material, like galvanized steel, that expert roofers use to keep water away from entering the critical areas of the roof. Roof flashing is installed around the roof features, like vents, skylights, or chimneys. This is done to make water run down the side of the flashing and be directed to the tiles, rather than entering into the roof.
If you miss out on the top flashing against these walls, water will slowly drip into the crevice (in between the wall and the roof) and then makes its way into the home.
You should always hire a professional roofer to install roof flashing. A contractor will know the safety requirements, best practices, and building codes.
3. Don’t forget to clean your roof
Like the insides of your home, the roof also deserves a thorough cleaning at regular intervals. If your roof isn’t regularly cleaned, it will start showing greenish color around the edges. Regular cleaning can keep your roof shining for years.
The easiest way to clean your roof is by using a power washer, though the power shouldn’t be too high. It is also important to avoid harmful chemicals because they can lead to more damage in the future and erode the tiles. For effective and safe cleaning, it’s better to perform a soft wash with a cleaning solution. This will make your tile roof look clean and will not cause any unnecessary damage.
High pressure of water can be used to clean the roof as long as you keep the sprayer at a safe distance from the tiles to keep them from breaking. A clean roof means a clean house, thereby increasing the curb appeal of your home. Not only does regular cleaning improve the outlook of the house, but also prolongs its life.
If you’re not sure how to clean the tile roof or don’t have the expertise to operate a power washer, you can always hire a licensed roofing contractor to do the job for you.
4. Remove any debris
If you live in a windy area, you’re bound to receive a lot of dirt and debris on your roof. This will eventually clog the gutters and lead to water overflow during rainy seasons. The overflowing water can leak into the house and affect the integrity of your roof. Clearing the debris from your roof is something you should do regularly, even if you don’t wash it.
5. Repair your roof when needed
Smaller repairs financed at the right time will save you from more expensive costs in the future. Replacing the broken tiles as soon as you see them helps keep the aesthetic of your roof intact.
Any damage that can lead to water seeping inside should be repaired immediately and professionally especially in the case of a storm or hurricane.
Your tile roofs can easily last you beyond their guaranteed life with the proper installation and maintenance.
6. Conduct an annual cleaning of your roof
Experts recommend cleaning and inspecting your roof in detail within the first five years of installation. While it’s normal for most homeowners to clean their tile roof every other year, an annual cleaning will benefit your roof as well.
If you live in a dusty area, you might need more frequent cleaning because the added layers of deposited debris harden and become more difficult to scrape off after longer intervals. This not only damages your roof but also your aesthetic standing.
How can a roofing company help maintain my tile roof?
You can always hire a trustworthy roofing contractor to guide you through the process. Central Homes Roofing can inspect your roof in detail, make a report of all the damages and problems, provide you with estimated costs, and conduct repair work.
Contact Central Homes Roofing to help you out with maintaining your tiled roof, especially if you’ve spotted damages that require more than superficial repair. By doing this, you will be able to prolong the life of your tile roof and save money in the long run.
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