A properly maintained tile roof can last up to 100 years, but it still needs to be inspected at least once a year. While it’s always best to hire a professional roofer for that job, you can still perform a basic inspection and get an idea of your roof’s health. Here’s how you can do that safely.
An Inside Check
You can learn a lot about the state of your roof without leaving your house. First, check your ceilings for water rings and spots. Those are clear indicators that you have a leak in your roof. Next, take a look at your attic if you can access it safely. Look for sun shafts from the ceiling as well as water spots. Check your insulation to see if it is damp or if it has a musty smell.
An Outside Check
Once you’ve checked your ceiling and attic, it’s time to take a look at the roof itself. You can get a good look at your roof without climbing a ladder at all. You may need a pair of binoculars if you want a really good look, but look up at visible sections of your roof for things such as broken tiles, storm debris, and clogged gutters. You can also look at the ground around your house for any tiles that have fallen or clogged rain spouts. You won’t be able to see every part of your roof, but even those signs will tell you that it will need some maintenance.
Climbing Up to Your Roof
While we absolutely do not recommend it, you can also climb up to your roof to take a closer look at it. The tiles on your roof aren’t meant to support a lot of weight, so avoid climbing onto the roof itself if you can. Instead, use an aluminum ladder to climb up and look for signs of damage. Aluminum ladders are sturdy enough to support you and lightweight enough to not damage the roof tiles.
If you must climb onto a tile roof, do so while wearing soft-soled shoes and gloves with plenty of grip. Walk on the edges of tiles, and avoid putting all of your weight on one foot. Do not attempt to do any of this on your own, either. Always have someone on the ground in case you fall.
Calling a Professional Roofer for an Inspection
Even though you technically can climb onto your tile roof for an inspection, it’s always better to leave that job to the professionals. We recommend scheduling one professional roof inspection every year. If it’s been at least that long since your last roof inspection or if you need any other tile roofing services for your Tampa, FL home, call Handyman Roofing today.
