Every roof comes with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Tile roofs can last longer than asphalt shingle roofs, but they rely on proper water shedding rather than a completely sealed surface. More than that, while they’re durable, they do have unique impact vulnerabilities. Protecting your roof from damage and leaks is key to keeping your home safe. Here are the essential steps to prevent roof tile leaks that you should observe moving forward.
Keep Your Roof Clean and Free of Debris
A clean tile roof is a healthy tile roof. When debris collects in your gutter systems, it can cause water accumulation. Built-up water in gutters can rot the underlying deck, leading to leaks that penetrate through your roof and into other parts of your home. Debris that builds up in the valleys of your tiles is problematic as well. When this prevents water from making its way down the roof, the water can get trapped in between the tiles and eat away at the underlayment.
Have a professional come by when you notice buildup to safely remove it from the roof and from your gutter system.
You’ll also want to focus on preventive maintenance. While tiles are quite durable, they’re easily damaged by falling objects and force. If a tree branch falls, it could break several tiles and leave your roof vulnerable. Regular tree trimming can help you prevent roof leaks in the face of high wind or storms.
Prioritize Annual, Professional Inspections
You should never go up on a tile roof yourself. As stated above, tile roofs are sensitive to any type of force. Going up on your tile roof can easily result in damaged tiles that create more problems for you. Make sure that you have licensed roofers come over to inspect your tile roof at least once a year. Work with roofers who have experience with tile roofs so that they’re able to navigate your roof without causing additional damage. They’ll help you check your flashing, detect subtle tile damage, and assess sealant quality. With their help, you’ll catch issues before they can lead to serious leaks.
Check Your Attic After Heavy Rains
The bulk of roof maintenance and leak detection has to be done by professional roofers. However, there are ways you can check for roof leaks by yourself. Any time you experience heavy rain, go up to your attic to see if the roof is dripping or if any water stains or musty odors are developing. It’s a simple way to detect leaks and address them quickly.
Tile roofs offer a wealth of benefits, but they’re still susceptible to leaking like any other roof. Follow the three steps offered above to prevent leaks and catch any developing problems before they result in serious structural damage and expensive repairs. If you have concerns or require tile roofing services, contact Handyman Roofing in Tampa, FL.
