3 Reasons Why Your Roof Tiles Are Cracking: Is it Time to Rethink Your Approach to Maintenance?

Roofing tiles are one of the different options of roofing materials available to protect your home. However, just like any other material, these are subject to wear, tear, and breakage from falling objects, weather, movement, or freezing. Repairing a crack in roof tiles is sometimes easier than trying to replace the affected area. However, before diving into repairs, it’s important to know what causes roof tiles to break and crack.

Common Causes of Broken or Cracked Tiles

While finding cracks or damage to roof tiles may be challenging from the ground, it is possible to see these issues from the rooftop or from a ladder. The main reasons that roof tiles may break or crack include:

1. Impact (i.e., falling objects, foot traffic, etc.)
2. Nail heads or clips beneath the tile
3. Freeze and thaw damage

When looking for signs of damage, it’s best to pay attention to the most vulnerable parts of the roof, which include the valleys and the areas close to things penetrating the roof. It’s also necessary to pay attention to higher traffic areas, including under dormers and next to television towers that are used for climbing on to the roof.

Tile Roofing’s Appeal

There’s no question that tile roofing is an aesthetically pleasing option and when regularly inspected and maintained, it will last a long time. When inspecting a roof on a regular basis, minor damage can be found before it gets worse and requires a bigger repair. Proper maintenance will also help to keep the tile roof repair to a minimum.

Broken or Chipped Tiles

A home’s roof is the first line of defense against the outside elements. The tiles can be chipped, cracked, or broken (as mentioned above) by hail, flying debris, or a falling tree branch. If tiles are damaged, they need to be replaced or repaired immediately to help prevent rain or sun exposure.

Tile Repairs Are Not a DIY Job

Most repair jobs are better left for professionals to handle. This way the tiles appear uniform and artistic. It takes someone with prior experience to know how to match the tiles perfectly. When the professionals match the new tiles being applied to the existing one, they not only pay attention to how everything looks, but the professionals are closing the gaps that may result in damage to the home if they remain uncovered.

Regular Roof Check-Ups Are a Must

By investing in regular roof inspections, it is possible to keep smaller issues from becoming a much larger problem. A professional roofer can identify areas that are potential problem areas and provide education to the homeowner regarding the best way to prevent any additional damage from occurring.

Materials Matter

While roof repair is needed, it’s essential that only the highest quality materials are used. Tile roofs are extremely durable and known for lasting longer than virtually every other type of roofing material used today. Sometimes, tile roofs have even been known to last longer than the structure they were installed on. For a roof to last longer, make sure only quality materials are used. Also, repairs need to be made with the highest quality tile, along with quality underlayment.

Remove Deposits

After time as passed, tile roofs may begin to produce efflorescence. This is a type of chalky deposit that will be seen on the surface of the roof tiles. It is very easy to maintain and reduce the presence of this substance by buffing the deposits away using a clean rag once the roof has been washed.

Repairing Tile Roof Cracks or Damage

If there is damage to a tile roof, repairs are possible. While the smartest move is to hire the professionals for help with this issue, there are some steps that can be taken to fix the issue. These steps are found here.

Use a Folding Ladder

It’s important to avoid walking on roof tiles because a person’s weight may crack or break even more of them. If a person is dealing with tiles that are out of reach of the eaves, they need to use an extendable and foldable ladder that has rubber supports. Be sure to fold this over the roof on the same angle the roof is sitting. The ladder will help to spread out a person’s weight thanks to the rubber supports, preventing further damage.

Clean the Crack or Damaged Area

To make sure the repair material will bond, the crack should be cleaned. To do this use a fine-toothed wire brush or a toothbrush to remove any debris that is present. To achieve the best results, use water and dish soap to remove the dirt and let this dry for 24 hours before applying a patch.

Silicone Caulking

This is a durable and long-lasting material that is great for use outdoors. It can be applied right to the top of the crack area and push it into the crack with a putty knife. Once in place, clean the repaired area with mineral spirits to remove excess caulking.

Repair Cement

Another option for repairing roofing tiles is repair cement. This is a product that can be purchased at almost any home improvement store. Similar to caulking, it is typically sold in a tube so it can be squeezed easily into the damaged area. Once in place, cleaning the tile’s surface right away is a good idea, but also follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to follow the patch line so the repair cement doesn’t harden on the tile’s surface.

The tips and information here provide insight into not only why roof tiles may break or suffer damage, but also how to repair these problems. Being informed and knowing how to handle these issues is the best way to ensure that a roof remains in good, protective condition. If serious damage has occurred or if a homeowner doesn’t think they can handle the needed repairs on their own, they should hire a professional like those at Pantera Pavers for help or to handle the repairs completely.