Tile roofs require some additional maintenance when compared to a standard asphalt shingle roof. What exactly do you need to do to keep a tile roof in good condition, and how often do tile roofs need maintenance?
There are many benefits of cleaning and restoring your tile roof. Here’s a quick look at some of the steps you can take to ensure your tile roof lasts long into the future and outlasts many other roofing alternatives.
Cleaning the tile roof
Tile roofs need to be cleaned regularly to preserve their condition. This is true whether the tiles are clay or concrete. By cleaning your tiles regularly, you will prevent a buildup of dirt and debris that is both unsightly and potentially capable of deteriorating your roofing. It will also help prevent moss and mildew from growing on the surface.
If you fail to clean your roof, the organic matter will start to build up and collect moisture that could block your gutters and add unnecessary weight to your roofing system.
There is a delicate balance, though. Pressure washing can actually harm tile roofs more than help them, as it could cause pitting and damage to the tiles, which makes them even more susceptible to moss and mildew growth and further damage in the future. With how sensitive they are to foot traffic, this can make them difficult to clean. Work with a professional to determine the best method to keep your tile roofs clean without causing further damage.
You should aim to wash the roof once a year or so, but you can adjust your timeline as needed based on how much grime accumulates on your roof.
Roof glaze
One way to protect your tile roof is to add a special tile roof glaze. You can find these products made by a variety of manufacturers. Such a glaze is designed to seal up these tile roofs, while also adding a little bit of color.
In addition to sealing the roof and protecting it from the elements, the roof glaze also helps trap efflorescence and is effective at preventing the growth of algae.
Tile replacement
You may experience occasional breaks in tiles on your roof. The good news is that you can replace individual tiles as needed without it affecting the condition of the rest of the roof surrounding those broken tiles. However, you should only bring in an expert to do this, as professionals will understand how to replace tiles in such a way that they do not break other tiles surrounding them. This can be a challenging process, so it’s best to leave it up to people with the training and experience necessary to get the job done well.
By staying on top of tile roof maintenance, you will keep your tiles in good condition for a longer time. When properly maintained, tile roofs can last many decades and even outlive you. All it takes is the financial and time investment necessary to schedule maintenance as needed.
For more information about tile roofs and how often tile roofs need maintenance, contact us at Winter Springs Roofing & Repair.