Installing a New RoofInstalling a New Roof

If you have a tile roof or are planning on installing one, you should understand the maintenance demands. In general, tile roofs are durable and strong; however, they are not completely infallible. If their condition is not preserved, there will be an obvious decline in their intrinsic strength. In addition, the classic appeal of tiles will be compromised. Here are some simple tips for keeping your roof free from damage:

Clear the Debris

Debris such as leaves, twigs and other random materials can seem harmless on your tile roof. However, the long-term consequences of the accumulation of the waste on your structure can be dire. In simple terms, the debris will prevent the flow of water during rainfall. As a result, there will be no efficient evacuation of water. This will mean that the rainwater will be trapped on the tiles for longer. This could promote tiling damage and subsequent leaking. If your roof is constantly covered in debris, consider trimming the tall trees around the house.

Wash Off the Algae

Algae will grow on roof tiles when there is sufficient moisture. This problem affects both clay and concrete tiles due to their intrinsic porous nature. The algae will cause the beauty of the roofing to be compromised significantly. There will be discolouration of the roof. You can prevent this problem by washing the tiles occasionally. If the problem is new, you can rinse the surface with a low-pressure washer. Direct the flow at an angle or indirectly to avoid damaging the tiles due to pressure. If your tiles are already discoloured, consider looking for specialty biofilm cleaning agents.

Avoid Walking

Your tile roof might sustain damage due to walking on the surface. In general, tiles are quite strong in comparison to roofing alternatives like simple corrugated sheets. However, you should not test out their resilience by walking on them. Constant exertion of pressure will weaken the material considerably, leading to cracks in the units. Therefore, if you would like to check up on your roof or conduct some maintenance, it is advisable to use aerial equipment or hire a professional roofer.

Replace Missing Tiles

Finally, it is important to replace missing tiles or damaged units as soon as possible. Structural weakness in your roof can be highly detrimental to your house. For instance, the seepage of water will destroy the framing and underlayment of the roofing. This could mean costly repairs and even roof replacement. Therefore, you should deal with localised damage immediately to prevent damage escalation.