You count on your tile roof for beauty and protection. It adds to your curb appeal, and it ensures the structural integrity of your home. Unfortunately, if the tiles crack, they can allow water in, leading to leaks and structural damage. You can prevent your tiles from cracking by following a few simple tips.

Regular Roof Inspections

Schedule a professional roof inspection annually. This allows us the opportunity to identify cracks, damage, and other signs of wear and tear early on. If we can promptly repair these issues, we’ll be able to keep them from escalating. This saves you money and keeps your roof looking its best. Always hire a professional to repair your tiles. This ensures that other tiles won’t accidentally crack during the repair process.

You can also do visual inspections yourself. At least twice a year, walk around your house and look up at the roof. Do this each spring and fall for the best results. Look for damage to your tiles as well as the flashing and underlayment.

Post-storm checks are also important. Strong winds can lift, displace, or break your tiles. Heavy rains will saturate them, leading to warping, curling, and swelling, and hail can crack or chip them. If you notice anything amiss, call us for further inspection and repairs.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regularly remove twigs, leaves, and other debris from your roof and gutters to avoid water buildup and moss growth. Also, clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage. Remove birds’ nests and other critter-related debris, too. Keeping the roof clean is one of the easiest ways to avoid cracked or damaged tiles.

Routinely schedule professional roof cleanings as well. This helps prevent moss and algae from growing, staining your roof tiles, and causing deterioration.

Protection and Preventing Damage

Be sure to trim branches that hang over your roof. This keeps them from cracking your tiles during severe weather. While doing these tasks, avoid walking on your roof tiles as much as possible. It puts stress on the tiles, especially if they are old.

If you live in an area where harsh weather is common, you can have protective coatings applied to your roof tiles to enhance their resistance to water and ice. This further reduces the risk of tiles cracking.

In addition to following these helpful tips, choose high-quality, weather-resistant tiles that suit the climate where you live. If hail is common in your area, look for impact-resistant ones. As a result, you can have an attractive, crack-free tile roof that lasts for many years to come.

Call Bliss Roofing in Portland, OR for more information on installing and caring for tile roofs.