Tile roofing offers a wide range of benefits. From longer lifespans to enhanced protections and insulation, there’s a lot to love about a tile roof. That being said, tile roofing can be susceptible to damage during the winter months. If you want to keep your tile roof in great condition, winter maintenance is a must. Here are some of the top tile roof tips to follow for proper winter roof maintenance.

Conduct a Full Inspection Before the Winter

A lot of the prep work that goes into winter roof maintenance happens in the fall. This is because small mistakes or oversights in the fall can easily lead to more damage once winter hits. A full inspection should be the first step.

Look for tiles that are already damaged and need to be replaced. If water gets into these tiles, melts, and expands, it can create severe vulnerabilities in your roof. Other helpful fall prep tips include cleaning out gutters, checking your attic’s ventilation, and conducting preventive yard maintenance.

Use Snow Guards, Heat Cables, and Other Tools to Deal With Snow and Ice

A buildup of snow and ice can damage your roof. Installing snow guards prevents snow from sliding off and damaging tiles or any property below. It allows snow to melt gradually for better protection against damage. You can also use tools such as tile-safe heat cables to help melt snow and ice, or snow rakes to safely move snow around if it’s starting to build up.

Consistently Look for Damage or Blockages

Whenever the weather is a bit extreme, check to see if there is any new damage that you will need to address when you’re able to. This will include damaged or loose tiles after severe storms, or even attic vent blockages that might occur after a blizzard, for example.

Avoid Getting Up on the Roof Directly

One mistake that you don’t want to make, when conducting roof maintenance, is getting up on the roof directly. Tile roofs can be slippery during the winter. If you lose your footing, you could easily injure yourself and end up falling off the roof. You could also cause roof damage that will need to be repaired once the winter ends.

Conducting fall maintenance, keeping your roof clear of snow in a safe manner, and regularly assessing the state of your roof will serve to protect it during the winter. Contact Bliss Roofing in Portland, OR, to learn more about tile roofing installation and the many services we offer to keep your tile roof in stellar condition!