How to Tell if it’s Time to Replace Your Tile Roof

How do you know when you need to replace your tile roof? And how can you determine whether you need to replace a few tiles or the whole thing? It depends on the circumstances, but we are here to help! Tile roofs are a popular choice in our area because they’re so effective in our climate. But if your roof is reaching its last leg, it can cause more damage than you may realize.

Luckily, a tile roof is one of the most long-lasting roof types on the market. If properly maintained, a tile roof can last up to 100 years! Because of this longevity, you may not know how long your tile roof has been around or how well maintained it is. Here are three signs that you may need to replace your tile roof soon.

1. Chipped or Cracked Tiles

If you’re noticing a lot of chipped or cracked tiles, this may be a sign that you need to replace your roof. It’s normal for a few tiles to break or crack over time. In this case, you would simply need to replace the damaged tiles. It’s also a good idea to inspect the surrounding tiles in case something has specifically caused damage. However, if you notice that over half of the tiles are cracked or chipped, you need to replace your roof soon to prevent harm to your home. It can be challenging to inspect your roof without stepping on the tiles, so we recommend having a professional complete the inspection. You can also check inside your gutters and around your home for pieces of clay.

Pro tip: To prevent broken tiles, always work with a roof cleaning company that avoids walking on your roof as much as possible. At Allied, our experienced teams utilize ladders and lifts to limit foot traffic. With some roofs, we don’t need to step foot on them at all!

2. Worn Underlay & Water Stains Under the Eaves

Even if your tiles are in good condition, you may still need to replace the roof. The second thing you can check for is wear on the felt paper underlay, which is especially crucial in older homes. Underlay is what makes a roof watertight, so if you see bubbling or tears in the paper, you are susceptible to leaks. You can also check the eaves. At the lowest ends of your home, water can begin to pool if your roof is defective. This means water is flowing underneath the tiles and underlayment. If you are noticing water stains on your ceiling, this could be the cause. In this case, you need to replace your roof as soon as possible. By this time, your roof will be causing expensive damage to your home, so try to catch it before this point. This is a good example of how important maintaining your tile roof is.

Pro tip: Keep your tile roof protected by using a waterproof sealant to strengthen and seal your tiles. A sealant will create a breathable moisture barrier that will keep your roof dry and protected from leakage.

3. Erosion & Debris

The most threatening thing to your tile roof is accumulating debris. Ignoring proper maintenance for your roof could cut its life in half (or more). Whether your tile roof has a build-up of mildew or bird droppings, it could be slowly eating away at your tile. Bird droppings may seem ordinary but, if they accumulate, the acid in the droppings can erode your tiles, leading to cracks and broken tiles.  You can learn more in our blog about roof maintenance.

Pro tip: Frequent pressure washing is not the solution to keeping your roof free of debris, mold, and mildew. High pressure or “power” cleaning removes the top surface of the roof tile, which can reduce the life of your roof. Gentle, low-pressure cleanings paired with a sealant to limit or eliminate cleanings is recommended for keeping your tile roof healthy and clean.

It’s All About Maintenance & Prevention

If you’re noticing any of these three signs, it’s probably time to bring in a professional to do a roof inspection. Even if you don’t see anything yet that needs replacing, it’s essential to take preventive measures. Keep a regular eye out so you can catch damage early. Be sure to check your home after any unusual or severe weather. Lastly, make sure you have your roof protected to prevent mold, mildew, and other build-ups.

The best thing you can do to extend the life of your tile roof and avoid expensive reroofing costs? Keep it clean! You can get a free quote on our website. We also have three roof maintenance programs to find the best maintenance plan for you.