A well-made roof is created with robust materials that add protection and splendor to the construction. Tile roofs are often sought after for their longevity, durability, and appearance. The primary problem associated with concrete tiles, tiles, masonry roofing, and fiber cement is cracking or breaking. When roof tiles are broken, it is best to get them fixed and replaced by a professional roofer. Southlake tile roof replacement will do this job for you reliably and affordably.
What are Tile roofs?
Tile roofs are generally made with earth minerals such as tinted concrete, fired clay, standard tiles, molded concrete, and terra cotta survive fire, storms, and high winds easily. They are decay-resistant, energy-efficient, free from insect damage, and low in maintenance.
How do roofing tiles break?
As with any material, damage can occur due to debris falling over the roof, wind damage, freezing weather, heat, water or snow stress, or any other accidental damage. When the damage occurs, it is usually to individual roof tiles. They can be fixed, repaired, adjusted, or replaced. The costs depend on the damage type and the number of tiles impacted.
- Broken tiles
- Minor holes or cracks
- Underlayment defects
- Debris buildup in the roof valley
Early detection of roof tile damage
Roof tiles that are inspected almost every 3 months, can be easily identified for any damage or cracks in them. Gutters cleaned each month will ensure that no debris is resting over the roof tiles and developing cracks. Early identification of any roof issue is essential for a fast response. Be it worn out underlying layers or damaged tiles, if left unidentified, it can result in cracks, holes, leaks, and water seepage into the construction. The more the damage, the deeper the impact, and the more pricey the repair will be. Identifying the precise problem area and points in the roof will ensure the repair, fix, and replacement right.
How to fix and replace broken roof tiles?
When heading for fixing or repairing or replacing a roof tile, ensure proper safety measures are taken. When replacing a roof tile, the exact type of roof tiles should be used that match the remaining roof. Trying to replace other types of tiles that are a misfit can result in more damage. -When fixing a tile is not possible, then the roof tile should be replaced.
Fixing roof tiles
Whenever replacement is not required or possible, a temporary repair or a fix can be done. This can be done by cutting out roofing felt pieces or size a flashing strip to stick it above the crack with the help of a roofing adhesive. This will cover the area of damage on the roof or the roof tile.
Small holes or cracks
These issues can be fixed by filling the cracks/holes with plastic roofing cement.
- Cleaning – Scrub the tile area using a wire brush. This is to make sure the roofing cement will bond properly. Remove the debris and dirt. If there is any residual water, clean and let it dry for the right bonding of the patching component.
- Filling -Fill the cracked or the hole-region with plastic roofing cement. You can also use Silicone caulk for longevity and durability.
- Setting -Set it to join or seal the crack.
- Smoothening – Using a trowel, the roof surface is smoothened to the adjoining level. Now let the cement harden for bonding.
Tile Roof Leaks
When the tile roof is leaking, the general issue is mostly with the tile membrane beneath it. To fix this, identify the leakage area.
Identifying roof leaks
Roof leaks are complex issues. To start with, identifying the leak area or point is vital. Carry out a visual inspection to note the watermarks, discolorations, wet spots, and stains on the roof underside. If this gives you the leak spot, you can go ahead to fix it. If not, run some water using a hose over the roof and look for a water leak spot. Mark the spot using a nail or a thin wire passed through the hole or the spot.
- Using a flat pry bar, lift the tile that is placed around the area of leakage.
- Fill the leak hole with roofing cement.
Replacement of Roof tiles
When a roof tile is missing its piece or broken or the crack is too big that the rest of the tile gets loose, the tile needs a replacement.
Broken tiles
When tiles are broken and cannot be fixed in any way, then the roof tiles have to be replaced.
- Pry up the roof tile or roof tiles very carefully just above the broken or cracked one.
- Do not lift them very far as it can result in damage. Prop them using woodblocks.
- Using a flat pry bar lift the defective tile. When it is not budging, take a wood piece and insert it below the tile. This will shield the below tile.
- Make use of a flat bar or hammer to cautiously break the tile. Remove the broken tile pieces by breaking the defective tile.
- Force or pry up any nails with it. Eliminate the nails using a flat bar. The nails hold the damaged tile and so should be removed.
- A small quantity of tile roofing cement is spread along the replacement underside. This is the area of the tile after removing the tile.
- Then slide the new roof tile into the place.
- Nails are not needed during a tile replacement.
- The replaced tiles are held with adhesive and not by nails.
- Lower the raised tiles into their place after the replacement is done.
- Press the tiles gently down to hold them in place and alignment.
Roof tile leakage
If the leakage is due to a broken tile then the tile has to be replaced. When the roof is leaking, then you will need to eliminate the tile that is precisely over the leak. Repair this area with the help of asphalt roofing cement and then replace the roof tile over it.
Conclusion
For long-term damage where wood sheathing, sagging of roof structure and other prominent signs are involved, the roof tile rafters have to be fixed. Contact professional roofing help to handle the damage. Southlake tile roof replacement will fix your roof tiles issue with their professional expertise. Get a quote and inspection right away.