Tiles are a sturdy roofing material that can help you get the most from your roof for a long time. They aren’t infallible, though; you will need repair at some point or another. You must know how to spot damage to your roof and understand what to do if you see it. Here are some of the most common signs you need tile roof repair and what you should do about it.
Tile Roof Repair Warning Signs
1. Cracked or Broken Tiles
When you inspect your roof, can you see if any tiles have broken or been removed from the top entirely? This is the most obvious sign that your tiles need to be repaired. That’s something that you need to address very quickly before it leads to further problems. The good news is that this issue can be handled with ease. It is possible to replace them yourself, but it’s typically a good idea to call roofers to fix them. That ensures the tiles are correctly installed, and they can do it with all the safety equipment needed.
2. Water Leaks in Your Home
Do you see water leaks in your home? Water stains on the ceiling or leaks elsewhere in your home can be a sign that there’s damage to your tile roof. If there’s damage, water can quickly get through gaps in the tiles and start causing damage. It’s essential to check that your roof is the reason you’re seeing water damage in your home. There can be several reasons you’re seeing it, such as a burst pipe or poor insulation in your roof. Ensure that it is the roof that is the culprit before you call for help with it.
3. Streaks on Your Home Siding
When inspecting your roof, you’ll want to look at your home’s siding. Are there any streaks that are coming down from the roof? If there are, this is typically a mixture of tar, tiling, and other materials bonding to the gutters and running down the fascia board. Many homeowners assume the issue is with their gutters, so they have them replaced. However, it’s an issue with your roof, so you’ll need to get a roofer to find the damage to your roof.
4. Plants Growing on Your Roof
This is another sign of damage that’s quite obvious when you see it. You’ll most likely see algae or moss on your roof if there is any growth, and if you see it, you’ll want to handle it quite quickly. The issue with this growth is that it holds water underneath it; over time, it will damage your roof. As such, it’s a good idea to remove this growth when you start to see it. Several products on the market help you clean it off, and the good news is that you won’t need to get on the roof. Cleaning it off will help you avoid issues with your tile roof later.
5. Algae Build-Up in One Area
On the topic of plants on the roof, you’ll want to keep a particular lookout for algae. In some cases, it’ll grow all over the roof or in shaded areas that are more hospitable. Keep an eye out for algae growth in one place, though. That’s often a sign that there’s an issue with your roof. If you’re seeing this, you’ll want to call a roofer to help you with it. They’ll be able to identify and fix the issue with your tile roof before you go ahead and clean the algae off.
6. Varying Temperatures in Your Home
Usually, when you run your HVAC system, you should have the same temperature throughout your home. That makes it comfortable no matter what room you’re in. However, if you see that one room is cooler or warmer than others, that’s a sign that there’s an issue with the roof. This is because there’s insufficient ventilation in your attic or damage letting air in from outside. If that’s the case, any rooms in that area aren’t going to stay the same temperature. Plus, you’re losing money as the air you’ve cooled or warmed will make its way out of the roof. Ask a roofer to inspect and put this right for you, so you can stop losing that air through the roof.
7. A Musty Smell In Your Home
This symptom of a damaged roof is related to leaks in your home, as discussed above. There may be water damage in your home, but you can’t see it yet. Sometimes though, you will be able to tell the damage is there before there’s visual evidence. If you’re detecting a musty smell in your home, that’s a surefire sign there’s water damage somewhere in the building. Again, you’ll want to pin down the water source and be sure that it’s the roof causing the damage before you get a roofer involved.
8. Attic Discoloration
When inspecting your roof, it’s always essential that you check out the attic. When you’re up there, for example, you’ll be able to see any gaps in the roof, showing whether tiles are missing. Inside your roof, you’ll see any issues you hadn’t spotted when you were outside. As well as this, make sure you’re looking for any discoloration on the walls and timbers of the roof. That’s a sign of moisture and damage, showing that water is getting in through the roof. If you find this, that’s a sign you need help from a roofer.
When to Seek Tile Roof Repair Help
These are some of the most common signs of tile roof repair. If you see any of them, have a tile roof repair professional come to check on them and ensure that it’s in the best possible condition.