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Any roof is an investment, but some materials are more expensive than others. A tile roof often has a high price tag, but for the higher price, you get many years of beauty in addition to some other benefits that will probably save you money in the long term.
Not only will a tile roof often raise the value of a home, but this roofing material is also exceptionally strong and environmentally friendly.
Start With a Sturdy Roof
The maintenance challenges you’ll face will be determined in part by the grade of the tiles you have installed.
Tile roofing comes in three grades, with each grade having a different degree of resistance to issues such as frost. It’s crucial to have the correct tile grade installed for the location of your house and the typical weather conditions there.
For instance, tile that absorbs more moisture will not perform well in harsh climates because this leads to water absorption and then freezing, which can lead to cracking over time.
How Much Does Tile Roof Maintenance Cost?
Most homeowners find that once they have a tile roof properly installed, the maintenance cost is minimal. As long as you perform a few basic tasks regularly, your tile roof should last for many years to come.
Watch for the appearance of algae on the tiles and clean it off promptly if you notice it. Some homeowners might choose to use a pressure washer to apply a special cleanser to remove the algae, but you could also hire an expert to perform this work. Leaving algae unattended for some time and then removing it could cause permanent streaking on the tile, so it’s important to deal with it sooner rather than later. If you hire a professional to handle the job, this could be the priciest item in your roof tile maintenance guide, costing a few hundred dollars on average.
Have a professional perform an inspection at least once per year. Tile roofs can be slippery, so stay on the safe side and hire a full-service inspector. This expert will be able to check for cracks in the tile, which may be able to be repaired before a more serious problem arises.
Also, no matter what type of roof you have, it’s important to keep the gutters clear of debris. If the gutters back up and water overflows, this could damage the roof.
Basic Maintenance for Your Tile Roof
There are a few basic maintenance things that you can do to make sure that your roof is in great condition, but other things need to be done by a licensed roofing contractor.
- Inspections – You should never attempt to climb onto your roof to see if tiles are missing or cracked, one misstep and you could either accidentally put a hole in your roof or you could end up seriously injuring yourself if you should fall. By using the services of a licensed roofing contractor at least once or twice a year, who will be able to identify even the smallest of cracks in your tile, while following the correct safety procedures during his time on your roof.
- Debris – Cool winds are a great way to beat the heat, but it also causes leaves and other debris to end up on your roof tiles and eventually land up in your gutter. Your gutters need to be kept clear to avoid any water from overflowing, especially before storm season hits. Overflowing water could end up leaking into your home and affecting the integrity of your roof. While clearing your gutter of debris is something you could potentially take care of if you wanted to. It’s also not without its own hazards and safety concerns, especially if the gutter is completely clogged. Make sure you have tree branches that hang over your roof trimmed in order to lessen the amount of debris you need to clear.
- Roof Repairs – You have two choices, you can either attempt to repair broken flashing or tiles or have them replaced. Doing so ensures that no water can inadvertently enter your home. If there are spots you may want to have all the caulking checked and ensure that damaged areas are resealed where necessary, but this will need to be done by a professional contractor.
Remember, if you keep your roof regularly maintained you will avoid major damage to your roof. This will save you money on costly repairs, which could have been avoided.