Tile roofs provide several significant advantages over other types. Tile constructions are resistant to pests and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They also have superior thermal properties that reduce ambient temperatures on the roof deck. Tile roofs come in a broad array of colors that can complement the appearance of your home. But perhaps most significantly, a properly installed tile roof can last more than 100 years with only modest care. If you need to know how to maintain a tile roof, follow these guidelines.

Steps

  1. 1
    Inspect your tile roof periodically. Tile roofs are extremely durable but still have to be inspected occasionally. Look for cracked or chipped tiles. Damaged sections have to be replaced immediately. Take appropriate measures to reduce the effects of other issues with your tile roof.
  2. 2
    Do NOT pressure wash your roof. Read http://roofcoatingscam.com/is-it-safe-to-pressure-wash-a-roof/ to find out why and the damage it can cause. Effectively, the only way to safely clean your roof and the tiles on it is to use a 6" trowel and wire brush and do it manually by hand. Pressure washing can erode the concrete tiles or penetrate through into the felt below and cause flooding in the roof space.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Refurbish your roof. After you wash your roof and let it dry, you may want to take additional steps to protect and rejuvenate the surface.
  4. 4
    Replace damaged tiles immediately. Chipped, cracked or broken tiles should be removed as soon as they're discovered. Broken tiles can compromise the roof's ability to withstand exposure to rain and sun. To replace a tile, slide a flat bar under the 2 tiles above the broken piece. Put another flat bar under the tile to the left of the damaged one. Gently pry the bars upward and remove the broken tile. Before putting in a new tile, replace the roofing underlayment. When you've replaced the tile, pull out the left-hand bar first, then the one above.
  5. 5
    Walk on your tile roof very carefully. You'll have to go up on your roof periodically to clean the surface and make repairs. Tile is fragile, and you can severely damage your roof by walking on it. The key to walking on a tile roof is distributing your weight over and area wider than your foot. To do this, experienced workers lay down plywood walkways, treated with foam backs, when moving across a tile roof. Never walk along the delicate edges of tile or along specially cut tiles that are difficult to replace.
  6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What are the little holes running along the bottom of tile roofs?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That is called the bird stop, it allows for water to drain out from underneath the tiles.
  • Question
    What is the minimum pitch for a tile roof?
    Ryan Mccutchan
    Ryan Mccutchan
    Community Answer
    The minimum slope or pitch for a tile roof will depend on the exact profile of tile you are using. The lowest any tile can usually go is about 15 degrees, but some must be steeper. Check with the manufacturer as to their recommendation.
  • Question
    What is the main cause of leaks on a tile roof?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Cracked mortar allows a tile (or more often, several) to break loose, exposing areas near the top to water flow. As with any leak, try looking from underneath your roof to find the precise source/location.
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement tiles
  • Pressure washer
  • Plywood walkway (with foam-treated underside)
  • 2 flat bars
  • Clear alkyd primer
  • Acrylic paint
  • Clear acrylic sealant
  • Clean rags
  • Bleach

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 11 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 99,926 times.
107 votes - 81%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: March 3, 2022
Views: 99,926
Categories: Roofs
Advertisement