Maintaining a clay tile roof means scheduling regular inspections, cleaning off moss and algae, and replacing the underlayment every 20–25 years. Here’s how Skyline Contracting helps homeowners in Gainesville, GA, keep their tile roofs looking great for decades.
Maintenance Is Key to a Long-Lasting Clay Tile Roof
Clay tile roofing is durable and energy-efficient, making it an ideal choice for homes in hot climates. While Gainesville, GA, isn’t exactly as warm as Arizona or New Mexico, summers in the Peach State can be just as punishing, and clay tiles are an excellent choice in the heat.
While known for its longevity, a clay tile roof still needs ongoing maintenance to reach the higher end of its expected lifespan—up to 100 years in some cases. Here’s how to keep a clay tile roof in good shape.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Roofing issues tend to develop over time, except when major storms cause damage. For this reason, regular inspections are key to ensuring any roofing issues are caught early and addressed before they become a major problem.
How Often Should I Inspect a Tile Roof?
Ideally, homeowners should have a tile roof inspected twice a year and after major storms. Once per year is a good minimum; however, with inspections needed more frequently as your roof ages.
Clean Off Algae, Moss, and Debris
Clay tile roofs should be cleaned regularly to perform at their best. Not only will this make the roof look nicer, but it will also help to prevent moss and algae. Humid climates like Gainesville can accelerate moss and algae growth, which can encourage pests to move in or loosen roof tiles.
The best way to clean a tile roof is to:
- Use a mild detergent
- Use a soft brush or low-pressure hose
- Avoid walking on tiles to prevent cracking
While it may be tempting, a clay tile roof should not be pressure-washed. This can cause moisture to seep into your home and dislodge or damage roof tiles, leading to repairs.
Trim Back Overhanging Trees
While a tile roof is more durable than other materials, falling tree limbs can still crack and damage clay tiles. As a general roof maintenance best practice, it’s always a good idea to trim back tree branches regularly, particularly branches that are dead or hanging over your roof line.
Consider Protective Coatings
While tile roofs are durable, they can sometimes benefit from additional sealant or coating. This can change the color of your roof to match your aesthetic preferences or protect the roof tiles from damage.
That said, coatings aren’t always—or even often—needed. This is worth discussing with your roofing professional to be sure, however, as they’ll have more in-depth knowledge of the needs of tile roofs here in Gainesville.
Complete a Tile Roof Relay After 20–25 Years
While this doesn’t fall under yearly maintenance for a clay tile roof, it’s still well worth mentioning. Although clay tiles can last for 50–100 years, the underlayment has a shorter lifespan. This means the underlayment should be replaced in order to protect your home from moisture intrusion and lengthen the lifespan of your roof.
A roofer with experience in tile roofing will be able to complete what’s called a “relay,” where the tiles of your roof are removed and the underlying roofing layers are repaired or maintained. The process for a typical relay looks like this:
- Remove exterior clay tiles and set aside for reuse
- Remove old underlayment
- Inspect the roof decking and repair if needed
- Install new underlayment
- Relay original clay tiles
- Complete a final inspection
The underlayment of a tile roof typically lasts for around 15–25 years, so completing a tile roof relay every 20 years or so is a safe bet.
Skyline Contracting Can Maintain Your Tile Roof
Keep your tile roof in excellent shape with our team of professionals at Skyline Contracting, Gainesville’s leading roofing experts. Our team is well-versed in the maintenance of clay tile roofs, providing upkeep and preventive services that help tile roofs last longer in our region.
Give us a call today at (770) 530-3095, or fill out our online contact form to have one of our experts talk to you about your project and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.