How Often Should I Have My Tile Roof Inspected?
Tile Roof Inspections
How often should a tile roof be maintained? Some tile roofs don’t require maintenance for years while others need more frequent upkeep. For the most part, you won’t know that maintenance is overdue until you have inspected the roof for wear and tear – or worse, you start spotting the telltale signs of a damaged roof.
Experts agree that it is a good idea to inspect your roof twice a year. You can do it yourself once or twice a year, but it’s always a better idea to have a professional carry out the inspection and maintenance. The expert will be able to spot things you may overlook and carry out repairs that could prevent long-term damage.
For obvious reasons, older roofs will require more frequent inspection. Newer roofs can go without being assessed for years – unless you have reason to believe that it has been damaged or a storm wreaked havoc in your neighborhood.
Here are a few tips to help you determine if it’s time to schedule a routine roof inspection by an expert.
There’s More to Your Roof than Tiles
The average roof has several parts to it. An untrained eye only sees the outermost layer, which usually means the tiles. A closer anatomy of the roof reveals that it is a structure made of rafters and trusses. These elements are carefully engineered to provide structural support to the roof.
The rafters are covered by roof decking, usually a plywood. Finally, a membrane completes the structure of the roof. These parts tend to degrade more quickly, needing more repair than the roof tiles, and it isn’t always obvious for the homeowner even after they’ve done a DIY inspection.
Hint: To keep your roof in mint condition, you’ll also need to keep the gutters and flashing in good shape – and they tend to get worn out with time, especially after heavy rain or storm.
The Aftermath of a Storm
Heavy storms can obliterate even the most fool-proof roof. Depending on the severity of the storm, the damage may be too severe to ignore. It is important to inspect the roof for damage for safety reasons – regardless of its age or build quality. Regular inspects help prevent roof damage – but consider an emergency inspection after a storm or weather event.
In most cases, the damage caused by a storm may be visible to the untrained eye. In other cases, you might notice signs of damage such as water stains due to leaks in the ceiling. Other signs of roof damage include missing chimney caps, caulking around the dormers or skylights, and damaged or missing tiles.
Another obvious sign is the growth of mold and mildew because of water seepage. This poses a major risk to the health and safety of occupants in your home.
And here’s the worst of it: a sagging roof. Storms can devastate the structural integrity of a roof to the point where it can completely collapse. It may not happen overnight and take several days to completely disintegrate, but once the process starts, there’s no stopping it unless you hire a professional. A sagging roof is a major threat that needs to be repaired right away.
If you notice any of the above signs, call KY-KO Roofing Systems right away for an expert inspection and prevent further damage to your house.
Should You Do a DIY Inspection?
There are inherent risks when performing a roof inspection. We offer free roof inspections so you do not need to get on top of the roof. Your roof inspection should look at the following signs of roof damage:
●Missing or broken tiles
●Cracked sealant or caulk
●Patches of algae or moss
●Rust stains on old metal flashings around chimneys, vent pipes, and dormers
●Chimney cap is either damaged or missing
●Loose, cracked, or rusted gutter
●Large and heavy debris such as tree branches on the roof
Tile Roofs are Very Durable – But They Have Their Limits
The type of material used on the roof plays a major role in how often you need to schedule an inspection. Different materials degrade at different rates. Tile roofs, for example, continue to become popular due to their durability and longevity.
Tile roofs are much more durable and may only need inspection once every five years; if they are new and there have been no uncharacteristic weather incidents. It is worth noting that structural components and underlayments may be protected by the covering but they can still tend to decay at a faster rate than the tiles and shingles.
The Advantages of Regular Roof Inspections
Regular roof inspection will reveal smaller problems that require relatively easy and affordable fixes. More importantly, the ongoing maintenance will ensure that none of the smaller problems become a danger to you or your family in the future. A well-maintained tile roof can last over 100 years without the need to be replaced.
Investing in ongoing inspection of your roof is a good decision that will boost your curb appeal, protect the interior décor of your rooms and save you money in the long run. If you believe that your roof requires professional inspection, call KY-KO Roofing Systems today.
At KY-KO Roofing Systems, our seasoned professional will evaluate every aspect of your roof to quickly spot areas that need repair. We will also provide you with expert opinions after assessing the condition of your roof.
Scheduling a regular roof inspection can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Call our experts at KY-KO Roofing Systems today to get your roof the quality care it needs.