A Tile Roof Over Your Head

By Frank G. Ross

Your home’s roof is one of its most important components.  Proper installation and maintenance will allow the roof to perform its function of keeping out the sun, rain and other elements.  An improper installation or neglected maintenance will affect other components of the home and repairs can be costly. 

There are several types of roofing materials and each has its pros and cons.  The most commonly found types in our area are tile, asphalt shingle and metal roofs. Built up or flat roofs are less common.  Besides being made from different materials, each type also has a different life expectancy.  No matter the basic material, all roofs need to be kept free of debris such as leaves and dirt.  Keeping the roof clear not only allows the roofing materials to perform the way they were designed, it makes the house look better.  An annual inspection of the roof is also an important part of maintenance.

A tile roof is well suited to the Southern Utah climate.  The average life expectancy is approximately 50 years, depending on maintenance. However, if not installed properly, leaks or other problems may begin to appear.  Improper installation can allow the tiles to move out of their intended position or actually fall off the roof which may be dangerous to innocent bystanders.  With tiles out of place, water may then penetrate the roof.   Once a leak begins, the roof can deteriorate quickly.      

Broken roof tiles are common on homes of all ages, even brand new homes. These damaged tiles can allow water infiltration and damage to the roof’s substructure, eventually leading to leaks.  As such, homeowners should have a roof inspection annually, and any broken tiles should be replaced.  A few cracked tiles are relatively inexpensive to replace when compared to the cost of a whole new roof. And sometimes it is possible to basically glue the tile back together.

Hiring a professional is a smart choice when it comes to both the inspection and the repairs.  Homeowners that perform improper and amateur repairs are just asking for trouble.  Never walk on a tile roof unless you have a very good reason. Walking on a tile roof can easily cause cracked tiles and is not recommended unless you are  an experienced roofer. Home inspectors should not be walking on a tile roof either. In some cases, it will even void your warranty (if it can be proven that you were up there).    The best preventative measure for homeowners with tile roofs is to regularly check for cracked tiles and tiles that have shifted out of position.  The safest way to do this is with binoculars from the ground or, alternately, from the edge of the roof using a ladder.  Should damaged or shifted tiles be found, call a professional, your homebuilder or warranty company. 

The annual inspection should include a check of the roof penetrations and valleys as well.  Roof flashings on a tile roof are the most likely location for leaks to develop.  Problems with roof flashings are common in all types of houses, even newly constructed homes.

Nothing will completely eliminate the possibility of a roof leak.  However, a little preventative maintenance and vigilance can help reduce the risk.  And catching problems early will greatly reduce your costs when problems do arise.

Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and a member in good standing with the Utah Better Business Bureau.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com or visit www.pillarposthomeinspection.com