There are also several newer types of underlayment materials and synthetic underlayments being developed and installed. Broken or loose guttering Damaged guttering can easily lead to leaks, especially during heavy rain. Tile roofs are unique in this aspect, as the primary drainage plane is the underlayment and not the top-most layer like other roofing materials, such as asphalt or wood shingles . When two different types of metals, fair and unfair as they are called, come in contact a chemical reaction occurs. When cap tiles are installed in the valley area, moisture is trapped and not allowed to flow properly. Definitions of Roofing Terms Used in Roofing Proposals Roofing 101. One manufacturer’s specifications required one nail every fifth (5th) row at each third (3rd) tile. This will create a concrete tile that actually repels water off the surface. Asbestos roof restoration is suitable only when your roof sheets and roof structure are still in suitable condition for restoration. Inferior roofing materials. The roofing system is typically a pan or super-pan type made of aluminum and coated white. The age of the roof and the extent of the problems encountered will determine whether the roof can be easily repaired or whether the roof needs a complete refurbishment and upgrade. Of course with the failures tile roofs endured after Florida’s hurricane activity, specifications have changed. This is the easiest problem to repair. The soffit that meets the roof is one of the toughest areas to waterproof. The Problem with Barrel Tile Roofs A barrel tile roof is an open invitation for animal problems, particularly if the roof has not been properly sealed. Many of the technical books about roof tiling and slating are rather vague and conveniently ignore some of the trickier problems and how they can be resolved. In most cases too many nailers are hooked up to a low volume compressor and the air supply is not sufficient to drive each fastener fully. The Level of Maintenance. A visual inspection of the roof can be made from ground level, maybe using binoculars if you have them. This Immokalee roof does not have the proper offset and was installed “line on line”, allowing water to travel under the system. Check the Eave (Roof Drainage Line) The eave line is a typical area for pests to gain access to the underside of a tile roof. Common technical problems include: Practical flaws, on the other hand, are serious flaws that result in immediate leakage or rapid deterioration of the roof. Tile roofs are known for their longevity. It is our recommendation these areas are repaired. A tile roof is a roof with an uppermost layer made from tiles. This often involves water flowing over flashings, or a series of flashings, that surround roof penetrations and are shaped to carry water back onto tiles below the penetration. In fact, tile roofs and solar panels are a great combination, because a properly installed tile roof can last 100 years. If you have a tile roof, this article isn’t meant to scare you away from putting solar panels on your roof. Left unattended, deterioration of your roof’s underlayment begins in as little as 90 days, depending on the material. Installing the underlayment: This feature is essential to clay tile roofing in the event of tile breakage or other roof damage and it must be installed correctly to ensure your roof's water-tightness for such a time. Most modern tile roof systems on houses in the Tucson, AZ area that were built in the last 30 years have some sort of flaw, and many have several flaws. This results in no water or frost damage on your roof. Tiles are not a waterproofing material. Roof tiles protect the underlying layers of the roofing system. This can be repaired with minimal expense. Another layer of membrane should be installed to cover the ell-flashing flange and provide a more aesthetically pleasing transition area. The photo on the left shows the obvious point of water entry. Durability Sealant has done a good job covering up the installation error on this Naples roof but is now showing signs of deterioration. Clay roof tile can be susceptible to leaks which are caused by various problems with the installation methods, tile itself, and age. Gable ends are where a valley terminates into a roof’s surface, rather than running the entire length to the roof’s edge. Over time this will damage the roof system and allow seepage. Here cap tiles separated from the mortar and are loose. This can “cup” water and force in under the layers, causing leaks. It’s not really hard to do correctly, but I have built a business correcting defects installed by past roofers. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, our code system was completely redesigned. Top flashings are used to redirect water flow to ensure tiles keep water on top of the roof system. The only way to elevate this issue is to replace the roof. As a watershed, the roof system is designed to flow from one tile to the next, following the slope of the roof until water is dispersed off the roof. This roof leaks during the snowy part of winter and during storms in the summer, certainly due to poor flashing. When the new code system was introduced in 1994, the requirement was changed to one screw per tile, except for the first row, which requires two screws or a fully certified adhesive. When tiles are damaged they leave the underlayment showing. If the mortar is the only attachment method, cap tiles are held by gravity alone once the bond is fully broken. This Sanibel Island roof is missing cap tile. The Top 10 Most Common Roof Problems. This can be achieved by installing a metal coupling or a flat roof membrane with flashing on all four sides of the wall’s top. When tile roof systems are installed on steep roof structures, 1″x2″ wood baton strips are utilized to help hold the tiles in place during installation and provide a walkable surface. Incompatible fastener types were used and electrolysis is occurring. Over time movement causes the mortar to break loose from the cap tiles. Not enough fasteners were used and the sealant has deteriorated. When installing tiles using nails and especially screws, an overturning of the fastener can put increased pressure on the tile’s corners. As the water sits it magnifies the sun’s rays and works on breaking down the sealant and underlayment used to seal the vent to the roof. Chronic roof leaks lead to wood deterioration and weakened, rotten roof framing causes serious problems that require assistance from a professional contractor. Adding sealant may prevent seepage temporarily but is not a roof cycle solution. Roo Roofing has specialised staff for terracotta tile roofs that have many years of experience and expertise in dealing with what is a spectacular and grand looking tile roof once restored correctly. Since concrete tiles are heavier than their counterparts, they require stronger structures to support them. If each row is not offset correctly, water may enter the system. Florida flat roofs take a beating each year. Here are a few of the most common and easy to recognize signs of roof problems. Water which runs down the roof and wall is caught by the ell flashing and channeled to the roof’s edge. Here is evidence from a Bonita Springs roof that the tie-in area is not sealed properly. As these are both sewer breather pipes, any water going into the pipe will enter the sewer system. This will minimize the dependence on sealants, which deteriorate over time. The flashing is then installed under the tile surrounding the penetration and on top of the tile below it. (Kelly Roofing has gathered customer testimonials who have asked us to pass this information on to others as a “buyer-be-aware”.). Concrete tile roof repair can be a very challenging process. When you're trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. A well-built tile roof is likely to last longer than the structure on which it rests. The correct way to fix this issue is to install a new vent. Kelly Roofing is here to help. A well-built tile roof is likely to last longer than the structure on which it rests. Too often this hole is made higher than the roofline or not at all. Concrete roof tiles typically weigh 6 – 11 lb/ft2 (600 -1100 lbs/100 ft2 or 29.29 – 53.71 kg/m2) — much greater than asphalt shingles that weigh less than 2 lb/ft2. Sealant has done a good job covering up the installation error, but is now showing signs of deterioration. Asbestos roof restoration is suitable only when your roof sheets and roof structure are still in suitable condition for restoration. The near flashing was the wrong size for the pipe it was to flash, so the installer simply hammered it in to close it tight to the pipe. Flashing that is not layered correctly and sealant applied in the right junction areas allow water seepage. Concrete Tiles Weaknesses. This roof took a beating… This photo shows more tile deterioration and spalling near the chimney. By taking care of damage early on, you’ll minimise the risk of long term, costly problems. You may be able to notice broken tiles from the ground. The aesthetic look of tile roofs is occasionally changed by installing rake tiles at rake edges. As seen on this Fort Myers Beach roof, there are areas where the fasteners were not driven straight in and the fastener heads are lifted slightly. Roof moss rarely causes roofing problems, but should be removed if it blocks up gutters and other drainage systems on the roof. Over time the sealant will deteriorate and allow leaks. Some manufacturers try to pass imitation slate off as the real thing on unsuspecting homeowners. If so, contact an insured and bonded roofing contractor immediately to have the pieces replaced. There are several types of underlayment being used under roofs these days. Because they become pitted over time, concrete tiles provide a surface that is easy for moss to colonise. Valley metal is installed by crimping the valley center, fastening the entire length of both edges, and then applying mastic to cover the valley metal edge and fasteners. As with all pitched roofs, it is possible for a tile to get broken or to go missing due to extreme weather or incorrect installation. The additional moisture content is trapped and cannot evaporate causing further damages to fasteners, flashings, and framing. Rust cannot be simply sealed over; it will continue to grow, as seen on this Captiva Island roof. There is no way to repair this issue. Imitation slate, on the other hand, will usually have a consistent appearance and a flatter, smoother texture. Some roofers use batons on all roofs because it keeps the tiles off of inferior underlayments. Most Common Roof Tile Problems That Needs To Be Fixed ImmediatelyJuly 12, 2016. Today’s roofs use a specially designed metal flashing with pre-punched holes. As water travels, whether on a pitched or flat roof, if two seams are lapped in backward a backwater lap occurs. This causes underlayment deterioration and flashing rust. This is allowing water to enter the flashing detail area. Sponsored links. With the valley channeling large amounts of water to the gable end area there is an increased chance of seepage. Concrete tiles usually last for 50 years or more while clay and slate can last for more than a century. Concrete Tile Roof Repair Cost . During light rains and morning dew, water seeps under the roof system and deteriorates the perimeter decking sub-fascia board and fascia board. A true understanding of a tile roof system must begin with the understanding that a tile roof system is a watershed. A tile roof’s cap tiles are installed and held in place by a few different techniques. Today’s code requires screws, not nails. That is the only way to ensure the flashing detail area will not leak. In addition to algae, clay tile roofing is as vulnerable as any other roof to the natural accumulation of tree branches, leaves, grime, and other airborne debris. Regular inspections by Greenville, SC contractors will help to ensure you discover these tile roof problems early. Also, if the ell flashing cannot be cleaned or has too many old fastener holes in it, the entire flashing detail area may need to be replaced. Bottom line: tile roof and solar panels can go great together. When caught early, the vast majority of roof problems are easy to fix. We spray the roof with two generous coatings of specially formulated roof coatings from Ren-O-Tec. In the photo, you can still see signs of an ice dam. Five common roof component problems are reasonably easy to identify and repair on your own. Roofing is a very important part of your home and represents a substantial financial investment so when it comes to replacing your old tile roof you need to get some solid advice.. This causes any rainwater to flow onto the roof or into the pipe. Family Handyman. The “technical flaw” does not necessarily lead to immediate leakage and can go undetected for several years, but will likely shorten the long term serviceability of the roof system. Tile used to be installed using a single patty of mortar cement placed on the roof and the tile embedded therein. If you have never fixed a roof tile or slate before but have wondered how to go about repairing or replacing them, then this is the book for you. A tile roof can be a great addition to a home, but it’s not for everyone. The temporary solution is to lift each tile and spray roof tile adhesive under it to create a new bond. This roof does not have the correct flashing and is relying on sealant to disallow seepage. During this movement, the tiles bind against each other. If … Check out this article for more on preventing ice dams. When valley metal is not properly pressed, fastened and/or sealed it causes buckling and waving. However, that same climate can take a toll on a tile roof’s underlayment (the layer of material between the roof deck and tile). Ignoring potential trouble spots is also a surefire way to get yourself in hot water. The manner in which a leak can be repaired will differ depending on the cause of the problem. Slate tile requires a pitch of 4:12 or greater. This ensures each layer of materials overlaps the previous. For … During our hot months, the roof temperature rises above 160 degrees and softens up the asphalt adhesive. When two different types of metals come in contact a chemical reaction occurs. Since a valley is designed to channel water between two pitch areas, it receives more water flow than any other part of the roof. It comes in natural colours that return your roof to its original appearance, negating the need to re-roof or re-tile. If the mortar is the only attachment method the cap tiles are held by gravity alone once the bond is fully broken. One of the first problems that come with concrete roof tiles is their sheer weight. Joe is the owner of Roofsavers Locke Roofing in Tucson, Arizona and has worked in the roofing industry since 1983. Both types of roof tiles perform well when installed correctly. The process causes a deterioration of both metals similar to the effects of rust. © 2016-2019 Roofsavers Locke Roofing. Concrete tiles are a very popular, budget-friendly option when it comes to selecting a material for your roof. Since this Bonita Springs roof system is not a flat roof, the perimeter flashings are not designed to allow for sitting water. Here are some of the most common tile roof repair issues we have seen. Additionally, if the climate can cause backups of water as ice under the eaves, the tile requires at least two layers of underlayment cemented together. When you require tile roof repair, you need to top experts who repair and restore your tile roof. Other times it is best to use some type of wall cap to permanently protect the wall top area. Rake tiles are installed with one or two nails and a small amount of mortar only. A gap between the pipe and surrounding flashing is visible and allowing seepage. There is no way to repair this issue – it is a sign that replacement is near. This does not provide the intended wind uplift. Improperly installed flashings are the primary cause of leaking tile roofs. Difficult installation: Installing tile roofing requires professional roofing contractors with extensive … In discussing types of clay tile roof damage, we include advice about how to inspect a tile roof and on how, if ever, you might walk on a clay tile or concrete tile roof. There’s a lot of demand for roofing materials and this has resulted in a … Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier, such as at ceiling light fixtures. Sometimes a tree branch or flying debris may impact the roof causing damage. As people walk across the roof they can cause damage. A roof system can suffer a multitude of issues. When it comes to residential roofing, tile roofs are a great choice because they are well-suited to harsh desert climates and are resilient against heat, sunlight, and the rare summer storm. It is also acceptable to nail down batons and then screw the tiles into the batons. Because a tile roof with hail damage can lead to roof leaks, mold or other structural problems. It is an area that should be carefully inspected prior to any other area. However, if installed on a flat roof, they would allow massive seepage. Flashings are every bit as varied as tiles. During roof installation, it’s easy for installers to forget about proper pressure setting on their nail guns. Posted March 2016 . Ell flashing bridges the transition from the roof’s surface and a wall or upright surface such as a curb. In addition to a cost-effective price, concrete tiles require little maintenance, offer good fire protection, have a long lifespan of up to 50 years, and are lightweight, preventing many common structural problems. https://www.roofsaversaz.com/common-problems-with-tile-roof-systems Generally speaking, the materials roofing tiles are made from are chosen for the look that you are trying to achieve. The rust needs to be cut out and a new flashing installed and sealed properly. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation, push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic. (Tile installed without proper headlap) Flashing or counterflashings not installed correctly. The correct way to fix this is to treat the wall top as a roof and install a roof system on it. When owners decide to change the roof from shingles to roof tiles, many roofers neglect to reinforce the roof structure which causes entire sections of the roof to collapse. We won’t go into that roof leak repair in this story. Eventually, the roofing materials and mastic used to seal this area will cause interior damages. Generally speaking, a tile roof leak on a roof that’s under 35 or so years old and has not suffered a weather event is going to be a direct or indirect result of the original installation. 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