If you own a house in Tucson there is a good chance you have concrete tiles on your roof. These roofs tend to last 25-30 years but should be inspected regularly for potential problems. If you are buying a house and it has a tile roof, you definitely want to get a roofing contractor in Tucson to inspect the roof to make sure there are no problems with the roof. A thorough inspection by a good roofing company before you purchase is always a good idea so that you can ensure there are no hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs down the line. If you have owned the house for some time, it is good to get a tile roof inspection yearly or every couple of years to check for broken or cracked tiles. Here is a concise, but not exhaustive list of what roofers check during a tile roof inspection:
Inspect The Condition of Tiles
Your roofer will check for cracked, chipped, or broken tiles. Damaged tiles can expose the underlayment and cause premature deterioration and damage to the roof structure. It is important to replace broken or cracked tiles to help prevent long-term damage.
Check Tile Alignment
Tucson roof companies will check to see that all tiles are properly aligned and they have not shifted out of place. This is especially the case around the hips of the roof where the tiles are often glued and not fastened into place. Loose or shifted tiles can expose the underlayment and allow excess water under the tiles.
Inspect Roof Flashings
The flashings should always be inspected on tile roofs. Roofing contractors should inspect flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations to determine if they are properly installed and are properly sealed.
Check Valleys and Ridge Caps
It is important to check the condition of valley tiles and ridge caps. One of the key problems in these areas is the lack of weather block. A weather block is a plastic or mortar molded piece installed under the tiles that prevents weather from pushing water under the tiles in these areas. It is not uncommon to see roofer’s skip adding weather blocks to a roof. Of note, some tiles will require mortar weather blocks instead of plastic because plastic is not available.
Inspect Underlayment and Roof Decking
The underlayment is the most important part of the tile roof inspection. The underlayment is the waterproof barrier between the tile and the interior of the house. If the underlayment is damaged, water can enter into the home. Broken tiles can cause the underlayment to degrade and become damaged. Most underlayment lasts approximately 25 years before needing replaced, but some synthetic underlayment can last longer. It is important for your roof company to inspect the underlayment to determine when or if it needs to be replaced or repaired.
Inspect Mortar Packs
Where tile runs end on hips and ridges they are often covered with mortar. These mortar packs prevent water from entering these areas causing damage to the underlayment. The mortar packs also help hold the tiles in place. These often crack and need to be repaired or replaced.
Check Eaves and Soffits for Wood Damage
The eves and soffits can show signs of water damage and wood rot so it is important to check these areas. If there is damage under the eves, it could point to a bigger challenge on the roof.
Inspect Roof Penetrations
Inspect any roof penetrations, such as plumbing vents or satellite dish mounts, etc. These areas are common places for leaks into the house.
Check Previously repaired areas
A good roofer will check the areas that have been previously repaired. Most such areas are noticeable from slightly different tile colors as newer tiles have not faded as much as the original tiles. Your roofer may asking about any previous repairs or maintenance work done on the roof.
It is important to hire a qualified roofing inspector or roofing contractor to perform a comprehensive inspection of your concrete tile roof. A good roofing company will provide a detailed report with photos of the problem areas. Be aware of companies that provide little information but insist on a significant amount of work. Such roofing contractors are likely trying to sell work that is not needed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have your roof company explain things you do not understand. If they are not willing to explain then they are probably not the company you should contract with. Your roof is the most important part of your home and you deserve a company that will treat it as such and provide you all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Desert Sky Roofing Tile Roof Inspections
If you are looking for a roof company that has great customer service and that will take time to explain what they see on your roof, then set up an appointment with Desert Sky Roofing. We provide free inspections and never sell work that is not needed. If you are in a new build and your builder forbids you to get on the roof or the warranty will be voided, Desert Sky Roofing works closely with Desert Drones LLC in Tucson for roof inspections. Give us a call and we talk over your inspection needs.