Miami’s beautiful Spanish-inspired homes all feature a time-honored, durable roofing choice, tile, that can outlast the house beneath if properly maintained. Tile roof repair should always be left to professionals, because tiles, while durable and weather-resistant, can break when walked on. Tile roofs are also slippery, so no homeowner should ever climb in the tile roof to perform amateur tile roof repair. By following a few tips for prolonging the life of your Miami-area home’s tile roof, you can preserve its beauty and save yourself some money.
No Go
The first and most important tip is to stay off your tile roof. Not only can the tiles (whether ceramic or concrete) break from the pinpoint pressure of a misplaced foot, you can slip and fall. Instead of tackling tile roof repair yourself, hire a professional roofer experienced in working with tile.
Keep it Clean
Preserving the color of your tile roof, especially under the intense light of a Miami sun, means keeping the roof clean. Pressure washing is a bad idea, because the strong water stream can flow up under the tiles, damaging the underlayment. The high pressure can also strip away the finished surface of each tile. This can make the tile more porous, shortening its life.
In addition to properly cleaning your Miami home’s roof tiles, A-1 can inspect the tiles to prevent small issues (say, a cracked or dislodged tile) from becoming bigger problems. Moss is not an issue with most tile roofs, says the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and often adds charm. Moss is only a problem when it grows to clog drains.
Maintain Value
When A-1 Property Services maintains your tile roof, your home’s value is preserved. A single cracked tile can allow water infiltration that leads to rotten wood, mold and mildew. An annual or semiannual inspection from our expert roofers will uncover trouble spots such as loose fasteners, dislodged flashing or broken tiles.
Coatings
Some tile manufacturers discourage spray coatings; others endorse them. Your professional roofer can help you determine if a life-prolonging spray coating is appropriate. Clear acrylic sealer can help preserve bright colors and prevent fading.
Protection
When building new, make certain your new tile roof comes with a strong warranty. This means working with a reputable, knowledgeable roofing contractor.
Contact A-1 Property Services today to get the best value and quality in tile roof installation, cleaning and maintenance.