BBB of Northeast California Tip: Five important tile roof tips for fall and winter

Secure broken or slipped tiles: Broken and chipped tiles can present themselves in a variety of ways. There could be impact or footfall damage causing a tile to appear shattered or broken and it may be visible from the ground. There may also be tiles broken with hairline cracks that might not be easily visible. Slipped tiles will be shifted out of place and are more common at hip and edge locations. Broken and slipped tiles can allow water to intrude onto the roof deck, causing your roof to leak.

Waterproof transition areas: Transition areas are vulnerable locations where roof planes intersect and can be susceptible to sealant degradation over time. There are multiple areas that can be affected: rakes, ridges, and hips may have transition areas. If left unsealed, they could allow water to get beneath the tiles and onto the roof deck.

Clear valleys and flashings of debris: Valleys are a very common area for debris collection. When valley flashings have excess debris, sediment, or foliage that has accumulated, water can divert off of the flashing and onto the roof deck, causing leaks. Here in the central valley, we see a lot of dirt and dust come in with the wind, as well as foliage falling from the surrounding trees. Valley flashing locations benefit from routine cleaning and monitoring to make sure that the water has a way to travel to the gutters.

Clean gutters: Gutters can easily become overwhelmed and lead to leaks if not kept clean. Some gutters are not as accessible as others, such as those installed on a home with a tile roof system, or those installed at the 2nd story levels. To allow for proper water drainage to the downspout and drain locations, gutters require periodic cleaning.

Get a professional roof inspection: Most homeowners do not have the necessary experience and qualifications to walk on their own roofs safely. That’s why it is highly recommended that you hire a licensed roofing contractor to perform an inspection and give you a report of the condition of your roof. A professional roof inspector should provide you with a detailed report of his findings (not just a quote) and pictures of any damage. Many homeowners feel more confident with roofing contractors who have certifications and education specifically in the tile roofing field. Certain organizations that are recognized as leaders in this field are the Tile Roofing Industry (TRI) Alliance, and HAAG Certified Inspectors. Roofing contractors with these certifications have received intensive education and testing to ensure proficiency in their inspection of your tile roof. Finally, for further peace of mind, it is highly recommended that you hire a roofing company that is a BBB Accredited Business. This accreditation ensures that your roofing needs are in the hands of a business that is truly committed to higher standards of customer satisfaction. Learn more about BBB Accreditation Standards.