6 Common Tile Roof Problems (And Signs for Repair)

Tile roofs, whether they are made of concrete, clay, ceramic, or a newer material, add an attractive touch to any home. However, they aren’t without their share of problems. Each tile is a potential vulnerability on the roof and, like an array of dominoes, any damage to one can easily lead to damage to others. Knowing what common problems to watch for on your tile roof can help you get the most out of it.

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Tile roofs are a common sight in Las Vegas thanks to their ability to withstand the harsh desert climate much better than other common roofing materials such as wood or asphalt shingles. Tiles are fireproof with a Class A rating and can easily reflect sunlight and heat, unlike asphalt shingles, which may begin to melt. This can present a fire hazard during the scorching summers, so that’s why you see so many tile roofs in Sin City.

For all of their advantages, tile roofs aren’t infallible. They share some common problems regardless of what material the tile is made of (clay or concrete). Discover some of the most common tile roof problems so you know what to watch out for and get the most value from your roof.

Tiles can crack after an impact from a tree branch, hail, or even a careless footfall. Older tiles made of concrete or clay can also crack from age. Any cracked tiles should be immediately replaced, as they can damage parts of your roof while leaving the exposed parts vulnerable to the elements.

Chips can occur during the installation process or if a tile received an impact. As a rule of thumb, tiles with chips that are 3 inches or larger should be replaced.

Tiles can slip if they are water-damaged, weren’t sufficiently fastened to the roof, or if their adhesive started to fail. If you notice any tiles slipping, you’ll need to determine the cause, fix it, and replace your affected tiles.

White stains on roof tiles, also known as efflorescence or lime bloom, are build-ups of calcium carbonate that spontaneously emerge after water exposure. They usually wash away after 6-12 months but indicate that a tile is old and needs to be replaced.

A degraded underlayment can cause water to leak through your roof. If you notice any interior leaks and see that the underlayment looks old or if it’s nearing a replacement, you’ll need to get a new one.

Tiles can deteriorate or erode away if they aren’t properly sealed from water. Tile is highly porous and can easily absorb water, which can make them swell and contract, especially during winter.

Tile can be an attractive addition to your roof, but it needs some TLC to look and perform its best. Finding a roofing contractor that you can trust with this task can be hard. The Original Roofing Company has a 50-year track record of roof repair across the Las Vegas Valley. Contact us today so we can answer any roofing questions you might have and schedule an inspection.