How to Repair a Loose Cement Tile Roof

Concrete or cement roof tiles are made with a mixture of cement, sand and water that is molded and dried in a kiln or tunnel. Pigments are added to the tiles to make them look like terracotta roofing tiles. Cement roof tiles are highly durable and crack resistant, with a marketed life expectancy of 40 years or more. They can come loose after extended exposure to strong winds, hail or earthquakes. Repair loose or cracked cement roof tiles by lifting up adjacent tiles and sliding new tiles under the wooden batten that holds the tiles to the roof.

• Put on heavy work gloves and safety glasses. Ascend a ladder to the work area on the roof, taking the necessary tools.
• Pry up the tile located above the loose tile with the flat end of a pry bar and the bend end facing down. Set the bend end of the pry bar gently down on the roof to prop the tile up. Do the same with the tile located directly to the left of the loose tile and the second pry bar.
• Pull off any broken tile parts. Tap and crack any parts of the broken tile that will not pull out with a hammer and remove them. Tilt and lift the back end of the loose tile up and off the wooden batten, also called a hanger strip, on the roof.
• Remove any loose nails from the loosened wooden batten with pliers. Replace the hanger strip if the wood is damaged or rotten. Nail the loose hanger strip onto the roofing felt with three even spaced roofing nails.
• Slide the top horizontal ridge of the cement tile under the propped-up tile above and over the top edge of the wooden batten on the roof so that the top ridge on the cement tile rests on top of the wooden batten. Slide the left edge of the cement tile under the propped-up cement tile to the left.
• Slide the pry bar out slowly from under the left tile and then slide the second pry bar out from under the top tile to finish installing the cement tile.

 

How To Repair A Tile Roof

Tile roofing is durable and adds great curb appeal to your home.  All roofing will need some maintenance and repairs at some point.  The following steps show you how to repair a tile roof.  Should you not have the tools or time our team is always ready to help you repair your tile roof anywhere in the Phoenix Valley.

Step 1: Identify The Cause

Clay tiles may leak because of several reasons. While some issues will go beyond your roof and will be related to other things to do with roofing or the installation methods, some of the common issues with clay tiles are:

• Broken tiles
• Cracked tiles
• Collection of debris on the roof valley
• Worn out or defective waterproof membrane

In order to fix the leak, you will have to fix the issue that applies to you. Keep in mind that the clay roof tiles will break easily under pressure, so be sure to be careful whenever you are walking on your roof to find the cause of the leak.

Step 2: Fixing the Membrane

If the issue is in the waterproof membrane, then you will have to remove the existing tiles and replace the membrane with a new one. Then you will have to retile your roof. You may need the help of a professional for the removal and re-tiling.

Step 3. Removing the Debris

The roof valleys, especially closed ones will collect a lot of debris. This can cause leaks. To remove the debris, so there is no more leaking, you will have to remove the tiles from the area, then clean the area out, and lastly reinstall the tiles. You may consider wanting to covertyour roof valleys to be open to help to avoid any collection of debris within the future.

Step 4. Fixing cracks

If you happen to notice any fine cracks within the tiles, then you may repair them by applying RT-600 on the cracked tiles and then allow it to spread on the whole tile and let it dry.

Step 5. Fixing broken tiles

Tiles that have large cracks or are broken will need to be replaced in order to fix the leak. You will need to remove the damaged tiles using a pry bar. Use a hammer to help with the removal, but be careful to make sure that you will not damage the good tiles. If the roof is old, then the chances are that the tiles have been fixed using mortar. If this is the case, place the new tiles and use mortar to seal them in place.

 

Water-Testing for Roof Leaks

If you can’t find the cause of a leak from the attic or by visual inspection on the roof surface, wait for dry weather and ask a friend to help you do a water test. To do this, one person goes onto the roof with a garden hose; the other person goes inside the attic with a bucket and a strong light.

The person in the attic watches carefully while the one on the roof floods the roof with the hose, starting at the bottom (the eaves) and slowly working uproof until water from the leak appears in the attic. Once the leak is found, push a nail up through the hole to mark its location for rooftop repair. Mark the surface of the roof with chalk, if necessary.

 

Remove Damaged Slate Tile

The proper way to remove a roof slate tile utilizing a slate ripper. Jurin Roofing Services, Inc.

When slate tiles are damaged there usually are remnants of the tile left behind including nails. As a result, the second step in replacing a missing or damaged slate tile is to remove those remnants. This includes the nails used to attach the slate. This must be completed prior to the installation of the new slate tile.

Insert the top end of the slate ripping tool under the bottom edge of the slate tile or into the location where the tile is missing. You will notice that the slate ripper has a hook on either side of the top of the flat end of the ripper. The hooks are used to catch and cut the nails. As you catch the nail with the hooks, use your hammer to hit the handle of the slate ripper to drive the hook down against the nail. This will either cut the nail, or it will rip the nail out. Afterward, use the slate ripper to lift up on the slate and slide the slate out from its position.

 

What Causes Leaks at Valleys

Installing top flashing offers numerous advantages compared to other types of flashing available on the market, such as aluminum, lead, steel, or copper. Top flashing will effectively protect your tile roof from leaks in addition to being environmentally friendly and quick, hassle-free installation. Top flashing works well on virtually all flashing applications, offering durability and weather resistance.

How to Fix Leaky Roof Flashing

Most roofers will simply rely on sealants to waterproof difficult transitions; such as walls, plumbing stacks, or valley returns. As a result, sealants dry out and crack after a few years. So, while you believe your roof is performing well, the roof is slowly leaking with each rain causing havoc. Even when most roofers repair leaks, they again rely on sealants as waterproofing. In just a few years, the same leak is back.

Installing proper transition flashings using metal or flexible metal in these troublesome and high water volume areas is the correct way to fix a leaking roof. Using long-lasting materials ensures they will not break down from the exposure to sun or excess water flow.

Additionally, you should ensure your roof is inspected and/or maintained regularly to help it last up to twice as long. The most common areas to install flashing are around skylights, ridges, valleys, chimneys, and roof penetrations. Typically, flashing is the last line of defense before water damage.

Tile Roofing Pros and Cons – Must Read before Buying a Tile Roof

When building a new house or improving an existing property, you may be torn between the many roofing options in the market today. Tile roofing is one of the most popular options you can consider. While it comes with a higher price tag, tile roofing has proven to be an incredible investment. As they say, you get what you invest in; tiles come with amazing benefits that make it ideal for homes and commercial properties. This piece takes a look at concrete roof tiles pros and cons to help you understand more about tile roofing

Long Term Performance

Tiles have been proven to provide the best and the longest track record in terms of durability and performance. Compared to other roofing options such as shingles, tiles are engineered to ensure the best ventilation, natural water shedding and the best resistance to wear and tear elements

An array of colours, designs, and styles

Tiles come in a wide array of colours, designs, and styles. You can choose ceramic tile roof, light shades, multi coloured or settle for a black tile roof based on your personal needs. As a matter of fact, modern concrete tile innovations allow you to explore the most unique roofing designs. From the Mediterranean, historic to contemporary styles, you can find a design that defines your flair.

Aesthetically Appealing

Tiles are aesthetically appealing. This is attributed to the natural sources of the mixtures and materials used when making tiles. Some of the best sources include clay and iron oxide. These are commonly used in making concrete tiles and they not only make them beautiful but also extremely durable

Quality Protection

Tiles are naturally heavy. This is why they last for long. However, with advancements in technology, you will find lightweight tiles in the market for re-roofing and new construction projects. Therefore, they provide long-lasting protection to your roof. Compared to other roofing materials, tile roof homes are a smart choice for their durability, protection, and ease of maintenance

 

Pros and Cons of Tile Roofing

Tiled roofs are beautiful and durable. They are also expensive and heavy, but that is perhaps to be expected from a roofing material that can last 100 years. Traditionally, most roofing tiles were made from slate or a fired clay or terra cotta product, but today’s roofing titles are very often made from molded, tinted concrete. Roofing tiles can come in many shapes: curved, flat, fluted, or interlocking, and in many styles

Tile roofing is a great choice for roofs that experience hot weather or exposure to salt air. This is why you very often see tile roofs in the Southwest, coastal Florida, and California. They can also be ideal for climates in which infrequent rains dump large amounts of water in a short time, since many styles are excellent at shedding rainfall from cloudbursts. If you’re considering tile roofing for your home, be aware that these roofing systems are very heavy and can break under certain conditions. Roof framing needs to be very sturdy structurally in order to support the weight.

Spanish tiles are the classic Southwest roof, resembling rows of lapping waves with troughs between the rows to carry water away. They are best suited for regions where rains might be infrequent but very heavy when they do occur. Clay, terra cotta, and concrete tiles are all available in this style

Scandia tiles resemble Spanish tiles inverted so they are upside down. Visually, they give the appearance of sharp vertical ridges with wide scallop-shaped troughs. This style is common in architecture based on northern European styles.

Double Roman tiles resemble Spanish tiles, but the rows have distinct ribs that are quite visible. The water troughs are more frequent, though smaller. These tiles are often used in Mediterranean architecture. Often made of concrete, they are also available in clay and terra cotta

 

Tile Roofing

In some areas of the country, tile roofing is quite common. Its distinctive appearance can be seen sparsely in many regions, but in the Southwest, tile roofing is practically a part of the landscape, giving a unique and identifiable look to the area. Tile roofs are initially a lot more costly to install than asphalt shingle, metal, or wood shake roofs, but they also last much longer. Depending on the quality, a tile roof may last 50 to 70 years–or even more! When you compare that kind of longevity to the durability of some asphalt shingles (in some situations, only 10 or 15 years), it’s easy to see how an investment in tile can pay off in the long run.

Characteristics of Tile Roofing

Traditional clay tile roofs are very heavy, and sometimes require more structural reinforcement than other roofing materials. However, tile is now offered in new lightweight versions which can be used on most structures without additional reinforcement

Benefits of Tile Roofs

Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal and incredibly long life expectancy of tile roofs, there are several other benefits of choosing this material over a less costly one. To start with, tile roofs perform better under harsh conditions than many other roofing materials. They resist damage caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, and other weather extremes better than most other options. Roof tile is also fireproof, and carries a class-A rating

Drawbacks of Tile Roofs

Obviously, the biggest drawback is its initial installation cost. When compared to asphalt shingles or even basic metal roofing, tile roofs can cost several times as much to put up. They are, however, similar in price to slate roofing–the only other kind of material that can hold up as long or surpass the life expectancy of tile. Additionally, tile roofs (and slate roofs, as well) are not only heavy, but brittle. Not only might they require added structural reinforcement to install, but when a problem does occur, they can be difficult to work on since the individual tiles can break under the weight of a worker

 

How to Walk on a Concrete Tile Roof Without Damaging It

Best Places to Step

Most concrete tiles are lifted a little off of your roof and sit on wood batten strips, creating a gap under the tiles for ventilation. When you walk on your roof, make sure you are walking on the reinforced part—the lower third of the visible tile.

Sure, concrete tiles are strong. But they’re not really made to be walked on. Every time you walk on the tiles, you put stress on them that can crack them or loosen them. And that can lead to missing tiles and leaks.

But sometimes you have no choice and you have to walk on the roof. In those cases, here are a few tips that minimize the chance of you breaking tiles

 

Reasons Homeowners Choose Tile Roofs

Tile roofs come in many styles, each with its own preferred applications and intrinsic beauty. But there’s more to them than what meets the eye: Learn about what else makes them so attractive to homeowners

Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility

Most often concrete and clay tiles often feature natural earth tones, a sand-cast or unglazed finish, and a classic curved shape, but their design isn’t limited to such Southwestern and Mediterranean hallmarks. In fact, their casting allows for many style options to suit almost any type of architecture

Durability

Clay, concrete, and slate roofs are impervious to fire and resist rot, insects, and other pests. Most tile roofing can withstand extremes of heat and cold, making it suitable for use in virtually any climate, and clay is particularly resistant to the corrosion of salt air, making it a great choice for homes situated in coastal regions near an ocean. Many types of roofing tiles also boast superior impact resistance, making this a good option for regions that experience hail or high winds

Long Lifespan

A roof constructed of concrete, clay, or slate may be the last roof you will ever need. Clay or slate tiles may last more than 100 years, while most concrete tile comes with a 50-year warranty. Slate is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials, with a lifespan of 100 to 150 years or more

Savings in the Long Run

Tile roofs tend to be the most expensive upfront for both materials and labor; slate, for example, can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per square (a 10-foot-by-10-foot patch of roofing) installed and a roofing contractor who has experience working with the high-end material may also charge more. Over their long lifespan, however, concrete, clay, and slate tiles can offset their initial expense. Due to a high thermal mass, tiles do a better job of regulating the temperature of your home, thereby helping you cut down on heating and cooling bills. The durability and longevity of clay, concrete, and slate also mean that you save money by not replacing your roof multiple times over the decades. And, all of the materials used are environmentally friendly and can be easily recycled.

Avoid A Residential Roofing Disaster With These Warning Signs

A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house’s facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What’s more, drafts in the roof mean your house’s envelope isn’t airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety.

 

Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

Most homeowners figure they need a new roof after they spot a leak in their ceiling. This leak could be due to many different roofing problems. But, what factors really determine whether a roof repair will solve the problem or the house needs a roof replacement?

Here are some tips to help you determine if you need a new roof:

Roof age

How old is your existing asphalt shingle roof? Most experts agree that a typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years. It also depends on whether the old roof was removed and you only have one layer of shingles, and if it is properly ventilated. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.

 

Leaks in the Attic

It can’t be stressed enough that regular inspection of your roof and attic is important. If your shingles are damaged, water will leak inside. Water damage is a serious problem. Even a small leak can lead to big and expensive problems later on. A leaking roof may cause mold growth, rotted framing, and damaged ceiling. After a storm, examine your attic and look for drips and pooling water. Be sure to have the issue dealt with immediately before it causes further damage.

Mold Growth

You can assess moisture accumulation by checking for mold growth in the ceiling. Cosmetic mold growths may be harmless and can be fixed by simple scrubbing. The toxic ones may need to be handled by a roofing service company or mold inspectors. Water leaks from the roof or attic can also cause mold contamination. Furthermore, it can cause structural issues such as wood decay. If the source of moisture comes from the leaky roof, simply fixing the leak or replacing the ceiling tiles is enough.

Sagging Roof Deck

Roof disrepair can also be assessed inside the home. Go to the attic and check if your roof is sagging. You may notice that your roof is sagging in several places. Dips in the roofline could mean serious damage underneath the roofing materials. You must determine the extent of the damage before replacing any material on the roof. Underlying problems must be addressed before you install new shingles or rafters. Have a knowledgeable contractor check what causes the sagging and ask for possible options to fix it.

 

CURLING SHINGLES

When you notice curling shingles on your roof then it just means that either your roof is reaching its age or your contractor had installed them incorrectly.

SHINGLE PIECES IN RAIN GUTTERS

Aside from removing dried leaves or debris from the gutters, should there be shingle pieces that were removed and fell on the gutters, these should also be removed.

DAYLIGHT IN THE ATTIC

As stated in the article, seeing daylight in the attic just means there is damage on your roof that needs to be fixed immediately.  Daylight in the attic just means water leaks when it rains, thus, needs to be attended to as soon as possible.

 

Wear And Tear Around Chimney Or Skylight

Weakness and damage around flashing/framing of skylights and chimneys can lead to a leaky ceiling.

Maintain these areas along with the rest of your roof to keep it healthy.Too much damage, or long-time neglect, could mean it’s time for a new one.

Spongy Texture

A spongy or soft feeling means your shingles/structure have weakened with moisture which has leaked through (and it’s possibly not safe to walk on).

If you notice this, or sunlight coming through your attic, or if  your insulation is wet, you probably need a new roof.

You can extend the life of your roof with annual maintenance inspections, inspecting it after major storms, and after winter.

Practice good roof care by keeping your gutters cleaned and small problems fixed before they become expensive repair projects.