Signs Your Tile Roofs Need Repair

Most people take for granted that their roof is in good condition and has the ability to keep out the elements, but that may not always be the case. Since the roof is a bit out of sight and therefore out of mind for most people, it’s not something they think to check on regularly or after a storm unless there’s a problem they can easily see from the ground. Even then, it may not look too bad from where you’re standing, but even a few loose or missing shingles can spell trouble for a roof and everything underneath it. 

Usually, people start to think about roofing problems when they see a leak or signs of moisture in their attic or ceiling, but the problem might not be as immediately noticeable. In fact, in some cases by the time it is noticeable you might already be in deep trouble. Therefore, the more proactive you are with your roofing maintenance, the less trouble you’re going to have. This means that your roof will last longer, and you’re likely to save more money. Here are some signs that your tile roof needs repair.

Water Seeping From Under the Roof Tiles

If you recently had a storm in your area with high winds, there’s a chance that damage has been done to your roof either through an accident or natural happenstance. During storms, it’s easy for the wind to grow fast enough it has the power to rip tiles from the roof or break them in such a way that they’re no longer effective at doing their job. This compromises your roof, making it no longer watertight against the elements.

The same goes for any damage sustained to the roof. Perhaps debris landed on the roof and it broke or messed with the tiles. An animal may have tried to claw their way inside through the roof, or it could just be old and at risk of caving in if too much weight is applied. The same goes for if you have a tree next to your house, as not only do the roots present a threat to the foundation, but the branches can grow into the roof and mess with the tiles as well. 

This means that the next time there’s rain, the water will be able to get in through the damage done to your roof. Sometimes the damage is very small, perhaps just cracks, so it’s hard to know they’re there until there’s water damage in the rest of your house.

Missing or Cracked Tiles

As mentioned previously, in areas with heavy rainstorms, it’s common for tiles to crack or to be blown off the roof. One or two missing tiles are easy to replace. However, if you notice that several tiles are missing or several tiles are cracked, it likely means your roof is nearing the end of its lifecycle or has gone through heavy damage. Either way, the longer you leave it unrepaired, the more damage could be done to your roof. As soon as you notice cracked or missing tiles, you should contact a roofing contractor and have them inspect and then repair your roof.

Stains on the Interior Ceiling

Noticing stains and water damage on the interior of your ceiling, such as when you look up while in the kitchen or bathroom, means that there’s damage to your tile roofing system. Stains are a big indicator that you likely have a leaking roof thanks to the water damage that’s occurred and been allowed to seep past the roof and into the ceiling and walls. Even small watermarks should not be underestimated, as the bigger the stains the more damage has been done to the wood, drywall, plaster, and anything else currently in your ceiling. Don’t wait for the problem to get so big that you must completely replace your roof and large portions of the rest of your home. When the damage is small is the best time to be proactive. As soon as you see signs of leaks, or suspect there might be one somewhere, take steps to address them and also get the damage taken care of. After all, even after you get your roof fixed you can’t allow the water damage to remain unless you want your house to rot from the inside out.

A Musty Smell In the Home

If there is a musty smell in your home, it could indicate mold growth. If you find mold growing in the attic or between the walls, water is likely seeping in from your roof. A roofing professional can check your roof and seal any leakage points. The sooner you address this issue, the less time the bacteria and fungi have to grow, negatively affecting your family’s health. As for treating the mold you have found, there are many different methods you can try. From mixing solutions to spray on the mold to kill it all the way to complete removal of the moldy parts of your attic in order to replace them. It will depend on how bad the situation is, possibly to the point you might need the help of a professional.

Regularly inspecting and maintaining a tile roof can increase its lifespan by 50%. If your roof is showing warning signs, take steps to get it repaired as soon as possible so that you can always have a solid roof over your head.