Should You Replace Or Repair Your Tile Roof?
by William Gerard
If a lot of your roofing tiles are broken, you will have to make the decision as to whether it's better to replace or repair the roof. Repairs may be cheaper in the short-term, but if repairing the roof means you'll just have to replace it in a few more years, you might save money in the long run by just replacing it right off the bat. Here's a look at three signs you're better off replacing your ailing tile roof, rather than just replacing the broken tiles.
Sign #1: The underlayment has begun to break down.
Underneath the tiles on your roof, there should be a layer of wood. If this wood has begun to break down, putting new tiles on top of it will not stop the process. Any moisture that has seeped in will be trapped, possibly leading to accelerating rotting and sagging. It may also contribute to moisture issues in your attic, which could lead to mold.
When you or your roofing contractor pull up some of the old tiles, take a good look at the underlayment. If it shows any signs of rotting or softening, it is best to just have the roof (including the underlayment) replaced.
Sign #2: The flashing is in poor shape.
It is really tough to repair flashing without replacing a significant portion of the roof. The tiles surrounding the flashing must be removed and put back into place. This can add a significant amount of work on top of the work that must be done to replace the damaged tiles -- which means that the cost of replacing damaged flashing and many damaged tiles may be comparable to that of just replacing the whole roof. Replacing the whole roof is clearly a better value in the long run. Don't even think of ignoring damaged flashing, either. This is just asking for leaks.
Sign #3: The tiles that are not broken are starting to look bleached and worn.
There's a chance you could have your roofing contractor out to replace the damaged tiles, only to have to call him or her back a few months later to replace more of those old tiles that have now snapped. You can tell whether or not this scenario is likely by looking at the unbroken tiles closely. Are they starting to look bleached out? This is a sign of age and weakness. Do they show some pitting in their surface, or are there little chips missing from them? These are also signs that you may be better off just replacing the whole roof now, rather than replacing a few tiles at a time over the next few years.
If you have a roofing contractor (such as one from Mid-Miami Roofing, Inc.) who you trust, don't be afraid to ask their opinion. They will examine your roof closely and tell you whether a repair is worthwhile, or if you're better off with a replacement.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!