Fall Maintenance for Tile Roofs in Southwest Florida
Hurricane season is over. Here is the fall checklist that keeps a clay or concrete tile roof in shape for the next one.
Fall is the right time to look after a tile roof in Southwest Florida. Hurricane season ends November 30, the summer storms have passed, and anything that loosened or cracked over the season can be fixed before small problems turn into leaks. Clay and concrete tile roofs last a long time, but they need a little attention to get there.
1. Check for cracked, broken and slipped tiles
Look at the roof from the ground and from upstairs windows for tiles that are cracked, missing or sitting out of line. Storm debris and wind cause most of it. Even one broken tile lets water and sun reach the underlayment, which is what actually keeps water out.
Do not walk on a tile roof yourself. Tiles crack easily underfoot when walked incorrectly, and a fall from a tile roof is dangerous.
2. Clear debris from valleys and gutters
Leaves, palm fronds and seeds collect in valleys and behind tiles, trapping water and blocking drainage. Clear valleys and gutters so water can run off freely.
3. Inspect ridge and hip caps
Ridge and hip caps sit where wind pressure is highest. Check for loose, cracked or missing caps and for gaps in the mortar or adhesive that holds them.
4. Check flashing and penetrations
Flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights and valleys, and the boots around vent pipes, are common leak points on tile roofs. Look for rust, gaps or flashing that has pulled away.
5. Deal with algae and staining carefully
Dark streaks and growth are common on Florida tile roofs. If you clean the roof, avoid high-pressure washing, which can damage tiles, strip color from concrete tile and force water under the roof. A low-pressure soft wash by a professional is the safer approach.
6. Look inside for early warning signs
Check ceilings and the attic for stains or damp spots, especially after heavy rain. On tile roofs, leaks usually mean the underlayment beneath the tiles is wearing out.
7. Know the age of your underlayment
On most tile roofs, the underlayment wears out long before the tiles do. If your tile roof is older and starting to leak in more than one place, a tile re-roof, which removes the tiles, replaces the underlayment and flashing and reinstalls good tile, may be the right fix. Learn more about tile roofing in Fort Myers and clay tile roofs, including matching discontinued tiles.
Fall tile roof checklist
- Look for cracked, broken, missing or slipped tiles
- Clear valleys and gutters
- Check ridge and hip caps
- Inspect flashing and pipe boots
- Soft-wash algae, never pressure-wash
- Check ceilings and attic for moisture
- Schedule a professional inspection if you find anything
Related questions
How long do roofs last in Florida?
Florida's heat, UV exposure, humidity and storms are hard on roofs, so they typically wear faster here than in milder climates. Shingle roofs have the shortest service life of the common options. Tile and metal last longer, but on tile roofs the underlayment beneath the tiles usually wears out before the tiles do, which is why tile re-roofs often reuse the design but replace everything underneath. Regular inspections, especially after storm season, are the best way to know where your roof stands.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
Repair makes sense when the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof still has good life left: a few missing shingles, a cracked tile section, a failed pipe boot or loose flashing. Replacement usually makes more sense when leaks keep coming back in different places, the decking is soft in several areas, the underlayment has reached the end of its life, or the roof is old enough that your insurer is asking about it. After the free inspection we tell you which one we would choose if it were our house.
Written by the Fair and Square Roofing team, a State Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC1331318) serving Lee and Collier counties.
