What to Consider When Replacing a Tile Roof.

If your home is like many in Orange County, California, it has a tile roof. These roofs have many great advantages, including added insulation and the ability to stand the test of time. They can last for fifty years or more without being replaced. But, eventually, nearly any roof will wear down and need replaced. When you’re considering replacing your clay or concrete tile roof, you’ll need to take several factors into consideration, including the following:

Repair or Replace?

The first question to ask your Orange County roofing contractor is whether your roof can be repaired cost-effectively, or if it should be replaced. Like shingle roofs, clay tile roofs can be replaced fairly easily by the right professional. Individual tiles that are cracked or worn can be replaced on their own.

However, if you’ve suffered from hail damage or have a roof that hasn’t been properly maintained, repair may not be the best option. In some cases, it’s best to replace your tiles.

A general rule of thumb is that if more than half of the tiles on your roof are broken or cracked, replacing the whole roof is more cost-effective than repairing half the tiles. In this situation, repairing the roof may actually take less more time than replacing the whole roof.

The Underlayment

Underlayment is a huge piece of your overall roofing system. Have your Orange County roofer check out the roofing underlayment when discussing the question of whether to repair or replace your roof. In some situations, the roof is worth replacing simply because the underlayment is out-of-date or not in great condition.

Older roofing standards used organic underlayment, like traditional felt paper. This paper may not last as long as the tile itself. And newer underlayment systems may offer additional benefits, like extra insulation or waterproofing ability.

In some cases, if your underlayment is in bad shape but your roofing times are not, the roofers can remove your tles, replace the underlayment, and the put the tiles back onto the roof. This can be a more cost-effective option than buying all new tiles if most of your tiles are in good condition. However, it may tack on additional hours of labor, which can make a difference. If you’re interested in this option, bring it up with your Orange County roofing contractor to compare costs.

Repairing Flashing

Flashing systems help add additional watertightness to vulnerable areas of your roof--areas where there are dips or bends or joins in the roof, and areas that actually penetrate to inside of your home. When flashing is not in good condition, it can cause leaks and other issues when water gets under the tiles and onto the underlayment.

Repairing flashing can be a simple job, but it can also be complicated, depending on what needs repaired and where. Have your roofing contractor check your flashing, and quote for repairs in just those areas that need them to ensure you get the best deal.

Regular Inspection

Whether you currently need to repair or completely replace your clay or concrete tile roof, you’ll definitely want to consider scheduling regular roofing inspections. As a homeowner, you can learn to look for early signs and symptoms of problems with your roofing system. But even with proper knowledge, you won’t know everything to look for without a professional.

Plus, certain issues can only be seen from the top of the roof. Walking on tile roofs can cause cracks, and is particularly dangerous. This is why it’s important to hire a professional, who can inspect all the cracks and angles of your roof to ensure that it’s in good shape.

When you spend money to repair or replace your tile roof so that it looks good as new--and properly protects your home--you’ll want to take time to ensure that it stays in great shape. By scheduling regular inspections, you can replace tiles as they become cracked or worn, saving money and time as your roof ages. The more regular inspections you schedule and maintenance you hire out, the less likely it is that you’ll need to completely replace your tile roof again any time within your lifetime.

If you have any questions about asphalt shingles, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Wherever and whenever you need roofing services in Seal Beach or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.