What Happens if You Don’t Replace Broken Roof Tiles?
It can be easy to ignore broken roof tiles. Depending on the location of the break, you might not see it very often. But ignoring broken tiles can lead to more significant problems down the road.
Whether your home has clay or concrete tiles, your roof plays an essential role in your home. Roofs provide significant insulation for your home, as well as protection from the elements. No matter the cause of the cracked or broken tiles, the issue needs to be taken seriously.
When repairing or replacing broken roof tiles, you’ll want to use a licensed and insured roofing contractor. Contact Elite Remodeling Services at (904) 657-8383 to work with northeast Florida’s trusted roofing professionals.
Why Do Roof Tiles Break?
Severe Weather
If you live in or near St. Augustine, Palm Coast, or Flagler Beach, you understand the severe storms our homes face regularly. From extreme heat to hurricanes, your home protects you through a lot.
Home builders typically use clay tiles because of their durability and long life. However, old or corroded nails won’t be able to withstand high winds or rain the same way your tiles will. These old nails can result in tiles coming loose.
Keep in mind one or two tiles coming off in the wind may not feel like a big problem. However, this exposes the rest of your building materials to unexpected water during future storms. As a result, you could experience a more expensive repair as more damages occur.
Time/Wear and Tear
Despite the durability of tile roofs, nothing lasts forever. Depending on your home’s age, the material used to seal your tiles may not be as strong as the materials used today. Without a strong seal, severe weather will have a more significant impact on your tiles over time. In addition, as they age, they may become brittle and crack or break.
Materials Used
Certain tiles damage more quickly than others. For example, concrete tiles require more roof maintenance to ensure a long life. When exposed to extreme shifts in temperature, concrete tiles tend to become brittle and break.
Why Should You Replace Broken Roof Tiles?
Water Damage
Homes in northeast Florida face high amounts of water and moisture. Although the building materials protect our homes from moisture and heavy rain, once your roof tiles break, the rest of your home becomes vulnerable to potential water damage. Structural damage, mold, and many other issues will need to be address by a water damage restoration expert.
Missing or broken tiles can allow water to reach the wooden structure of your home. Once moisture sets in, the structure will begin to rot. While you may not notice this at first, eventually, this water will reach your ceilings and walls, causing stains and watermarks.
Health Hazards
Excess moisture in your home inevitably leads to mold. Mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions, as well as other illnesses in you and your family. Keep in mind mold also needs to be removed, and mold removal can create a much more expensive repair than early tile replacement.
Water also poses a threat when it unexpectedly puddles in your home. Leaks don’t come with a “wet floor” sign. Ignoring broken tiles can result in you or a family member injuring themselves on a slippery floor.
When Should You Replace Broken Roof Tiles?
Repair as Soon as Possible
Unfortunately, what may seem like a small roof problem can soon become bigger. Quickly fixing your roof keeps your family safe and the repair costs low. So, as soon as you know about roof damage, have it repaired by a licensed professional.
Have Your Roof Inspected Annually
You can avoid more expensive repairs by hiring a home inspector to look over your roof, preferably, twice a year. Inspectors can identify broken roof tiles, rust, and other forms of wear and tear. When you inspect your roof regularly, you provide your home with one of the most impactful forms of maintenance.
Ready to discuss your roofing maintenance needs? At Elite Remodeling Services, we provide one of the most trusted roofing services to northeast Florida homeowners. Contact our team today at (904) 657-8383.