Why Is My Brand New Tile Roof Leaking? 5 Answers from a Texas Roofer
Tile roofs are distinctively beautiful, durable, and versatile. They’re also extremely good at withstanding water, fire, wind, frost, and even insect-related damage — qualities that not a lot of roofing materials can lay claim to.
Some tile roofs can even last for up to 150 years!
So, if tile roofs are so hardwearing, you may wonder, “why is my new tile roof leaking?”
Unfortunately, dear homeowner, there are a variety of reasons why a new roof might be leaking water. While a visit from a qualified Texas roofer is always best, we’ll tell you about five common problems that new tile roofs can have.
5 Reasons Your New Tile Roof is Leaking
Why is my new tile roof leaking? Believe it or not, we get this question a lot. Most often, it’s because of:
1. Problems With the Flashing
One of the most common reasons why roofs leak is because of a problem with the flashing. The flashing is the strip of metal that is installed around any openings in the roof, such as the vent pipes or chimneys. Its job is to direct water away from critical areas of your roofing. If the flashing wasn’t installed properly, water can seep in and cause leaks.
A roof repair service from a reputable contractor can fix your flashing and ensure that water flows the way it’s supposed to.
2. Poor Workmanship
Another common reason for roof leaks is poor workmanship. Even if the materials used to build your new roof are of high quality, they won’t be able to do their job correctly if they weren’t professionally and carefully installed.
Shoddy installation of roof tiles can result in unnecessary wear and tear that can lead to cracks and damage faster than they’re supposed to happen.
To avoid poor workmanship, thoroughly vet your roofing contractor. Find local roofers who have been in the industry for some time and have a long list of successfully completed projects.
3. Severe Weather Conditions
Your tile roof is designed to withstand all sorts of weather, but once in a while, we experience severe weather conditions that can damage it. This can send the tiles flying or even cause them to break.
If you notice that a tile is damaged or missing, it’s important to get it replaced right away even if you haven’t noticed any leaks yet.
4. Problems With Your Gutters
If your gutters are not functioning properly, they can allow water to pool on your roof and seep under the tiles, causing leaks. Make sure to keep roof gutters clean and free of debris to prevent this issue.
5. Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts and freezes again along the edge of the roofline. The ice can create a dam the keeps water from draining properly. Water can then back up under the tiles and cause leaks.
As you can imagine, ice dam removal can be a tricky process during winter. We have to take into account the pitch of the roof and remove any snow that’s fallen over the ice dam to determine its size. Special tools and equipment are then used to get rid of the obstruction.
Keeping Your Tile Roof In Excellent Condition
After reading this list, you might think that tile roofs are high maintenance and easily damaged but nothing could be farther from the truth. As long as they’re properly installed, tile roofs can last for several decades and have been known to withstand winds going as fast as 150 miles per hour.
There are a few things you can do, however, to make them last as long as possible:
1. Inspect and Clean Your Roof Regularly
Inspect your roof for damage once a year and clean it every other year. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to have it cleaned more often.
Cleaning your roof can be done with a pressure washer, however, because it’s dangerous to work from heights, consider calling local roofers who can get the job done safely and efficiently.
2. Act Early and Proactively
As with most roofing issues, it’s always best to take action as soon as possible. Leaks can enter your home, damaging your ceilings, insulation, walls, floors, and other areas where water can flow.
By being proactive, you prevent the problem from becoming bigger while avoiding more leaks in the future. This can save you from more expensive and major repairs down the road.
Calidad Enterprises: Best Local Roofing Company in North Texas
Calidad Enterprises can help you keep your tile roof functioning and looking like new for a very long time. We can help with inspections and implement preventative measures that can help minimize future problems.
If you’re worried about leaks or other issues, we can assess the situation quickly and accurately, provide repair recommendations, and carry them out. Whether it’s roof repairs or roof replacement you need, we have over 20 years of experience that you can bank on.
With the right care and upkeep, you may never have to ask, “Why is my new tile roof leaking?” ever again.
For our full list of services, visit our website, or call us at (940) 204-6102
