How to Fix Leaks on Clay Tile Roofs

If you’re searching for how to fix leaks on clay tile roofs you’ve likely got a
problem on your hands.  Water coming through your roof can lead to damaged
insulation, ruined ceilings, and needing to replace sheetrock, carpet, and much
more.  Clay roof tile can be susceptible to leaks which are caused by various
problems with the installation methods, tile itself, and age. The way that the
leak can be repaired will differ based on the cause of the issue.

How To Repair A Tile Roof

Tile roofing is durable and adds great curb appeal to your home.  All roofing will
need some maintenance and repairs at some point.  The following steps show
you how to repair a tile roof.  Should you not have the tools or time our team is
always ready to help you repair your tile roof anywhere in the Phoenix Valley.

Tools and Materials

Keep in mind that the tools and materials that are needed will depend on the
cause of the leak.

● Nails
● Wet saw
● Hanger strap
● Pry bar
● Hammer
● RT-600 Tile Roof Sealer in Terracotta color
● Caulk gun
● Waterproof membrane
● Mortar

Step 1: Identify The Cause

Clay tiles may leak because of several reasons. While some issues will go
beyond your roof and will be related to other things to do with roofing or the
installation methods, some of the common issues with clay tiles are:
1. Broken tiles
2. Cracked tiles
3. Collection of debris on the roof valley
4. Worn out or defective waterproof membrane
In order to fix the leak, you will have to fix the issue that applies to you. Keep in
mind that the clay roof tiles will break easily under pressure, so be sure to be
careful whenever you are walking on your roof to find the cause of the leak.

Step 2: Fixing the Membrane

If the issue is in the waterproof membrane, then you will have to remove the
existing tiles and replace the membrane with a new one. Then you will have to
retile your roof. You may need the help of a professional for the removal and re-
tiling.

Step 3. Removing the Debris

The roof valleys, especially closed ones will collect a lot of debris. This can
cause leaks. To remove the debris, so there is no more leaking, you will have to
remove the tiles from the area, then clean the area out, and lastly reinstall the
tiles. You may consider wanting to covertyour roof valleys to be open to help to
avoid any collection of debris within the future.

Step 4. Fixing cracks

If you happen to notice any fine cracks within the tiles, then you may repair
them by applying RT-600 on the cracked tiles and then allow it to spread on the
whole tile and let it dry.

Step 5. Fixing broken tiles

Tiles that have large cracks or are broken will need to be replaced in order to fix
the leak. You will need to remove the damaged tiles using a pry bar. Use a
hammer to help with the removal, but be careful to make sure that you will not
damage the good tiles. If the roof is old, then the chances are that the tiles
have been fixed using mortar. If this is the case, place the new tiles and use
mortar to seal them in place.
More current rooftops will have nails that will hold the tiles set up. On the off
chance that that is the situation, you will require a holder lash. Place the new
tile on the holder lash, and after that hang it where the new tile will need to be
fitted. Ensure that you don’t force the tile in place. Use a wet saw to cut the
edges, if it is needed. Next, hammer the nails into the top of the tiles, which will
secure the new tile to the roof. Apply mortar or RT-600 to the sides to make
sure that there is a complete seal.

Terracotta Tile Roof Restoration

Terracotta tiles are among the most popular roofing materials used in
Australia, their durability and old world charm has seen them remain a firm
favorite for Australian homes. Originally manufactured in Europe and imported
into Australia as ballast in Ocean ships, Terracotta tiles are now a major
contributor to the Australian economy.

Although durable, Terracotta tiles require frequent maintenance. Concrete,

which is used in the bedding down of the caps, does not stick well to the
smooth surface on terracotta tiles. In this problem, lays the reason why this
type of repair more often required, than their less durable counterpart concrete
tiles. Moss and lichen are also attracted to these tiles which can be unsightly.
We have listed the more common issues that you need to watch out for below
so you can determine whether or not a restoration or repair of your roof may be
required.

Broken tiles.
Cracked and broken tiles are a sign of an ageing roof and generally require
replacement, usually as part of a larger terracotta tile roof restoration.

Loose ridge capping.

When the mortar or cement mix ages it will begin to crack and come loose, in
turn this will loosen the ridge caps. This is a significant concern as
inadequately secured caps can be blown off your roof in strong winds. Cracking
and crumbling mortar is what you will notice first when this happens.

Rusted valleys and chimney flashings.

The glaze on a terracotta tile reacts with the old galvanised steel making rusty
valleys and flashings a common occurrence on this type of tiled roof. It is also
an idea to monitor your guttering as the same reaction can occur in them also.

Excessive moss and lichen growth.

Moss and lichen is attracted to terracotta tiles because of the carbon dioxide
emissions present in the tile. They have no root systems and cannot harm the
tile directly. Excessive growth can impede the flow of water causing ingress into
the roof cavity and ceiling. Many people also dislike the look of the lichen
making cleaning appealing.

De-laminating tiles.
Older glazed terracotta tiles can suffer from de-lamination. This generally
occurs after the glaze gets old and cracking appears. Water seeps in under the
glaze and freezes during cold mornings. The expanding freezing water pops
the glaze off. This can also occur in salty environments close to the beach.
While a moderate amount is acceptable, this can mean a roof replacement is in
order if it becomes too widespread.

Terracotta tile roof restoration.

A terracotta tile roof restoration can make a remarkable difference to the look
of the home. In brief a restoration is a clean down, mortar repair and flashing
and valley iron replacement. Some dubious companies also recommend
“glazing” the tiles with an acrylic sealant. This is not something that should be
considered as the acrylic sealants used, while starting off as clear and
attractive, quickly begin to go white or yellow in colour and also peel. A
common claim is that fungicides present in these sealants when in actual fact a
fungicide would evaporate off during the drying process.