How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Our roofs are one of the most important yet underrated parts of our home. Not all of us have the time or know exactly when it needs inspection and repair, which can lead to future problems. This can end up costing a lot of time and money, which is why it’s important to learn how to safely inspect your tile roof in Phoenix, Arizona.

This article will tackle what you should know when inspecting your tile roof, along with signs on when it needs inspection. Read on!

When Do You Need a Roof Inspection?

There are different indicators that show if you need a roof inspection since roofs don’t last forever. Inspections are also a detrimental part of house maintenance, so you can keep your home in great condition to live comfortably for years to come. Here are signs they require a thorough inspection by you or professionals:

Tiles are cracked or broken

Tiles would hold better than singles when installed on your roof. When it begins wearing down, you won’t see bits of tile materials on your gutters.

Rather, you’ll see broken or cracked tiles, which are usually caused by storms and/or falling branches. Such damage may have water seep into the roof, causing leaks and widespread damage to the roof structure.

When this happens, cracked and broken tiles need repair and replacement.

There are ceiling stains

You most likely won’t see a lot of water that pours from the ceiling when experiencing leaks. It would be a slow and gradual one, and you won’t detect any signs until the leak becomes significant. By that time, you’ll see yellow to brown stains on the ceiling, where water has spread.

This is a bad sign that requires an inspection right away, along with any repairs or replacement, depending on the severity of the leak and the issue caused by the leak.

It’s just time!

Again, roofs don’t last forever. Even if you took care of your roof very well, it will still start to deteriorate from natural causes. Usually, roofs will only last for about 15-20 years, depending on what it’s made of, and afterward, they will require an inspection to see if it needs repairing or replacement.

How to Safely Inspect Your Tile Roof in Phoenix, Arizona

If you believe that your roof requires an inspection, you can safely do so. Make sure to follow these tips:

Be familiar with your roof

It’s crucial to know the parts of your roof you can safely work on, as even the smallest detail can cross the line between a safety inspection or a major accident.

Take into account the roof’s slope or angle, steeper roofs would be more dangerous to work on. Even then, you have to be wary of your roof materials and if they are slippery or without much traction (like metal or roof).

Besides this, check to see if there are weak areas on the roof, which can be patched areas where leaks started or materials that can detach when applying weight on them. This can have you either fall or create a hole by accident, so note all these weak spots to avoid making more damage or experiencing nasty falls.

Prepare your safety equipment

You need all the proper tools for a successful roof inspection to ensure your safety and less of a blow if an accident occurs. Here are some of the tools you’ll have to prepare:

• A safety harness to make sure you stay on the roof in case you stumble and slip. It should be attached to a stable area on the roof.
• Boots or shoes that have excellent traction keep you from skidding and slipping from the roof.
• Stable ladder to get you on and out of the roof properly. Be sure that your ladder is in excellent condition and placed on the stable ground firmly before climbing up.
• A friend, because we need an extra pair of hands in case something happens.

Plan ahead and according to the weather

Before you inspect the roof, you need to plan ahead and select a day based on your schedule and the weather. Bad weather can ruin a day’s work, as you won’t be able to see any problem from the inclement weather, AND it would affect your safety.

If ever you expect heavy rains or very cloudy weather, it’s best to postpone it to a day where clear skies are expected.

Once you are ready to inspect the roof, you need to inspect the following areas thoroughly:

• Your attic
• The roof itself
• Gutters

Afterward, check for any of the following:

• More broken, missing, or cracked tiles you could not see from an on-ground inspection
• Organic debris between the tiles
• Any bad flashing
• Water damaged tiles
• Sagging roof

If you do see any of these, it’s time to call someone for a roof repair.

Consider hiring a professional

While it may seem cost-effective inspecting the roof on your own for any evident signs of repair or replacement, it can actually be better to hire a professional to do the job. This is because it will save you a lot of time and effort, and also remove any risk of you getting hurt from not inspecting the roof properly.

Furthermore, a professional can automatically detect even the smallest details that require repairs. Even the most minor repairs are great ways to prevent huge problems in the future.

If you’re worried about the cost, there are companies like us in Stradling Roofing that offer a free estimate and can provide roof inspections at affordable rates.

Wrapping It Up

When it comes to inspecting your roof, there are safety tips you need to follow and prepare ahead for to ensure a smooth inspection. You will also need to make sure you inspect the proper areas and for significant issues so you can repair them rather than wait for these minor issues to worsen.

However, you may want to hire professional companies like Stradling Roofing to ensure that all issues will be detected and that you’re ensured your roof will be in good shape after any repairs to be made.