Tile roofs are some of the most durable and long-lasting roofing systems in the state of Florida. So if you find yourself with a tile roof leak, something has gone seriously wrong, particularly if you’re not in the immediate aftermath of a major hurricane. That’s why PITCH Roofing is here to help you out as soon as you suspect a problem.
All roofing systems are ultimately unique, so there are quite a few reasons why you may have a a tile roof leak. Depending on the cause and the extent of the damage, this may be a DIY or even handyman roof repair. However, if there is extensive damage to your roof, you’ll be best served by calling in professional contractors. Let’s talk a bit more about what you need to know when you have a leaking tile roof.
Step One: Identifying the Cause of Your Tile Roof Leak
Whether you have clay or concrete tiles, you should be able to expect decades of leak-free protection. When signs of water damage start popping up, you have two options. First, you could choose to immediately contact a roofing professional to ensure that any roofing damage is safely resolved.
Alternatively, you can choose to attempt a DIY tile roof leak repair. Whether or not that’s possible will ultimately depend on the cause of your roof’s damage. But regardless, the first step in the DIY process is identifying the cause of your leak. In Florida, most tile roof leaks are caused by one of the following:
- Cracks in your roofing tiles
- Broken tiles, usually caused by storm debris or hail
- Debris like branches and leaves settling on the valleys of your roof
- An aging waterproof membrane, which usually means 20+ years old
- Damage to your roof’s flashing
Of the above list, there are three situations where we would encourage someone to repair their own roof: cracked and broken roofing tiles and storm debris gathering on the roof. These issues are comparatively easy to fix. However, replacing damaged roof decking or flashing are complicated processes that should only be left in professional hands. Otherwise, you may find yourself doing more harm than good to your roof.
With that said, let’s talk about how to repair cracked or broken roofing tiles.
Step Two: Fixing or Replacing Your Tiles
If you have broken or cracked tiles and want to do a DIY repair, the work you need to do is fairly clear cut. To make sure you know what to do, we’re going to share a step-by-step guide for the process on each of these common DIY tile roof leak repairs.
Note: Regardless of what DIY roof repair you’re attempting, your safety always comes first. Use stable ladders to access your roof, and never get on a roof that you don’t feel completely comfortable navigating. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your roofing materials or, worse, yourself.
Repairing Cracked Tiles
This is perhaps the easiest tile roof leak repair to handle on your own. Once you’re safely on your roof and have found the cracked tile(s), here’s what you’ll want to do:
- Clean the tile with a wire brush to remove all dirt and buildup. This will help your sealant stick better.
- Apply roof adhesive to the cracks and press the edges together, allowing the adhesive time to settle.
- After your adhesive has dried, apply a waterproof sealant over top of where you put the adhesive. This provides an extra layer of protection and prevents water continuing to seep in through your tile.
Replacing Broken Tiles
When replacing broken tiles, it’s important to make sure you’re installing the same make and color tiles as the others on your roof. Once you’re sure you’ve done that, you can begin the tile roof leak repair process:
- Remove the broken tile by gently lifting the above tile, which should overlap slightly. Be careful when removing a broken tile, since it’s easy to accidentally disturb neighboring tiles.
- Verify that there are no tears in your underlayment. If you do see signs of damage, call in professional roofing services ASAP to safely replace or repair your underlayment.
- Assuming that your underlayment is intact, you’re clear to insert the tile and ensure that it aligns with the others on your roof. Ensure that it hooks onto the wooden batten and, if necessary, nailed into place.
Clearing Out Roof Debris
The valleys of your roof will be the first place that debris builds up over time. If you have a tile roof leak and debris gathering in your roof’s low points, clearing it out may solve your problem. However, the process is more involved than just tossing the branches off your roof:
- Start by removing the physical debris. This can be done by hand, but it’s usually more efficient to use a leaf blower.
- Clean the area by rinsing any affected tiles with a low-pressure hose.
- Inspect your tiles for moss or algae growth. If you see any signs of these problems, scrub the tile with a soft bristle brush and a gentle cleaning solution to kill any remaining moss or algae.
Step Three: Know When to Call in the Tile Roofing Professionals
If you can safely navigate a tile roof, then the above situations are times when a DIY tile roof leak repair can be completely appropriate. However, sometimes the only thing to do is call in the professionals. This is usually the case when damage involves your water-resistant membrane, since replacing that involves removing part or all of your tiles, adhering a new membrane in place, and re-attaching your tiles in the exact right way.
If you have a leaking tile roof and fixing it is a complex, involved job, you’ll be best served by calling the veteran roofers at PITCH. With deep local roots in our community, we’ve seen and repaired countless leaking tile roofs. And from the first call for your tile roof repair estimate, you’ll see the difference that our quality customer service makes.
Reach out today by calling 727-677-4824 or filling out our contact form. We’ll send out a roofing professional to inspect your roof, identify the cause and extent of the damage, and prepare an itemized estimate that tells you everything you need to know about your roof repair job. No guesswork, no headaches, and no hidden fees.
When you need quality tile roof leak repair services, let PITCH help you out. From customer service to quality workmanship, we strive to deliver at every step of the roofing process. With local expertise and a commitment to doing the job right the first time, we’ll prove to you that we’re the local roofing professionals you can trust.
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
