Why You Need to Make Sure Your Tile Roof Restoration Is a Quality Job

Faulty installation during a tile roof restoration can greatly increase the amount of problems you’re going to see down the road. As well, errors and damage made to your roof at this vulnerable stage can decrease the lifespan of your roof, leading to adhesion issues, leakage problems and other future maintenance issues and costs.

It’s imperative that your contractor or tile roof restoration specialist be qualified to handle the specific installation requirements of the building material you plan to use.

In most cases, your roof is most exposed to risk during the installation process since moisture membranes and joint seals are open and prone to walking and construction traffic.

Always discuss every single concern you have with your prospective contractor before you hire them, since once the work is done, it will be up to you to enact warranties and repairs while you wait for their response.

Moisture Protection Is Priority Number One

Moisture infiltration is the premiere result of an improperly installed tile roof. What’s worse is that evidence of damage may not appear for long after the work has been done, leading you to chase down your installer to enact their warranty in order to fix the problem.

It’s difficult to simply walk up onto the roof and see if damage has occurred to the protective moisture membrane, so you need to be assured that your roofing company has a reputation of quality work before you hire them.

As well, ask the company about their use and quality of structural bonding adhesive in order to ensure that a proper seal is created around all rooftop features such as skylights, chimneys and ventilation or exhaust pipes.

Quality installation begins with a clean work area and materials; therefore ensure that your contractor guarantees that the tiles will be dust-free before hanging.

Used Flashing Will Not Be Sufficient

Flashing is, in some ways, the first line of defence between rain and water attack and the inner seal of your roof. When installing flashing, it should always be made from corrosion resistant metal. Talk to the roofing company about your concerns regarding the re-use of old flashing.

This material will most likely not live up to the standard of a newer material. Cold and heat can warp and weaken flashing. Re-using old flashing can lead to gaps forming or having the flashing pull away from chimneys or skylights. Older material may have also been punctured or damaged and this cannot be detected until a problem occurs.

With the relatively low expense of using only new materials, this is not an area to overlook and you should insist that your restoration company use it, as the cost of repairing damage will be far greater than the minor expense of starting fresh with a quality product.

Your Company Should Advise You on Weight

Concrete tiles can weigh between 400-900 Kilos per square, depending on the particular type and manufacturer of the product. When considering using heavy material in your tile roof restoration, have your expert installer inspect your pre-existing roof for signs of compression cracking in the drywall or plaster.

This may be a sign of damage caused by a previous heavy material having been used, which can indicate that your home requires structural improvement before restoration is done. Concrete tiles will also expand when they are warm, which can lead to cracking at the overlaps.

Ask your advisor about the risk involved with your location and the heat stress that can weaken your roof. This issue, added to weight concerns, may encourage another decision on the type of product you use.

Ask about Fastener Failure

Tiles are normally nailed, clipped or tied with wires to ensure that they stay in place. Because clay and concrete tiles are sturdy and guaranteed to live a long life, the main issue that can cause a problem will be your fastening system.

Securing tiles properly is an important feature for the life of your project and should be discussed with any company you consider hiring.

Ask your contractor about the amount of fasteners they plan to use and whether this is a concern to them. Poorly installed fasteners, or the use of the wrong type can lead to early corrosion and not help the tiles to remain in place.

For example, if nail heads protrude such that the tile rests on the nail head, weight transfer can cause cracking and damage. Fasteners also have to be of sufficient length to be adequately effective.

If there is some confusion on the part of your contractor when you bring these issues to light, then perhaps you should reconsider employing this particular company.

How to Choose a Trusted Tile Roof Restoration Company

The best place to start shopping for a quality tile roof restoration company is online. Visit their site as well as forums and review sites to discover possible complaints or negative reviews. Friends, family or neighbourhood groups are good resources for finding information that is unique and relevant to the location of your house.

It’s always recommended that you choose a company that has professional qualifications and provides a comprehensive warranty for the work they do. They should carry a proper business license, with credentials, and be able to provide local references and roofing testimonials.

They should also be able to show you the written manufacturer’s warranty in addition to their own warranty of the work they plan to do. Insurance concerns should also be addressed regarding: what insurance coverage exists on the company’s end and what would be assumed by your homeowner’s policy.

Remember that insurance should also extend to the building material itself, as it may be stored on your property for an unlimited amount of time. Reputations are built on experience, so choose a company that has a long track record of quality work.

The company you hire should be able to respond to each and every one of your concerns about the life of your roof and its restoration process. You deserve to have your questions addressed in a timely manor, in person or over the phone.

If you get the feeling that your money is more important that your questions, then this may be a sign that this company is not one to trust with the job. In the end, this is your investment and you need to be diligent towards its protection.