Clay tile roofs are a staple of historic commercial and residential properties. Not only do they add to the curb appeal and aesthetic quality of a property, clay tiles also perform well in a variety of environmental conditions, helping to extend the durability and lifespan of your roof system. But even with a high degree of long-term protection, clay roof tiles are susceptible to damage and normal wear and tear, and the signs are not always obvious to property owners.
Restoring the roof of a historical building can be a significant investment for property owners, both in terms of the materials and labor necessary to replace or restore roof tiles. Understanding some of the common signs that your historic roof has sustained damage or needs to be evaluated can help catch small problems before they bloom into bigger ones down the road, thus saving property owners time and money.
Here, we’ll take a quick look at what historic property owners need to know about clay tile roofing, and then we’ll outline a couple of common signs that your clay tile roof is damaged.
what historic property owners should know about clay tile roofing
Clay tile roofs are much more common in historic residential properties, though the long history of clay tile as a roofing material means it’s also found in historic commercial structures like libraries, universities, courthouses, and government or civic buildings.
Clay tiles are manufactured from earthen clay and are specially processed to the durability and reliability that’s required for roof systems. This composition makes them suitable to withstand a variety of environmental conditions, including sun, precipitation, and high winds.
It’s also important to note there is a wide range of clay tile types and colors, and this diversity can help historic property owners more specifically tailor the appearance and curb appeal of their structure. Some of the main types of clay roof tiles include:
- Clay French tile
- Clay interlocking tile
- Clay pan and cover tile
- Clay shingle tile
- Clay Spanish tile
Clay tiles do come with some unique challenges. First, clay tiles are heavy and can be cumbersome to repair and replace. In more humid climates, clay tiles are also prone to the accumulation of mildew and algae, though these buildups are relatively simple and inexpensive to remove. This makes partnering with a historic restoration expert key in leveraging the kind of care and craftsmanship necessary to execute high-quality repair or replacement work.
how to know if your clay tile roof is damaged
There are a couple of key indicators — both indoors and outdoors — that your clay tile roof has been damaged by environmental factors or via poor tile handling and installation. While this list doesn’t account for every sign — a historical building assessment provides a complete and holistic look at the state of your property — it does give you a good start on determining whether an additional evaluation is warranted.
Missing or broken roof tiles
This kind of clay tile roof damage is commonly caused by high winds or blowing debris that’s associated with severe storms. Chipped clay tiles also fall into this category, though it’s important to note that not all chipped tiles are created equal. A good rule of thumb is that tiles with chips measuring more than three inches in length should be replaced, as they present an increased risk of moisture intrusion — this can compromise the structural integrity of roof system components beneath the actual tiles.
Detached or broken ridge and hip tiles
Detached or broken ridge and hip tiles can tell you a lot about the state of your historic roof. Ridge tiles are common on pitched roofs and run horizontally where a roof’s two planes meet. Hip tiles cover the intersection of two sloping planes on a pitched roof. Both ridge and hip tiles are key in combating moisture accumulation and preventing rain from penetrating wood framing components that support the tiles.
White stains
White stains on the top of clay roof tiles — also known as lime bloom or efflorescence— can form as the result of calcium carbonate build-up from prolonged exposure to water. Lime bloom can clear up in as little as six months if exposure to water ceases, but persistent white stains can mean your clay roof tiles have been damaged to the point that replacement may be necessary.
Interior leaks
Interior leaking is the most severe sign that your clay roof tiles have been damaged, but it’s also an indication that the wood frame or other underlayment components have experienced significant degradation. Leaks can also damage other areas of your historic property, including historic masonry work, specifically elements like chimney flashing and pointing.
Renaissance Historic Exteriors has the track record and know-how to conduct a thorough assessment of your historic property, create a detailed project plan, and execute a complete restoration with the utmost care and craftsmanship for your building.
Learn more about our historic roof restoration services, or schedule an assessment of your property today.
