(316) 927-2233What to Know About Promoting Longevity and Ensuring Structural Integrity
Day by day, year after year, your home protects you and your family. But what protects your home? Your roof. There are many ways to build a roof, and many materials to build it with. Some you see everywhere you look and some are more unique. One of those unique materials is concrete tile. This is an extremely long-lasting product with a lot of misconceptions about it. Today, we will be asking why concrete tile is an excellent choice for roofing and what proper concrete tile roof maintenance looks like, and who you can find to help you out.
Concrete tile roofs are not as “popular” nowadays as they were back in 1970-1980. Other synthetic materials have largely replaced concrete tile over the last couple of years. Despite this trend, existing concrete tile roofs are still easy to find not only in Wichita but across the US due to their energy efficiency and durability.
Why Concrete Tile in Wichita Still Holds Up, and Why You Should Keep It
Given the availability and long-lasting nature of concrete, it is no surprise that concrete tile in Wichita has been such a popular choice for homeowners over the years. There are many reasons as to why concrete tile in particular is so beneficial. Let’s dig a little deeper and see if the benefits of tile in the 70’s and 80’s still hold up to today’s standards.
- Durability: One significant reason why concrete tile in Wichita still holds up as well as it does is because of the toughness of concrete in the face of the elements. Concrete tile is well known in the industry as the go-to style for roofing when long-lasting durability is critical. Due to its material composition, fire resistance, UV resistance, impact resistance, dimensional stability and low water absorption, concrete tiles can withstand harsh Kansas weather conditions year after year. Extreme heat, heavy rain, hail, snow, and strong winds – not a problem.
- Energy Efficiency: Concrete tiles have natural thermal properties that can greatly help in regulating indoor temperatures. This results in your homes being nice and warm in the cold months and cool during the summer. In Kansas you need to always be ready for the extremes, because you never know how the weather will feel like in the next thirty minutes.
- Environmental Sustainability: Concrete tile in Wichita and across the planet is an eco-friendly material since it composed of natural materials including cement, water, and sand. These specific materials are quite abundant and widely available. Using these regionally available materials decreases the negative environmental impact associated with extraction and manufacturing. At the end of their life, concrete tiles are recyclable, so they will be reused to produce new concrete tiles or other construction materials.
- Increased Property Value: Durability, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetic appeal of concrete tile roofs help increase the value of a home. Concrete tiles come in a large variety of colors, styles, and textures allowing homeowners to choose whatever compliments the architectural style of their home. But how long does concrete tile last, and what goes into taking care of them in the long-term?
- Low Maintenance: Concrete tile roofs are pretty low maintenance compared to most roofing systems, resulting in less out of pocket expenses. They resist harsh weather conditions, rot, decay, and insects. Of course, it is important to make sure experienced professionals are responsible for proper installation and routine inspections to ensure longevity and performance over time. This is where Rhoden roofing can help. We offers concrete tile roof maintenance you can depend on.
Tips for Maintenance of Concrete Tile Roofs
- Cleaning: Regularly inspect and remove any debris such as branches, dirt, leaves, etc. Accumulated debris can impede water drainage and contribute to deterioration of the roof. Clean up any algae or moss growth using a detergent or specialized solution to prevent spread.
- Regular Inspections: Maintenance of concrete tile roofs includes frequent inspections to make sure everything looks the way it should including areas where two roof sections come together to form a valley where debris likes to gather. Check the roof for any visible cracks, damage, or signs of deterioration. After severe weather conditions like hail, it’s best to inspect from on top of the roof for any broken or loose tiles.
- Flashing and Sealant Inspection: Check the flashing around any roof penetrations such as vents or chimneys to make sure it is secured correctly. If you notice signs of sealant deterioration, apply a roof sealant to maintain water resistance.
- Preventative Measures: It is always better to manage minor concerns proactively than to fix large scale deterioration later. Many homeowners opt to use sealants for the most dependable maintenance of concrete tile roofs. By applying a protective coating material can enhance longevity of the concrete and seals any small cracks before they become an issue.
- Professional Inspection: Consider reaching out to professionals such as Rhoden Roofing as they can identify potential issues that may not be visible to the average homeowner. Once the inspection is complete, they will make any repairs, adjustments, and provide you expert recommendations of concrete tile roof maintenance needs for your property.
How Rhoden Roofing Can Help YOU with Concrete Tile Roof Maintenance
The benefits we’ve gone over so far of keeping your roof existing concrete tile in Wichita goes to show that if you already have concrete tile in Wichita, you have a great roof and it’s a good idea to continue investing in proper concrete tile roof maintenance. Most of the homes within the Wichita area have concrete tile roofs today were installed years ago, some even dating back to 1980. Many homeowners have reported to us that they have started to notice some issues with their roofing and specifically the “valley” of their roof, where two roof sections come together.
If it’s been ten years or more since your last concrete tile roof inspection, now is a good time to make sure the concrete tile roof maintenance has been taken care of, before simple repairs aren’t an option anymore. As Wichita’s most trusted local roofing company, we have the knowledge and expertise to suit your needs at a lower price. Save yourself the headache and hold on to your hard-earned money by reaching out to Rhoden Roofing today or calling (316) 320-0380.
FAQ
1. If I have a concrete tile roof, should I consider switching?
No – while they are not commonly installed any more on new construction, concrete tile roofs still offer great protection and will last for decades. Only in the event of a major problem or change, such as an incorrect installation, or major damage such as a tree fall collapsing part of the roof, do we ever recommend changing roof types.
2. How do I clean and maintain my roof?
This can be done by simply removing any and all debris, inspecting for visible damage, checking sealant and flashing, and most of all considering reaching out to local professionals to help assess the situation.
3. How do I know when it’s time to get spot repairs and seek the help of professionals.
This can vary depending on who installed the concrete tile roof and when it was installed. If you had a concrete tile roof installed prior to 2015, we recommend you get your roof inspected sooner than later. This is due to older roofs not having proper batten boards. These specific batten boards have little risers on the bottom that help with proper water flow. Without them your roof is at risk of leaks.
This article is part of our ‘Residential/ Steep Slope Materials’ Series. Learn more about:
