If a roofer hasn't checked your clay tile roofing in several years, you may want to have a quick inspection done on your roof. While you might feel comfortable getting on the roof yourself, you need to be careful about walking on clay tiles or you can crack them.

That's why calling a roofer is often a good idea when you have tile roofing. Here's a look at how to check clay tiles safely and what might be needed if the roofer finds chipped or cracked tiles.

How To Check Clay Tiles For Damage

Clay tiles are made in different ways, but a popular choice is roofing tiles that have a humped shape rather than being flat. The humped area is what can crack when you step on it since the hump isn't flat against the roof with support under it. When a roofer walks on clay tiles, they have to distribute their weight so it isn't all pressed on a hump.

Your roofer might even use a drone so going on the roof isn't needed unless they need to remove sticks and leaves. A drone can provide clear, close-up video and pictures of your roof so any damage can be easily seen.

What Types Of Damage The Roofer Might Find

Clay tiles are strong and durable, but if they're impacted with enough force, they could crack. The roofer will look for cracks, loose tiles, tiles with chipped edges, and signs of moss growing under the tiles. They'll also look at flashing to make sure it's sealed and not rusted.

How Damage Is Repaired On Clay Tile Roofing

Clay tiles can be removed and replaced if necessary. They overlap each other just like asphalt shingles do. However, the nature of the tiles makes it easy to repair them by sealing cracks and gluing chipped pieces back on. If your roofer discovers a patch of roofing tiles that has severe damage, such as if a big branch crashed on the roof, they might need to get creative with repairs.

A problem with old tiles is they get dirty over time and they change color slightly due to age and weather exposure. This means new tiles won't match old tiles. Your roofer might consider looking for reclaimed tiles that match, or they may remove old tiles from a different part of your roof to make repairs. They can then put the new tiles in an area where they're not as likely to be seen.

If your roofer sees moss growing under the roofing tiles, the moss has to be removed. This can be done using products that kill the moss. Once the moss is dead, it will fall off gradually by itself when it rains. 

For more information, contact a roofing company like Meschke Construction, Inc.