Hail Damage To Clay Tile Roof

Clay and concrete tile are by far the most cost effective attractive long lasting roofing material for any residential or commercial structure.

Hail damage to clay tile roof.

Patch cracks and small chips by filling them with roofing mortar. Clay roof tiles also called terracotta roof tiles have been used for ages. Gutters are also susceptible to hail damage. If small hailstones have damaged your clay roofing tile the damage is usually limited to shallow hairline cracks.

Here s a clay tile roof looking down from above. A lack of glazing b pitting c spalling and d void in the tile when made. Figures uploaded by tim marshall author content. Dealing with hail damage.

Hail is a powerful force of nature that can even damage roofs made with concrete tiles if the stones are large enough and wind speeds are high. Roof tiles are tested in the range of a one to two inch simulated impact testing in accordance with fm 4473 impact testing standard. Clay tile deficiencies not caused by hail. While small hailstones that are less than 2 inches in diameter don t typically damage clay.

Hail damage to a clay tile roof. Hail damage to clay tile roofs clay tile durability. While roof tiles are designed to perform well in hail regions they may be damaged in severe hail storms producing hail stones larger than 2 in diameter. Severe impacts or forces such as a tree branch or a heavy tool dropped onto a roof can crack or break roof tiles.

However it is possible for small chips to break off the edges and corners of the tile. In many cases these characteristics are accompanied by impact spatter marks within and or adjacent to the damaged area. They normally offer a very long roof life with some clay roofs lasting for generations. Both types of damage can usually be repaired without replacing the tiles.

Our photo left shows the author df back to camera examining a clay tile roof installed on the hwang lim won orphanage in seoul korea in 1966. Clay and concrete tile have been tested in the harshest of weather elements including heavy rain hurricane force winds damaging hail and freeze thaw conditions. Because seamless gutters are frequently feature aluminum or copper construction the signs of hail damage include telltale denting. Repairing chips and hairline.

Tile roofs are naturally fireproof and exceed current seismic load requirements for building materials when installed to the current fastening requirements. Clay roof tiles are available in a variety of shapes colors textures and sizes. Clay tile roofs are often damaged by foot traffic ice and snow or by severe storms.