Leaks in clay tile roofs: causes and solutions

Clay tiles are a classic in Antioquian architecture. They provide elegance and freshness, but when heavy rains start in Medellin, they can also be a major source of headaches if not properly maintained.

Why do leaks appear in clay roofs?

The clay tile itself is a porous material but designed to drain water. The problem is rarely the tile, but what happens beneath or between them:

• Displaced tiles: Strong winds, cats, or poorly done maintenance cause tiles to slide, leaving exposed gaps.
• Debris accumulation: Dry leaves and dust create small "dams" in the tile channels, forcing water to enter through the overlaps.
• Imperceptible breaks: Stepping on the tiles incorrectly generates fine cracks that silently leak water.
• Failure in under-tile waterproofing: The asphalt felt or membrane underneath has baked in the heat over the years and lost its properties.

Definitive Solutions

Putting a bucket under the leak is not a solution. To permanently fix a clay tile roof, at ImpermeabilizaYA we apply this technical protocol:

1. Diagnosis and Inspection

We carefully remove the tiles in the affected area to check the underlayment and the wooden or metal structure.

2. Under-Tile Membrane Replacement

If the problem is general wear, we recommend installing a new asphalt membrane or waterproofing membrane directly on the roof deck before replacing the tiles.

3. Technical Tying

Edge tiles and ridges must be tied with copper wire or glued with special modified mortars for roofs, preventing them from sliding again.