Clay roof tiles are known for their longevity and old-world charm—especially reclaimed or salvaged tiles that give a roof true character. But as winter approaches, even the most durable roofs benefit from a little seasonal care. A few simple checks can help protect your home, preserve historic materials, and prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs.
Here’s how to prepare your reclaimed clay roof for the colder months.
1. Clear Leaves, Branches, and Debris
Older roofs tend to trap more debris—especially around irregularities, historic details, or naturally uneven reclaimed tiles.
Why this matters:
- Wet debris holds moisture
- Freeze–thaw cycles can lift tiles
- Leaves in valleys redirect water into places it shouldn’t go
What to do:
- Gently clear leaves with a soft brush or blower
- Check valleys and gutters especially
- Ensure downspouts are clear before temperatures drop
For safety, avoid walking on the roof. Reclaimed tiles can be more brittle with age.
2. Look for Slipped or Damaged Reclaimed Tiles
Reclaimed roofs often include tiles from multiple eras and batches, which adds charm—but also means certain areas may behave differently over time.
Check for:
- Tiles that have shifted or slipped
- Cracked or spalled pieces
- Missing tiles or gaps along courses
- Older mortar cracking on ridges or hips
Even a single misplaced tile can let water reach the underlayment—and winter makes leaks worse.
Need a replacement?
That’s our specialty. Roof Tile Solutions can match and source the exact reclaimed tile to keep your roof historically accurate.
3. Ensure Water Is Flowing Off the Roof Properly
Water management is especially important on reclaimed roofs, where older underlayments and historic structures may be more vulnerable.
Focus on:
- Valleys: Keep them clear to prevent overflow
- Eaves: Check for ice-dam risk areas
- Gutters: Confirm they’re draining freely
- Low-slope sections: Make sure nothing is ponding
Frozen standing water + old materials = trouble.
4. Check Flashings Around Chimneys, Skylights, and Walls
Many older homes have custom, hand-formed flashings that may have shifted over time.
Inspect for:
- Rust
- Lifted flashing edges
- Gaps in older mortar
- Signs of past leakage
Flashings do the heavy lifting in winter, especially when snow or ice accumulates.
5. Watch for Moss, Lichen, and Algae
Reclaimed tiles often develop a beautiful patina—but moss and organic growth can hold moisture longer than the tile should.
Before winter:
- Remove moss gently with a brush (never pressure wash clay)
- Treat growth with a roof-safe cleaner
- Consider zinc or copper strips for long-term prevention
Keeping the roof dry helps preserve reclaimed materials.
6. Inspect Structural Areas on Older Roofs
Reclaimed clay roofs are often installed on older homes that may have inherited issues unrelated to the tiles.
Pay attention to:
- Sagging sections
- Soft decking spots
- Rot around eaves
- Damaged battens or underlayment
A professional roofer can assess hidden issues before winter storms expose them.
7. Book a Professional Inspection if Your Roof Is Historic or Very Old
If your roof uses reclaimed tiles from a discontinued manufacturer—or has already seen decades of weather—a fall inspection is a smart investment.
A specialist can spot:
- Subtle tile mismatches
- Wear under tiles
- Failing flashings
- Areas needing reinforcement
Many homeowners catch issues early and avoid winter leaks entirely.
Final Thoughts: Preserve the Character of Your Roof Through Winter
Reclaimed and salvaged clay roofs bring beauty, history, and craftsmanship to a home—but they benefit greatly from seasonal care. By clearing debris, checking tiles, ensuring good drainage, and watching for early signs of wear, you help extend the life of your roof and protect the heritage materials that make it one-of-a-kind.
If you discover a damaged or missing tile—or aren’t sure what type of reclaimed tile you have—send us photos.
Roof Tile Solutions specializes in identifying, matching, and sourcing reclaimed clay tiles across the U.S.
We’ll help you keep your roof authentic, watertight, and ready for winter.