Homeowner worries about fragile roof tiles
Q: My new home is currently being built, and the contractor recommends a tile roof. Tile roofing seems great as far as appearance, longevity, and fire resistance, but I’m concerned about the cost of repairing cracked tiles. From time to time, I may need to have workmen on the roof. If the tiles are easily broken, foot traffic could create an ongoing maintenance problem. Do you think ordinary shingles would be more practical? — George
A: Concerns over fragile roof tiles are is warranted if we’re discussing clay tiles. Tiles that are made of clay are easily broken underfoot and can pose an ongoing maintenance problem when workers or inspectors have to walk on your roof.
Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are comparatively tough and resistant to damage. In most cases, concerns over pedestrian breakage are largely unwarranted. Cracks in concrete tiles are generally due to manufacturing defects and, in most cases, effect only a minority of tiles. Unless subjected to unusually careless foot traffic, concrete tiles should remain serviceable as long as you own your home.
Fiberglass shingles compromise the quality and value of a home because shingles have limited life span and will eventually need to be replaced. Additionally, shingle roofing does not have the quality appearance or the fire-resistant advantages of a tile roof.
My advice is to trust the recommendation of your contractor. A quality tile roof, if properly installed, should provide you with
years of trouble-free service. I wouldn’t march an army over it, but guarded choreography by prudent workers should produce no unwanted fractures.
Q: Whenever I turn off the shower faucet, a loud thump occurs inside the wall. Even when I’m on the other side of the house, I can hear a knock in the walls when someone else turns off the shower. According to the home inspector who checked our house, this could possible cause damage to the water pipes. I don’t want to spend money on a plumber unless it is absolutely necessary. Do you think I have a serious problem? — Eva
A: The thumping noise you describe is commonly known as “water hammer.” This can occur when pipes are loosely attached to the framing inside the walls, especially in homes where the water pressure is high or where air is trapped within the water lines. When a faucet is turned off suddenly, immediate stoppage of the water flow can jar the piping due to the abrupt increase in pressure. When this happens, loose pipes can knock against the wood framing inside the walls, causing an audible thump.
In most cases, water hammer is nothing more than a minor nuisance and is not likely to cause any significant plumbing problems. If you’re willing to endure the noise, you can save yourself an unnecessary repair bill. If you’d like to minimize the knocking sound, you can also have a licensed plumber install water hammer arrestors where needed. You can also need to have the water pressure reduced by means of a pressure regulator.