Don't Hit The Roof..fix Loose Tiles

Mar 2 2008

Step By Step Guide To

Most of our homes have taken a bit of a battering from the recent storms, with roof tiles being dislodged, broken or even coming loose and falling to the ground.

After a blustery night, you should survey the roof of your house from across the road to see if any tiles are smashed or missing, identify where they are and set about fixing them.

If tiles have been dislodged and you don't take action, the rain water will come through your roof and ceilings then into your rooms.

This will cost you a lot more in the long run as you will need to fix the roof and repair the water damage.

You may think your home insurance will cover these problems - and it will - but the firm will also increase your premiums and recoup their money that way.

Insurance should be used for substantial damage, not for small repair jobs you can do.

If you are comfortable climbing a ladder and working at heights, there is no reason why you can't replace roof tiles. It's quite simple - just read my guide below to find out how.

STEP 1

To identify broken tiles from the ground, look along the profile of the roof.

STEP 2

If you don't have a tile, carry out a temporary repair until you buy a new one. Clean the surface of the tile with a wire brush and join the crack together.

STEP 3

Cut self-adhesive flashing tape to size so it covers the cracked tile.

STEP 4

Peel off the backing strip from the flashing tape and press firmly on to the tile. This will keep your roof watertight until you buy a new tile - within a day or two.

STEP 5

Remove broken tile by tilting and wedging the righthand side of the tile above so the nib of the broken tile can be moved. Removing the tile beside the broken one will make this process easier.

STEP 6

Clean the interlocking channel with a wire brush so the new tile is not hampered by dirt and debris and fits neatly into it.

STEP 7

There is a nib - or nibs - at the top of the tile that hangs over the baton. This, with the weight of the top tiles, holds the tile in place.

STEP 8

Lever the top tile upwards to allow the new tile to be slotted into position over the baton.

STEP 9

Slide the new tile into place, ensuring the nib hangs over the baton.

STEP 10

Job's done.

Donny's top tip: It may not always be possible to nail the roof tile

Here's what you'll need..

Tools

Wire brush

Ladders

Scissors

Hammer

Materials

Replacement tiles

Nails

Self-adhesive

flashing