Roof Tile Repair
Tile roofs are not exempt from the elements of the weather or other events that might damage your roof. Limbs often blow off during storms doing damage to roofs. And though clay or concrete tiles are among the toughest and most durable of all roofing materials they still can get broken or cracked deeming it necessary to repair. You can repair the damaged tiles yourself but I wouldn’t expect it to be a cake walk. For the most part, you should contact a local roofing company to help you.
Cracked Roofing Tiles
Repairing a cracked tile on your roof may not be as easy as you might think. But it can be done if you use caution and have patience. Unlike an asphalt shingle that is nailed to a solid decking that you can walk on, clay or concrete tiles cannot be walked on.
Clay tiles cannot support your weight, and therefore as a rule of thumb, should never be walked on. You could break or crack more tiles if you try to walk on them. If you cannot reach the tile you want to repair from a ladder leaning against the roof then you will have to use another ladder to lay down on the roof using rubber supports between the ladder and the clay tiles.
Extreme caution should be used putting the ladder on the tile roof. Having someone to help you with the repairs is always a good idea. Lifting a ladder onto a roof can be a strenuous job for one person. It’s always a good idea having someone with you when you are having to work on top of the roof. By laying the ladder across the clay or concrete tiles your weight will be dispersed evenly. If you don’t have the confidence that you are able to safely do the repairs then by all means call a qualified roofer or handyman. Safety is always first. Tile roof repair is challenging at best, so make sure you have the right replacement tiles, the right tools, and the right repair product before you ever begin.
Most homeowners have a few extra tiles stuck away in their garage for just this occasion. If you don’t have extra tiles make sure the ones you replace the broken ones with are the exact same ones as those being repaired. Use a pry bar to remove the old broken tile but be easy, take care not to break other tiles around the one you’re removing. Carefully remove the broken tile and slot in a new one. When moving across the tile roof use the same upmost caution not to put too much weight on any one tile, or tiles.
Any tile that is broken should be replaced with a new tile. Tiles that are cracked “should” also be replaced. While you are on the roof now is the best time to repair them. Yes, you can glue them or silicone the crack or broken edge but it will always be “a repair” that will have to be addressed later. So why not do it now?
Happy reparations.