Fixing broken tiles on a roof might sound like a straightforward task, but if it’s not executed properly, it could further damage your property. A cracked tile won’t be watertight, so it’s best practice to replace it with an identical one to avoid extensive water damage and maintain your roof’s appearance. If you’re used to working at height, mending roofs and replacing broken tiles can be dangerous. So, what’s the best way to fix a broken roof, and how do tiles get damaged in the first place? Below, ASK Building & Repairs, your local builders in Derby, explain a little more about what needs doing.
How do roof tiles break?
Clay roof tiles are designed to be long-lasting and weather-proof. However, several factors can cause them to deteriorate:
- Improper installation – If roof tiles are not installed correctly, they will be more suspectable to damage in extreme weather conditions. Even a minor error can enable rainwater to infiltrate the roof structure, which could cause further damage and water leaks.
- Impact on the roof – If it’s exceptionally windy, debris and branches can land on the roof and cause the tiles to crack under the impact. As much as tiles are designed to be robust, any applied weight can cause them to break, meaning walking on them for any reason could also damage your roof.
- The life span of tiles – Like most things in life, tiles age over time and show signs of wear and tear. In older roofs, the discovery of cracked tiles could mean that further repairs are needed or that the structure has started declining.
Whatever the cause, broken roof tiles will need replacing with new ones before they suffer extensive damage and cause further water leaks.
Leave it to the professionals
If you’re confident with DIY, fixing a cracked roof tile might seem a simple solution. But the reality is that it’s a dangerous and complex task that’s best left to professional roofers who are used to working at height. Not only will they have the correct tools and equipment, such as crawling boards or ladders required to meet the necessary safety standards, but they’ll also be able to fix the broken tiles without damaging adjoining ones. Because they have experience repairing roofs, you’ll also benefit from their knowledge and advice if they identify any other structural issues requiring attention.
As well as being a much safer approach to mending broken tiles, consulting a qualified roofer will also give you peace of mind that the repair work has been completed to a high standard. The last thing you want is to cause more damage to your roof by stepping on other tiles while trying to complete the repair or installing the new one incorrectly.
Can roof tiles be fixed rather than replaced?
Although you can buy tile repair kits at DIY stores or online, the general rule is that a broken roof tile should be replaced with a new one. As tempting as it can be to try alternative solutions, such as using sealants or adhesives to secure the crack in the tile, this isn’t a sustainable long-term plan.
These products might look like they’d do the job well, but they’re only suitable for fixing tiny scratches or nicks in a roof tile. Regardless of what their packaging might say, they will not make a cracked tile watertight for long. As tempting as it can be to have a go at repairing broken tiles yourself and save the cost of calling out a professional roofer, it has the potential to be a risky job that could compromise personal safety and cost more money in the long run.
Get in contact about using ASK to fix broken tiles on a roof
If you have broken tiles on your roof and want to learn more about getting them repaired, please call ASK Building and Repairs at 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com. We’ll happily come out to your property to look at the problem and provide you with a no-obligation quote that will cover all aspects of the repair.