Knowing how to replace broken roof tiles is a vital skill to have as a homeowner. Broken roof tiles can not only ruin the aesthetic of your roof but might also lead to unwanted issues such as the growth of moss and algae. In the long term, it could also cause the nightmare of every homeowner – a roof leak.
Replacing a roof tile can be challenging, particularly if you’re new to the home renovation world, which is why in this guide we will give you the whole rundown on how to replace broken roof tiles in your home.
IS IT EASY TO REPLACE BROKEN ROOF TILES?
While replacing individual roof tiles isn’t the hardest job in the world there are certain safety risks to consider. You will need to climb onto your roof which means you will need stable and secure access. In a single-storey dwelling, such as a bungalow, getting to the roof is relatively easy, while you might face more difficulties with bigger houses.
New roof using reclaimed handmade Staffordshire blue roof tiles
WHAT YOU NEED TO REPLACE ROOF TILES?
Replacing a damaged tile on your roof is a straightforward job that doesn’t require tons of preparation or materials. The first thing you will need is a sturdy ladder that will allow you to access the roof. You will also of course need new roof tiles to replace the broken ones. There are many types of roof tiles, so make sure you have the correct style, otherwise you might not be able to fit the new tiles. Depending on how your current roof tiles are fixed you might also need a crowbar, a hammer and a nail.
HOW TO REPLACE BROKEN ROOF TILES – STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get to work. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to replace broken roof tiles:
1. REMOVE THE BROKEN TILE
The first step when replacing a roof tile is to remove the existing broken one in order to make room for the new one. To do this you have to lift away any overlapping tiles holding it in place and then carefully remove the broken tile.
If your roof tiles are nailed down you would need to use a pry bar to lift the overlapping tiles and take out the nail before removing the broken piece.
2. PLACE THE NEW TILE
With the broken roof tile removed, you should now have a gap in the roofing area so you can replace the old tile. To do this place the new roof tile where the old one used to be.
3. SECURE THE NEW TILE IN PLACE
Once the new tile is in place you will have to secure it by placing the overlapping tiles back to their original position. To do this you will need to use a hammer to slightly lift up the overlapping tiles and then pull them back to their correct place.
4. NAIL THE NEW TILE (OPTIONAL)
If you want to secure your roof tiles even further you can finally nail your new tile into place.
And with that your roof tile replacement job is complete!
New Style Rosemary Reclaimed Clay Roof Tiles in Heather Red
FIND THE PERFECT REPLACEMENT ROOF TILES
Find the perfect replacement roof tiles at Cawarden Reclaim! As the UK’s leading reclamation specialists, we supply a fantastic range of reclaimed roof tiles, slates and fittings for all your renovation needs. Whether you’re looking for classic reclaimed red roof tiles, cottage-style blue roof tiles or even reclaimed pantiles, we have all of those and more.
Browse the available options on our website and get in touch with our team to place an order or ask additional questions. You can also visit our reclamation yard where you will find our full range of reclaimed building materials.