Tile is highly sought-after roofing material. Hence, tile roofs tend to last for a long time. However, tile roofs can be damaged for various reasons. Hence, you might wonder about how to repair a tile roof.
Tile roofs do not need that much maintenance. Rather, these roofs are very effective against a variety of damages. But no matter how durable it is, it is not entirely resistant to damage.
Considering all things, repairing tile roofs is not that hard. However, things might get problematic if you do not have a clear understanding of repairing them.
That’s why let us guide you through all the procedures for repairing tile roofs.
How To Repair Tile Roof
Tile roofs can be damaged in a number of ways. Snowfall, damage caused by wind, heat from the sun, and accidental manmade damages are some examples of how tile roofs are damaged.
Most of the time, individual tiles are damaged. The damaged tiles are not always needed to be replaced. Some minor tweaks are enough in most cases.
Before getting started you will need some tools and materials to repair your tile roof.
Necessary Tools and Materials
- Flat Pry bar
- Caulk Gun
- Ladder
- Hammer
- Roofing Trowel
- Wire brush
- Replacement tiles
- Plastic Roof Cement
Procedures to Repair Tile Roof
Step 1: Identifying The Problems
You should look out for any kinds of cracks or other damages. In case you do not clean the gutters regularly, debris can accumulate on your roof. And this may result in leaks in your roof along with a number of problems.
If you see any damage, identify what kind of damage it is. Different damages need different types of treatment. You should mainly look for cracks, holes, broken tiles as well as defects in the underlayment.
Step 2: Repairing Tile Roof
Once you have identified the problems, you may proceed with solving them.
1. Fixing Small Cracks and Holes
Firstly, you should use a wire brush and clean the area that has cracks or holes. Then, you have to seal the holes or cracks using plastic roofing cement. Following that, make the surface smooth with the help of a trowel.
2. Fixing Broken Tiles
In this case, the best option is to replace the broken tiles with new ones.
For starters, you should get a flat pry bar. Then, use it to slightly lift up the tiles above the broken tile.
In addition to that, you should be cautious in not lifting the tiles too far. Following that, insert some wooden blocks beneath them.
After you’re done with the previous step, you should move on to the next part. Using the flat pry bar, remove the broken tile.
However, if the broken tile does not come out, you should insert a block of wood below it. Then, break the tile into smaller pieces using a hammer.
After that, you have to apply roofing cement in the place where you will install the new tile. In the meantime, get the new tile and slide it into the area where you’ve just applied the cement.
Finally, lower the tiles around the new tile gently.
3. Repairing Leaks
Leaks in your roof are rather tricky to solve. However, this is not an impossible task.
Firstly, you need to identify the source from which leaks are happening. Moreover, you need to repair the leaks.
Inspect the surface of your roof. Before that, see whether you can find either any wet spots or any discoloration under the roof. In addition to that, try to find any hole on the roof.
If you are unable to find something, take a water hose. After that, run water all over the roof. Hence, you will be able to locate the leak.
Once you have located the leak, push a thin wire or nail through the leak from below the roof. In this way, you will be able to locate the leak when needed.
You should lift the tiles around the leak slightly using a pry bar. Fill up the leak with roofing cement. Furthermore, you can place a new tile in place of the old tile if it seems cracked or broken beyond repair.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now understand how to repair tile roof. It is important to repair your damaged tile roof. However, keep in mind that your safety is equally important.
You should repair your tile roof only if you are confident about it. If you even have a small amount of doubt, you should hire professionals.
It is important to realize the processes we have mentioned above. After all, the process to repair the tile roof is quite easy. If you get the gist of it, you can surely repair the tile roof by yourself.
Best of luck.
