How to repair and replacement of individual roof tiles

Here we look in depth at practical steps to consider with the actual repair and replacement of individual roof tiles.
Individual tiles or slates that are damaged during or after installation should be replaced as soon as possible using a sound, matching unit fixed in accordance with the nailing and / or clipping specification. Avoid repairing damaged slates or tiles using superficial coatings, adhesives or other mechanical devices, as their performance may be limited.
In some cases, repair may not be possible without stripping back a large area of tiling / slating. If extensive repairs to the roof are required, sectional or complete re-tiling / slating should be considered; this may be the most practical and economic solution in the long term.
Replacing damaged tiles shortly after installation means additional time and expense. To minimise the risk of this, roofs and walls clad with tiles and slates should be treated as fragile and adequate precautions should be taken during installation, including:

use of crawling boards for roof access
roof ladders should be suitably packed to prevent damage to the roof covering
use of access platforms when accessing the roof for maintenance or repair

How to replace interlocking tiles and slates

For an unfixed tile, remove the damaged unit by first easing it up slightly, using a trowel and timber wedges, so that the tile can be slid out with the nibs clearing the top of the batten. The replacement tile can be inserted using the same procedure.

For a tile that is nailed, the neighbouring tiles should be lifted to expose the nail(s), which should be extracted carefully using a slate ripper or hacksaw blade and disposed of safely. The replacement tile can be inserted using the same procedure and re-fixed to the adjacent fixed tiles by using an epoxy resin adhesive applied to the interlock / overlock and headlap area.

Care must be taken not to bridge anti-capillary bars or interlocking water channels so that water can drain freely.

For a tile that is clipped, the clip can be prised off the interlock and the nail extracted, with the damaged tile removed as described above. The new clip and nail can then be fitted as normal (avoiding the previous nail hole), allowing the clip to rest in the clip recess of the adjacent tile. Hold up the clip, and slide the replacement tile into position, allowing the clip to be released onto the sidelock of the tile.

For a tile that is both nailed and clipped, it is necessary to establish the position of the tile nail holes in the course directly below the replacement tile. Mark out the corresponding hole positions on the top surface near the tail of the tile. Fit the replacement using the above procedure. Drill a 4mm diameter hole through the top of the replacement tile, directly above the nail hole of the tile below. Secure both courses using a stainless steel screw with cap and washer (40–120mm long dependent on tile depth) to provide a minimum 15mm penetration into the batten.

The above procedure can also be used to secure the tail of the course above the replacement tile.

If there are a number of damaged tiles that are clipped, it may be necessary to strip back the roof to the nearest verge or valley/hip in order to re-clip the replacement tiles.

It is important that both washer and cap from a waterproof seal around the hole. If necessary, a mastic sealant should be applied around the screw where it passes through the lower tile nail holes.

How to replace concrete and clay plain tiles

Plain tiles are not normally nailed in every course, and in such circumstances the following procedure applies.

Remove the damaged tile by raising up the neighbouring tiles with a timber wedge and sliding the tile out with the nibs clearing the top of the batten. Any nails should be removed and disposed of safely.

Insert the replacement tile back into position using the same technique in reverse. If required, re-nail the replacement tile using 2 No. 38mm x 2.65mm aluminium nails.

A dab of mastic can be placed on the underside to prevent movement.

How to replace Marley Eternit fibre cement slates

When using a replacement slate, first ensure that it is of the same type and size already installed. The general principle is that any damaged slates should be fixed in the same manner as they were originally installed.

The slate (or slates) due for repair should be removed using appropriate tools (e.g. a slate ripper and a hammer), usually in a triangular fashion, with the single slate at the apex up the roof slope.

To re-fix an appropriate slate in place of a damaged slate (where the two nail holes are clearly visible) use copper nails with a shank diameter of not less than 2.65 mm, of a length to give a minimum 15mm minimum penetration into the battens (excluding the point of the nail), and secure as normal.

Where only one nail hole is visible, place a stainless steel slate hook (as specified in BS 5534) to act instead of the inaccessible fixing, and nail as normal through the visible hole. Copper disc rivets should be inserted at every rivet hole position at the tail of the slate as standard practice.

The last slate in the triangle will not have nail holes accessible to fix with. In this case take a slate hook as above, and using a ‘mole grip’ and ‘pliers’, bend the ‘hook’ portion from its normal vertical position through 90°. This will allow the spike of the hook to be nailed to the batten and the replacement slate to be slipped into place without interference from the ‘hook’ end.

Once the replacement slate is in position, use ‘mole grips’ to bend the ‘hook’ portion back to its original shape, so that it grips the tail of the slate firmly in position.

It’s important to note that slate hooks are an alternative fixing for slates, as defined by BS 5534, and have known test and performance in use data. Where one or more nails cannot be used as a fixing, a hook should be substituted. The action of bending the hook for the limited distance involved does not significantly affect its durability or performance.

Source: marleyeternit.co.uk/Blog/2016/November/Repair-and-replacement-of-roof-tiles-and-slates.aspx

The News List

21 February 2023

Rooftop solar panels are a popular and increasingly common way of generating electricity from the sun. They are mounted on the roofs of homes and businesses, and their [...] - Read More »

14 February 2023

Commercial production of asbestos insulation began in 1879, and the first case of asbestos-related disease, described as "curious bodies" in the lungs was detected in 1899. - Read More »

2 February 2023

A cherry picker is a type of aerial work platform that is commonly used for reaching elevated heights for maintenance, construction, and other types of work [...] - Read More »

26 January 2023

There are several popular residential roofing trends for both residential and commercial buildings, with some of the most popular options including metal, asphalt, and tile. [...] - Read More »

20 January 2023

Periodic roof maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and integrity of your roof. This type of maintenance should be done at least once a year, preferably [...] - Read More »

11 December 2022

If you want to know "What is a cherry picker", "How to prepare my house for winter" or "What do you mean by green roof and solar roof" please read the followings [...] - Read More »

30 July 2022

Portable vs Rooftop Solar – there’s never been a better time to invest in solar power for an RV or travel trailer. With so many people venturing farther off-grid for extended [...] - Read More »

15 June 2022

Houses regardless of location, will soon be able to install solar panels on their roofs without any requirement for planning permission. Read more about this draft [...] - Read More »

18 February 2022

Storm Eunice made landfall in Ireland overnight, with severe winds, heavy rain and snow reported in parts of the country. Thousands of homes and businesses are without [...] - Read More »

8 December 2021

Storm Barra is the second named storm this season, and came just 10 days after Storm Arwen struck on 26 November, causing disruption and three fatalities [...] - Read More »

3 September 2021

The roof over your head is literally what protects you from the elements. Up there at the top of the building, it is also the most exposed part of any building. Battered by [...] - Read More »

11 June 2021

A retractable roof is a roof system designed to roll back the roof on tracks so that the interior of the facility is open to the outdoors. Retractable roofs are sometimes referred [...] - Read More »

4 June 2021

Cherry pickers can be hired for a multitude of uses, with or without an operator. They’re an extremely useful and often essential piece of machinery for working at height [...] - Read More »

14 February 2021

If your roof is in need of some repairs and you’re looking to save a little money, you may want to look into doing some of the work yourself. While not a replacement for a [...] - Read More »

1 February 2021

Cherry pickers can be extremely beneficial for a number of different jobs and tasks, from cleaning out gutters to putting up new signage. As a growing business or company [...] - Read More »

3 January 2021

Fascias and soffits are the boards that cover the ends of the roof rafters where they sit on top of the outer wall of a house. Fascia and soffit gives your eaves a professional [...] - Read More »

27 December 2020

A status yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for Donegal and Leitrim while hundreds of homes are without power after Storm Bella hit Ireland. Parts of the country [...] - Read More »

20 December 2020

A roof garden is a garden on the roof oa a building. Besides the decorative benefit, roof plantings may provide food, temperature control, hydrological benefits, architectural [...] - Read More »

13 December 2020

Cold weather in the winter can severely hamper fibreglass roof installation. But though it may be more technically challenging to apply this roof coating in the winter [...] - Read More »

6 December 2020

It’s that magical time of year again, when bells will be jingling and stockings hung by the chimney with care. If you’re planning on decorating your roof, it’s important to [...] - Read More »

29 November 2020

When temperatures warm up after plunging below freezing for a few days, a lot of homeowners notice what seems to be evidence of water infiltration on their ceilings and walls [...] - Read More »

22 November 2020

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting all the way up to the roof and finding out that your lights aren’t working, or even worse, getting [...] - Read More »

15 November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted our everyday lives, but the fact remains that, with or without the coronavirus, things at home are bound to require some [...] - Read More »

8 November 2020

As Governments, Media and Industries struggle to evaluate the potential consequences of COVID-19 for Economies, both national and global, EIC will [...] - Read More »

1 November 2020

The cherry picker has a diverse number of uses and is an integral part of many construction and engineering environments. Originally designed to be used in [...] - Read More »

20 October 2020

For the first time since June, the Republic of Ireland will tomorrow move to its highest level of lockdown, but construction work has been allowed to continue. Under [...] - Read More »

18 October 2020

Can you get a new roof or roof repair during COVID-19? In most cases, the answer is yes – although it depends on where you live because the coronavirus restrictions [...] - Read More »

11 October 2020

Whether you’re cleaning the windows on a building with several storeys or you need to reach an awkward part of a roof, a cherry picker can be hugely beneficial. Perfect [...] - Read More »

20 September 2020

Roof repairs and replacements can be costly if you don’t maintain your roof and prepare it for the harsh weather it may face at each time of year. When Autumn comes [...] - Read More »

6 September 2020

Both lifts can take construction workers to high, hard-to-reach spots, but not necessarily the same ones. Aerial work platforms are essential when workers must [...] - Read More »

23 August 2020

Knowing how to operate and handle a Telescopic boom lift will make a difference in how efficiently, safely and profitably you complete the task. Aerial lift equipment is used in [...] - Read More »

15 August 2020

The first version of the bucket truck was known as a "cherry picker" and came out during the early 1900’s, just about the same time as the use of internal combustion [...] - Read More »

9 August 2020

One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is working with heights. Cherry pickers, also known as bucket trucks, are the vehicles best-suited to perform the [...] - Read More »

22 March 2020

A roofer, roof mechanic, or roofing contractor is a tradesperson who specializes in roof construction. Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings, using [...] - Read More »

18 January 2020

Winter can bring some extra wear and tear to your roof. To help prevent costly damage, check out these roof maintenance tips for this winter [...] - Read More »

14 December 2019

An aerial work platform (AWP), also known as an aerial device, cherry picker, elevating work platform (EWP), bucket truck or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) [...] - Read More »

5 October 2019

Roof cleaning is the process of removing algae, mold, mildew, lichen and moss from roofs. Also cleaning oxidation on metal roofs. Cleaning can extend the [...] - Read More »

30 September 2019

Every day your roof is exposed to weather hazards and other elements, all of which contribute to its damage and deterioration. The primary cause of roof problems is [...] - Read More »

15 September 2019

The Cherry Picker is a well-established piece of machinery that can be seen up and down the country being used across a number of industries [...] - Read More »

1 September 2019

These beautiful Summer days won't last forever. The days are getting shorter and colder, which means Jack Frost is at your door [...] - Read More »

14 August 2019

Cherry pickers are pieces of machinery easily identified by their long, extendible arm (or boom) with a cradle attached on the end. They are also known as telehandlers [...] - Read More »

29 June 2019

Cherry pickers are one of those things we take for granted. They can be intimidating (especially if you're scared of heights). They have a pretty name that [...] - Read More »

18 May 2019

You can reduce heat loss and save money by insulating your home. The type and thickness of the insulating material determines the thermal performance [...] - Read More »

17 April 2019

Cherry pickers are pieces of machinery easily identified by their long, extendible arm (or boom) with a cradle attached on the end. They are also known as telehandlers [...] - Read More »

11 March 2019

Gutters and downspouts collect and carry away rainwater that would otherwise run off the roof, splash down and erode the soil and stain the siding. More important [...] - Read More »

8 December 2018

Around 25% of heat lost from an un-insulated home goes through the roof. The good news is you can easily install roof insulation. So, how much could you save by installing loft [...] - Read More »

15 September 2018

In its broadest sense, ‘shingle’ is a catch-all term used for any roof covering consisting of discrete overlapping elements. However, the term is often used more specifically to refer [...] - Read More »

9 September 2018

Asbestos is a type of building material that was used in homes from the 1950s – 1990s. It is no longer used to build homes because it is considered unsafe. Worldwide [...] - Read More »

1 September 2018

Whether you are considering investing in solar panels, solar water heating, heat pumps or any other green source of energy for your home, the first step you should take [...] - Read More »

25 August 2018

Good quality roofing materials are essential to protect the roof from water leaks and weather damage, providing a sturdy roof structure for your home. Tiles and slates are [...] - Read More »

16 June 2018

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly way to install insulation in your home, consider fiberglass insulation installation. It comes in sheets that are applied to walls [...] - Read More »

18 May 2018

The handling of asbestos must be done with great care due to the toxic properties of this substance and its classification as a known carcinogen. It’s important to know that when [...] - Read More »

22 April 2018

No matter what kind of roof you have, you may have noticed that it has a build up of moss on it after a while. The older the roof is, the more likely it is to have moss present [...] - Read More »

21 April 2018

Do you know the difference between tiles and slates? Chances are you think both very similar, but in reality, they have subtle differences [...] - Read More »

14 April 2018

The type of insulation you should choose will depend on the type of roof you have. Pitched roof - there are two options: warm or cold loft insulation. Flat roof - there are three [...] - Read More »

16 February 2018

We'll help you work out what type of roof or loft insulation to go for, how much it will cost, if you can get it for free, and how much you could save by insulating your roof [...]
- Read More »

5 February 2018

Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills. Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and it should [...] - Read More »

22 November 2017

With the latest roofing innovations, numerous manufacturers continue to provide prospective customers with the most advanced, high-quality, and state-of-the [...] - Read More »

6 November 2017

People want new technology as per the changing time and many technologies have also emerged which have fulfilled the expectations of people. Firstly it was only wood or [...] - Read More »

10 September 2017

Most roofs are fitted with fascia boards, which are the timbers fixed onto the edges of rafters, hiding them from view. Roofs and roof timbers overhang the walls of a house [...]
- Read More »

19 August 2017

Maintenance is an essential part of preserving the integrity of a flat roofing system. Generally roofs should be inspected twice a year — once in the spring and then again in the [...] - Read More »

22 July 2017

Your building's roof is an important component in the protection of the people, investments and things you care about most. Building a relationship with your roofing [...] - Read More »

3 July 2017

Here we look in depth at practical steps to consider with the actual repair and replacement of individual roof tiles. Individual tiles or slates that are damaged during or [...] - Read More »

26 June 2017

A rain gutter or surface water collection channel is a component of water discharge system for a building. Water from a pitched roof flows down into a valley gutter [...] - Read More »

19 June 2017

Attic and Roof insulation is vitally important when it comes to keeping your home warm. It is the largest area of heat loss in a house, a poorly insulated roof could allow up [...] - Read More »

11 June 2017

Roof insulation is the provision of insulation in the roof space in order to prevent heat loss through the ceilings of the living spaces below. The method and type of [...] - Read More »

5 June 2017

Thermoplastic materials are distinguished from thermoset materials in that there is no chemical crosslinking. These membranes can be repeatedly softened by heating [...] - Read More »

28 May 2017

Thermoset membranes incorporate principal polymers that are chemically cross linked or vulcanized. Membranes that are vulcanized also may be referred to as "cured". One [...] - Read More »

21 May 2017

Single-ply membranes are factory-manufactured sheet membranes. They generally are categorized as either thermoplastic or thermoset. Thermoplastic materials [...] - Read More »

23 April 2017

Roofing problems seem to show up at the worst possible times and, often, in the worst possible places. They also can quickly turn from small drips into large, costly headaches [...] - Read More »

26 March 2017

When determining the right type of insulation for your space, it is best to look at faced insulation versus unfaced insulation. The only main difference between [...] - Read More »

18 March 2017

Roof leaks are often a nuisance for a building owner or property manager. Often difficult to track down, leaks can cause damage to interior finishes and [...] - Read More »

26 February 2017

Any roof inspection should look at the roof, of course, but the roof surface is only one item that should be checked. The first thing to look at [...] - Read More »

18 February 2017

Flat roofs and sloped roofs both are used frequently in modern constructions. Before choosing flat or sloped roof, you should know the advantages and disadvantages [...] - Read More »

29 January 2017

You are aging. Don't deny it. Every day takes its toll on you little by little. Because nobody wants to get old, we do things to delay the inevitable [...] - Read More »

16 December 2016

We are fast approaching the most wonderful time of the year and it's time to dig out the hats, gloves and scarves to keep warm [...] - Read More »

8 December 2016

You might be one of those people who hates going to the dentist. You want to put it off, it could be painfully expensive and the idea of it fills you with dread [...] - Read More »

1 December 2016

There are many home improvements that we look forward to completing - like a gorgeous kitchen update or planting a lovely garden [...] - Read More »

High Quality Projects Completed In Dublin

Each image opens a new page of detailed high resolution images of our projects in Dublin. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding these high quality projects completed in Dublin - 087-183.4279.