How to replace a broken roof tile

Replacing roof tiles can be a quick and easy DIY job, but there are a few things that must be done to ensure the roof is fixed correctly.

1. Match your roof tiles exactly
The most common tile types are concrete and terracotta.
Roof tiles may all look very similar but they can vary slightly in thickness, length and shape.
You must ensure it is the same type of tile or it may disrupt the flow of your roof and can result in further damage.  If you don't know what the tile is, bring the tile in to us here at EcoGroup, we should be able to match it for you.

2. Climb on to the roof
Climbing on to the roof needs be done safely. Make sure your ladder is strong and stable and you could even use harnesses and ropes to ensure your safety, particularly with a roof that has a steep incline or is slippery. If you're not so great with heights call in a professional. Falling off a roof can be deadly.

3. Remove the broken tile
Once you have safely gotten to the broken tile, you'll need to lift up the tiles next-door, overlapping tile. This will lift the overlapping tiles on the row above, so the tile you want to remove should come out easily. If your tiles aren't lifting, they may have nails holding them in place. If so, lift up the bottoms of the overhanging tiles in the row above, pry the nail out of your tile and then lift it out.

4.  Replace the tile with the new tile
Lift up the bottom of the tiles from the row above and slide your tile back into place. If your tiles have been nailed, then drive a nail through the hole in the tile into the timber roof batten. Once all your tiles are in, give them any minor adjustments required to settle them in place.

You're done! Climb down off the roof safely and head back inside and under your newly fixed roof.