Tiling a roof on your own is not the recommended method, but there are some instances when you may need to replace a roof tile or a section of the roof without professional help. It may be helpful to know what safety measures to take and how to measure the spacing of roof tiles. Taking tips from a professional before climbing on your roof will ensure you stay safe and the roof doesn’t experience any damage. Here is a short guide on how to replace a roof tile.
Take Safety Precautions Before Starting
If you are going to work on a roof by yourself without professional help, it is important to take proper safety precautions. Wearing the proper safety gear is one place to start. Wearing protective sun gear, a hard hat, and safety glasses are all good options.
Climbing on roofs at extreme heights can be dangerous for anyone, especially if you don’t have years of experience. Using a sturdy ladder to access your roof will limit the risk of falls. If possible, have a second person watch you while you work, or hold a ladder while you climb. This will mean a witness is present if a fall does occur and someone is available to call for help.
Even if you have taken all precautions, be cautious while working. Check your surroundings, know the weather forecast, and ensure the roof isn’t covered in ice or water.
Inspect The Roof
In addition to inspecting the roof for ice or standing water, you will want to look for any additional damage. Look for structural damage or lifted roofing material that could cause injury. Inspecting the roof before applying new tiles will help you to know how many materials you need and if the project can still be done by you, or if you will need the help of a professional.
Remove Damaged Tile, Surround Tiles And Underlay
Before you remove the singular or a few damaged roof tiles, remove the ones that surround them. Even if the surrounding tiles are not damaged, removing them will make it easier to access the damaged material. Be careful not to break them, as they can be reapplied once the damaged material is removed.
Roof underlay helps to prevent leaks in your home or moisture from pooling up under the tiles. If the underlay is damaged, you will need to replace this as well. If a small amount of damage has occurred, you could just replace a section of the underlay material. If the damage extends beyond just a few surrounding tiles, you should call a professional roof contractor to repair more of the roof.
Install A New Tile And Replace Surrounding Tiles
Once you ensure you have the right tile and the right size, you can lay the new tile. It is important to ensure you have the right spacing before nailing the tiles down. When you replace a roof tile, you will want to double-check the adherence to the underlay and alignment so that you don’t experience roof damage after the repair.
If the tiles do not lay flat or don’t fit correctly, you may need to fill in some holes with caulk in order for the roof to stay durable. Caulk or other sealant should be applied with care in order to keep moisture out.
Ensure Even Spacing And Overlap Before Nailing
Lay the new tiles down first, and then overlap the existing tiles that were removed earlier. Ensure that the overlap of the tiles is even to ensure the seal of the edges. You can put pressure on the tile to secure it slightly while laying other tiles. Once you are sure all overlaps and gaps look good, you can nail down the roof tile.
Inspect Again And Clean Up The Roof
After you replace a roof tile, inspect your work to ensure that your roof will be protected. A second inspection will help you notice any other repairs that need to be remedied immediately. Checking the entire roof will also help you see if the replacement tile blends seamlessly with the rest of the roof.
After roof repairs make sure to clean any remaining debris off the roof, remove tools, and any trash. Cleaning up the roof will make it look brand new and professionally done.
Replace A Roof Tile With A Professional
Our experts at Kanga Roof can help remedy damaged tiles in a timely manner. Hiring a professional team will help keep you as a homeowner safe, and ensure your roof lasts for a long time. Our team at Kanga Roof wants to provide the best roofing services at the most affordable prices. Homes in Utah deserve to have quality roofs that will withstand snow, rain, and wind. Whether you need to replace a roof tile or need an entirely new roof, our professionals can help.
