Replacing cracked, broken or missing shingles on the roof is important to prevent loss or damage from wind or rain. If it is a matter of a few tiles, you can solve the problem quickly yourself.
The prices for a professional replacement can be high, depending on the company you are targeting. What most people don't know is that by recovering the right shingles and a good ladder, you can do this job yourself without too much difficulty.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure you have the right replacement tile:
there are different types on the market. The most common types of shingles are concrete or terracotta.
It is important to make sure it is exactly the same type of tile, or the replacement would be ineffective, and could even lead to even greater damage. If you are not sure what kind of tile it is, take one with you to the shopkeeper to have it give you the same one
Step 2. Climb to the roof
Do this only if you can proceed safely, using a stable ladder, and perhaps anchored ropes (the type used for climbing) to protect yourself in the event of a fall, particularly if the roof is very sloping or slippery. If you are afraid of heights or are unsure of being able to climb onto the roof in complete safety, call a professional. Falling off a roof can be fatal.
Step 3. Once you have reached the damaged tile, you will need to slightly raise the tiles overlapping the one to be removed
Use two pieces of wood to hold them up. Then use a brick trowel to lift, pull towards you and then remove the damaged tile.
Step 4. Take the new tile with the brick trowel and reverse the same steps to place it in place of the removed tile
Make sure you put the adjacent tiles back in place as well, overlapping them with the new tile.
Step 5. Make sure the new tile is in the right position, and does not interfere with any of the adjacent tiles
If you are not in an area characterized by strong winds, it will not be necessary to nail it or fix it. Make sure there are no raised tiles.
Step 6. While you are on the roof, take a look at its general condition and check that there is no damage or potential problems
It is always good to check that the roof is in good condition and that there are no other tiles that need to be replaced.
Advice
- For greater safety, it is advisable to use gloves and hook the ladder to the edge of the roof (there are ladders with hooks already integrated, or special hooks that can be purchased separately and then fixed to the edge of the roof).
- Avoid making sudden movements that could cause the ladder to slide. Ask a friend to hold the ladder steady for you.
