Have you noticed that one or more roof tiles have moved, slipped down the roof or appear to be sitting unevenly?
Slipped roof tiles are a common roofing problem and shouldn't be ignored. Even if the rest of your roof appears to be in good condition, a missing or displaced tile can leave the area underneath exposed to rain and wind.
In this guide, Elevate Roofing Ltd explains some of the most common reasons roof tiles slip, what problems they can cause and when it's worth getting a professional roofer to inspect them.
There are several reasons why roof tiles can become loose or move out of position.
High winds can put significant pressure on roof tiles, particularly older tiles or those that have already become loose.
After periods of strong winds, it's worth checking your roof from ground level for anything that looks out of place.
Roofing materials don't last forever.
As a roof gets older, tiles, fixings, battens and other components can deteriorate. Older tiles may become brittle or damaged, while fixings can weaken over time.
This can eventually result in individual tiles slipping or becoming loose.
A cracked or broken tile may no longer sit correctly in its original position.
Damage can occur because of weather, impact, frost or general deterioration. If the damage is left untreated, water may be able to get underneath the tile and into the roof structure.
Real Example: A Slipped Tile Repaired
Before
After
This is exactly the kind of change worth having checked early — before water gets underneath and causes more extensive damage.
Roof tiles are secured using different methods depending on the type and age of the roof.
Over time, fixings can deteriorate or fail. If this happens, tiles may gradually move or become loose.
Simply putting the tile back into position isn't always enough. The underlying cause needs to be identified so that the repair lasts.
In some cases, slipped tiles can be a symptom of a wider roofing problem.
Movement in the roof structure, deteriorating battens or other underlying issues can affect the position of tiles.
If several tiles have slipped or you're repeatedly having the same problem, it's worth having the roof inspected rather than simply replacing individual tiles.
Never climb onto the roof yourself to inspect damage. A professional roofer can safely assess the roof and identify any tiles that have moved or become damaged.
They can be.
A single slipped tile doesn't necessarily mean that you need a new roof, but leaving the problem unresolved can allow water to enter areas that should remain protected.
Depending on the location of the damaged tile, water could potentially reach the roof underlay, battens or other parts of the roof structure.
The longer a problem is left, the greater the possibility that a relatively small repair could develop into a more expensive issue.
If you've noticed a slipped or missing tile, the safest option is to arrange for the roof to be inspected.
From the ground, you can look for obvious signs such as:
Avoid attempting to climb onto the roof yourself. Roofs can be dangerous, particularly when tiles are damaged or wet.
A professional roofer can assess the affected area and determine whether the problem can be resolved with a straightforward repair.
Not necessarily.
In many cases, a small number of slipped or damaged tiles can be repaired or replaced without replacing the entire roof.
The right solution depends on the condition and age of the roof and what has caused the tiles to move.
If the rest of the roof is in good condition, repairing the affected area may be all that's required.
However, if tiles are continually slipping or there are signs of widespread deterioration, a more detailed inspection may be appropriate.
The cost can vary depending on the number of tiles involved, their location and whether there is any additional damage underneath.
A simple repair involving one or two accessible tiles may be relatively straightforward, whereas multiple damaged tiles or underlying problems can require more work.
It's therefore difficult to give an accurate price without assessing the roof.
If you're concerned about slipped tiles, getting the problem looked at early can help prevent a small issue from developing into a larger repair.
Homes throughout Sussex have roofs of different ages, designs and materials, so the cause of slipped tiles can vary from property to property.
At Elevate Roofing Ltd, we carry out roof repairs for homeowners across Sussex, including repairs involving slipped, damaged and missing roof tiles.
If you've noticed something unusual with your roof, getting it checked can give you a better understanding of what needs to be done.
If you have noticed loose, slipped or damaged roof tiles, Elevate Roofing Ltd can inspect the problem and advise you on the appropriate repair.
It's usually better to deal with a small roofing issue early rather than wait until water starts getting into the property.
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