Signs to look out for
- Cracked or missing tiles after high winds
- Slates slipping from the roof or collecting in gutters
- Damaged ridges, verges or valleys
Understanding the damaged covering
One broken tile or several slipping slates
A single impact-damaged tile and a row of slipping slates can point to different problems. The first may be isolated; the second can warrant a closer look at the fixings and support beneath the covering. A repair decision should consider the surrounding slope, not just count the pieces visible on the ground.
A visual match is only part of the choice
Tiles that look alike can have different profiles and interlocking edges. Slates also vary in size and thickness. Ask which replacement is proposed, how it fits the existing roof and what difference in colour or weathering to expect.
What should be inspected?
The surrounding tiles or slates, fixings and accessible battens all need a look. Several slipped slates can be a sign of ageing fixings, while one broken tile may be an isolated fault.
Repair or replacement?
Individual replacements can work well where the surrounding roof is sound. If fixings are failing across a slope or the covering has widespread damage, a larger repair may make more sense.
For a complete replacement, read about new roofs and re-roofing.
Materials and their trade-offs
Reclaimed tiles or slates can help a repair blend into an older roof, but their condition and suitability still need checking. Ask about the expected match before materials are ordered, especially if the original profile has been discontinued.
What the quotation should include
- The area and number of units or roof slopes included
- Material type, profile, fixing specification and expected visual match
- Treatment of adjacent ridges, verges and flashings
- Access and removal of broken materials
Access and disruption
Access should protect the remaining roof as well as the people working on it. Fragile extensions, narrow passages and shared roof slopes can affect how the repair is reached.
What affects price and timing?
The number of damaged tiles is only part of the price. Access, matching stock and the condition of the battens and fixings can all affect the work needed.
Read the guide to roofing cost factors
Your questions, answered
Can just one slipped slate be replaced?
Often, yes. The nearby slates and fixings should also be checked to see whether it is an isolated problem.
Will replacement tiles look the same?
An exact match can be difficult with weathered tiles or discontinued profiles. The material and likely appearance should be agreed before the repair.
Helpful reading
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Roof repairs · New roofs & re-roofing · Flat roofing · Chimney repairs & leadwork · Guttering · Fascias & soffits