Replacing Roof Tile

Individual roof tiles can be replaced. The document entitled The Facts About Tile Roofs, prepared by the TRI and Portland Cement Association (PCA), states that tile roofs are “easy to maintain and repair” and that “tiles are easiest to repair because they are individually installed.” Additionally, the referenced document also opines that “tile is fast becoming the re-roofing product of choice due not only to its durability but also to its ease of maintenance. Single tiles are much easier to repair than other roofing materials.” Moreover, the Concrete and Clay Roof Tile Installation Manual prepared by TRI in partnership with the Western States Roofing Contractors Associated (WSRCA) provides instructions and illustrations of how to replace individual roof tiles. The referenced manual does not state anything with regard to potential damage to surrounding roof tiles during replacement and does not specify the need to perform work to any other roof tiles other than the roof tile that requires replacement. Some tile manufacturers have published guidance regarding replacement methods for individual tiles.

It is often the case that the specific roof tiles that were installed during construction of relatively older structures are no longer made by the roof tile manufacturer. Roof tiles for in-service roofs that are no longer in current production typically cannot be purchased directly from the manufacturer. However, the lack of current manufacturing activity does not mean that matching roof tiles are not available for purchase for repair of a tile roof, as many stock yards contain numerous different types and profiles of roof tiles that can be individually purchased for roof repairs. It is common industry practice that spare roofing tiles can be identified and obtained for the repair of tile roofs. Additionally, and if appropriate, matching roof tiles can also be harvested where an entire slope replacement is conducted for use in the repair of other locations throughout a roof. Consequently, the lack of current manufacture of a specific roof tile does not mean that a tile roof cannot be repaired.