How to Change a Roof Tile

Last Updated: November 16, 2021 References

Replacement of roof tiles that have cracked, broken or disappeared is important to prevent roof leaks an ceiling damage once rain and wind appear. Fixing the problem quickly by yourself is possible provided it's only a few tiles. Prices for tile changing can be expensive and vary depending on the company you use. What most people don't realise is that as long as you can find the appropriate tile and have a decent ladder, you can change it yourself with minimal effort.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-1.jpg\/aid526944-v4-728px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Ensure you have the correct replacement tile as there are many different roof tiles on the market. The most common tile types are concrete and terracotta. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You must ensure it is the same type of tile or it may not work and can result in damage even though you've tried to repair it. If you don't know what the tile is, take a tile with you to a roofing supplier and they should be able to match it for you.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-2.jpg\/aid526944-v4-728px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Only do this if you know it can be done safely, using a stable ladder and perhaps even using climbing ropes to protect you in case of a fall, particularly with a roof that has a steep incline or is slippery. If you don't have a head for heights or you're not sure about how safe it is for you to get on the roof, call in a professional. Falling off a roof can be deadly. ^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-3.jpg\/aid526944-v4-728px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Do this using two pieces of timber to hold them up. Then, use a brick trowel to lift up the broken over the baton underneath and slide it down and out. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-4.jpg\/aid526944-v4-728px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Be sure to place the overlapping tiles back into position. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-5.jpg\/aid526944-v4-728px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Unless you're in a high wind area, the tile won't need to be nailed or wired into place. Check that all tiles are sitting properly. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-6.jpg\/aid526944-v4-728px-Change-a-Roof-Tile-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It's a good idea to know how well the roof is holding up in case any other tiles need replacing.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What if there is water damage in the roof and the ceiling is sagging?

Community Answer

You will probably need to replace the wooden panels underneath the roof tiles to fix the leak and repair the sagging.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

How do I determine approximately how much it would cost to replace a terracotta roof?

Community Answer

I would take some pictures if you can, measure your roof, and go to your local home improvement store and ask them for an estimated total.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Can I use a normal stepladder for replacing roof tiles?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure someone strong is at the bottom holding it; if not, use a special ladder.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

For safety purposes, it is advisable to wear gloves and use a roofing ladder that hooks onto the peak or ridge of the roof.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Try not to make erratic movements on the ladder as they can easily slip, so get a friend to hold the ladder at the bottom for you.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

Log in

How to Change a Roof Tile

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories