How to Fix Broken Barrel Tile Roofs

Weather helps replacement tiles blend in with original tiles.

Replacing a broken tile on a barrel tile roof is a simple task, but some aspects of the job can be challenging. The hardest part of repairing a barrel tile roof is not damaging other tiles. You must take care walking on the roof to avoid damaging the tile clips that hold the barrel tiles in place. If the roof has a steep pitch, you must also take precautions so you don’t slide off the slippery tiles. If the roof is an older one, you may need to visit several vendors before you find replacement tile that matches the color of the original.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Scrap wood
• Hammer
• Replacement tile
• Tile clip

Instructions

1. Insert a pry bar under the tile above the broken barrel tile. Raise the tile enough to allow access to the nails holding the broken tile in place. Wedge a piece of wood under the raised tile to give you some room to work.

2. Pull out the nail holding the broken tile in place with a pry bar. Remove the broken tile, taking care handling the jagged, broken edges.

3. Hold the new tile in place to determine where to place the tile clip. Once you determine the clip’s location, remove the new tile.

4. Nail the tile clip into the roof’s sheathing using a hammer.

5. Push the top of the new tile under the raised tile above it. Lower the end of the replacement tile into the tile clip. Pull the wedge out from under the raised tile, and lower that tile on top of the top edge of the replacement tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Older tiles might not be nailed to the roof. Instead, there may be a system of horizontal lath that they hang on using the nibs built into the back of the tiles. If you are replacing that type of tile, simply remove the older tile, slide the new tile into position, and hang its nib from the lath.

• If the replacement tile doesn’t fit into the opening, trim its length with a wet saw. Sometimes temporarily prying up the tiles to the left or right of the broken tile make it easier to fit into its spot.

• Use safety goggles and leather gloves while fixing a barrel tile roof.

• Use extreme caution when climbing on ladders and walking on the roof.

References

• Realtor.com: Repairing Clay Tile
• U.S. National Park Service: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs