How to Replace "S" Clay Tiles

Immediately replace broken “S”-shaped clay tiles.

Distinguished by their authentic mission style appearance, Spanish clay tile roofs feature interlocking "S"-shaped tiles that often last for centuries. Although they are generally dense and strong, they aren’t invincible to marring. Damaged tiles not only look dingy and battered, but they also leak water and therefore eventually cause roof sheathings to rot. While clay tiles with minor damages are repairable, broken or severely cracked ones require complete replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder hooks
• Ladder
• Wooden board
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Premixed roofing cement
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Fasten two ladder hooks on the top rung of a sturdy ladder. Hook it on the roof's ridge, positioning it near the damaged tile.

2. Access the damaged tile from the ladder. Lift up the undamaged tile directly above the broken one, and wedge a wooden board underneath it.

3. Extract all nails from the broken tile using a pry bar.

4. Hit the broken tile with a hammer until it crumbles into pieces. Remove the pieces from the area.

5. Slather a 1/8-inch thick coat of premixed roofing cement on the back of the clay replacement tile using a putty knife. Immediately set the tile where the broken one was located. Press down to secure it in place.

6. Let the replacement tile set for 48 hours.

7. Slide the wooden board out from underneath the tile. Gently lay the tile over the replacement tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Put on safety glasses, heavy-duty gloves and shoes with slip-proof soles before replacing clay tiles.

• Wet or icy clay tile roofs are too hazardous to access.

• Never walk on “S”-shaped clay roof tiles.

References

• National Park Service: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs
• Don Vandervort's HomeTips.com: Tile and Masonry Roof Repairs