Roof tiles might not be your number one priority when it comes to the home, but they should be.
If you’re missing roof tiles, you might be wondering how serious this will be for your home. Check out our article below regarding everything you need to know about your roof.
How To Spot Missing Tiles
Missing tiles can often be seen without needing a ladder. If you take a walk around the outside of your property, you may be able to see any missing tiles from the ground.
However, the most common way to know that your missing some roof tiles is when they fall off and land in your garden. Hence, once you know that a tile is missing, you should take action immediately.
Why Might Roof Tiles Fall?
One of the most common reasons for missing tiles is down to the weather. Strong winds or heavy downpours can make tiles shift out of place.
Moreover, the nails that secure the tiles down may have worn away or started to rust. Hence, they then become too weak to hold the tiles.
What Damage Can Missing Roof Tiles Cause?
A missing roof tile can, unfortunately, lead to leaks. Whether the gap is big or small, rain can find its way into your home and cause further damage inside. Water within the roof space can seep into the main part of the house. Moreover, this can cause mould and mildew on the walls and ceilings. Furthermore, it can create rotting within any timber, which requires major structural work to repair.
Most modern roofs will have a waterproof underlay installed to try to prevent moisture from entering the home. Unfortunately, this is not impenetrable, meaning that water will eventually leak in. When the bad weather starts to penetrate the roof, other tiles can start becoming loose, too. Hence, a single missing tile can escalate into a huge problem. Acting quickly will keep the damage to a minimum and the bills down.
Furthermore, gaps within a roof can lead to an infestation as they allow access points for birds, bats and rodents. Moreover, infestations can lead to health risks such as fleas and diseases as well as structural issues.
What To Do If You Spot Missing Tiles
Arrange a roof inspection as soon as possible if you spot or suspect missing roof tiles. They will be able to advise you on what to do next.
If you have an older roof, the tiles may need to be back-pointed or fully replaced.
