Structures + Safety
Securing a Roof Ridge Tile Video

Securing a Roof Ridge Tile Video

We rarely think about our roof tiles until they fail us. They sit at the top of our house, helping protect us from wind and rain all day every day. When they come loose or become cracked, they can let the elements in, causing leaks and eventually, severe water damage. So it's vital to spare a thought for our hard-working roof tiles every couple of years, to make sure they're all in good shape and doing their job.

Fixing up roof tiles is easy, but it can be nerve-wracking and dangerous working on the roof. So if you don't feel comfortable and secure up there, call in the professionals.

Time to complete the job: 1 hour

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You will need:

  • Mortar
  • Hammer
  • Bolster
  • Trowel
  • Bucket of water
  • Old roof tile
This is just one of the step-by-step guides that the Our House 2 team talked us through as they transformed the house. For more about the show, read All About Our House.

Step 1: Remove the old tile

Use the bolster to score along the tiles next to the old mortar. Dislodge and scrape away the old mortar. Soak the area with water and wet the new tile. This will give the new mortar more time to go off and will prevent cracking.

Step 2: Add new mortar

Lay two thick lines of mortar along either edge of the space that will hold the tile. The edge of the mortar should line up with the score marks you made in step one. Bank a large line of mortar along the centre. Break up the old tile and set some broken pieces down the centre bank of mortar. This will reduce the amount of mortar you need and add stability. Cover the broken tile with another thin layer of mortar.
 
 

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