What to do When Missing Tiles
Missing tiles on your roof are more than just a cosmetic issue. They leave your property vulnerable to water ingress, insulation damage, and even structural problems if left unchecked. In areas like Kent, where roofs are exposed to changing weather throughout the year, it’s vital to deal with this issue quickly.
This blog explains why roof tiles go missing, how to spot the signs, and what to do if you notice gaps in your roof covering.
What Causes Missing Roof Tiles?
Tiles can become dislodged for a number of reasons. Common causes include:
Storm Damage
High winds can lift tiles, especially if they were already loose. Storms can also cause nearby trees to drop branches onto your roof, cracking or displacing tiles.
Roof Age
As roofs age, the mortar holding ridge and hip tiles can weaken. Clay or concrete tiles can also become brittle and start to slip or crack.
Poor Installation
If tiles weren’t fitted securely or the wrong type of tile was used, they may not stay in place over time, particularly after periods of bad weather.
Birds and Wildlife
Nesting birds or animals moving across the roof can dislodge tiles, particularly near the edges and ridges.
Why Missing Tiles Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Even one missing tile can lead to wider issues. Here’s what can happen:
- Water Damage: Rainwater can enter through the exposed section, soaking the underlay and affecting your loft insulation and ceilings.
- Mould and Damp: Moisture in the roof space often leads to mould growth, which may spread to internal rooms.
- Structural Timber Decay: Persistent leaks can cause the wooden beams in your roof structure to weaken.
- Higher Energy Bills: Damaged roofs let warm air escape and cold air in, forcing your heating system to work harder.
If left unresolved, a simple repair could turn into a full roof replacement.
How to Spot Missing Tiles
Here’s what to look out for:
- Visible gaps in the roof from ground level
- Piles of broken tile pieces on the ground or in gutters
- Water marks on upper-floor ceilings or in the loft
- Light entering through the roof space
- Unusual draughts or temperature drops
If you’re not sure, a quick inspection from a professional or a drone survey can confirm the issue safely.
What to Do if You Spot Missing Tiles
If you’ve seen signs of missing or broken tiles, don’t wait. Here’s the process:
1. Book a Roof Inspection
Contact a reputable roofer like Trust A Trade Roofing to arrange a roof inspection. We’ll check the extent of the damage and recommend the best repair.
2. Get a Clear Quote
We’ll provide a fixed quote covering the cost of replacing tiles, repairing nearby damage, and checking for further issues.
3. Repair Work
We use tiles that match your existing roof as closely as possible. We also check the surrounding area to ensure all tiles are secure.
4. Final Safety Checks
Once the repair is complete, we double-check for stability and waterproofing. The site is cleared before we leave.
Emergency Roof Repairs for Missing Tiles
Heavy winds can cause damage without warning. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency callouts across Kent. If your roof has lost tiles during a storm, we’ll make it safe and carry out repairs as soon as possible.
How Much Do Tile Repairs Cost?
Prices vary depending on the number of tiles affected and roof height. Typical costs include:
- Replacing 1–5 tiles: £150–£300
- Repointing ridge tiles: £250–£500
- Replacing broken felt or underlay: £300–£600
To get an accurate quote, contact us here.
Domestic and Commercial Tile Repairs
We repair domestic roofs on homes, bungalows, and flats, as well as commercial properties. No job is too small or too complex.
Building Regulations for Roof Repairs
Most tile replacements don’t need formal approval, but if more than 25% of the roof covering is being replaced, GOV.UK building regulations apply. We’ll guide you through any necessary steps.
Preventing Future Tile Issues
Regular maintenance helps prevent tiles from going missing in the first place. We recommend:
- Annual roof checks
- Gutter cleaning to stop water build-up
- Prompt repairs after storms
- Checking ridge and hip tiles for loose mortar
We also offer planned maintenance for ongoing care.
Need Help with Missing Tiles?
At Trust A Trade Roofing, we carry out professional, reliable repairs for missing tiles and other roofing issues. Whether it’s a quick fix or part of a larger repair, we respond quickly and get the job done properly.
If your roof has missing tiles, contact us here to book an inspection and quote. Trust A Trade Roofing also provides full roof installations for new properties or large-scale refurbishments.