Project Details
Roof Condition
Roof Type – orange terracotta tiles.
Age – 1970s estimated.
Size – 350m2
Issues – this roof had damaged tiles requiring replacement and the mortar in the ridge capping had deteriorated and needed repointing.
Approach
Process Used – there was not significant moss growth and it was clear where the damaged tiles were located. The owner had some spare tiles that were used to replace the broken ones. I suspected that previous cleaning attempts may have used harsh acidic chemicals to remove dirt, mould and moss and had leeched into the tiles causing them to become brittle and broken. The same was seen in the mortar of the capping tiles.
Results
Outcome– Some of the ridge capping needed to be re-pointed as the existing mortar had deteriorated and crumbled away. This was completed and tested for leaks. The broken tiles were removed and replaced by the spare tiles as supplied by the owner. This was also tested for leaks.
Summary– The damaged roof tiles were replaced and the ridge capping was repointed, ensuring that the potential for leaks was reduced. It was suggested that no harsh chemicals be used in any future roof cleaning. A roof coating (spray painting) could brighten the somewhat tired-looking roof and make it look like the roof in the final photo below.
Time Taken – 2 days in total for replacing the tiles, the repointing of the mortar, testing for leaks and some cleaning.
