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Is it a bad idea to tape my roof up?

4 replies

Fangdango · 15/08/2021 11:39

I know that the usual advice is to leave this to professionals, but like lots of people in South Wales I live in a house built on the side of a valley. So roof is two stories up at the front, but once I climb up my garden a bit, the lowest roof tiles are just elbow height at the back.

Three in that row are cracked, one with a gap that's maybe half an inch by three inches. They are concrete interlocking tiles, probably put up in the 1980s. Old enough to have no identifying mark. I have YouTubed how to lift and lock them ... fine.

The problem is getting the tiles. I've identified two near matches - right width, near colour match, bit long but can't get exact match and it's the bottom row. Every time I order a batch, paying premium for small order, it's cancelled. Maybe this will change once Brexit, Covid, Suez Canal etc settle down?

I'm going to resort, temporarily, to flashing tape, to keep the damp out. Is this a terrible idea? Is there some form of roofing pollyfilla I could use to just fix the tiles that are there? Is there some secret way of getting hold of tiles? (I find myself eyeing my neighbours terraces acquisitively - just need to lift three of their nice intact tiles ...)

All the other tiles are fine - I think the previous owners smashed these moving garden furniture. Visible only from my back garden. Main concern is keeping damp out but the flashing tape feels a bit like sellotape Confused

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BluebellsGreenbells · 15/08/2021 11:42

Have you put out a FB plea? I have a few in my garage left over that I’d happy give away - someone some where will be able to help!

Even builders might have a few they have left over taking up space.

Fangdango · 15/08/2021 11:51

That's a good thought - thank you! It does look as if lots of houses round here got them done at the same time ...

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PigletJohn · 15/08/2021 19:43

I happen to know a roofer. When I needed a couple of matching ridge tiles, he climbed up to identify them, and looked out for a couple left over. In your case old used tiles would be a good match.

Fangdango · 15/08/2021 22:10

I'm going to try and befriend a roofer / beg from a neighbour. Glad to hear that won't be abnormal behaviour. Will just tape things up temporarily as soon as we get a dry spell. Thanks!

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