Roof Tile Broken Corner

Our photo above left shows broken clay roof tiles a very common clay tile roof defect that is also a common leak source.

Roof tile broken corner. Many roofing tiles are designed with a longitudinal interlock to allow proper water shedding in order to match the current surface elevation. As soon as a corner breaks it reduces the effective headlap at that point allowing wind driven rain and water seeping up the surface of the tile by capillarity to breach the headlap. Broken roof tiles are easy enough to find and replace. At the photo lower left corner you can see a pair of replacement clay tiles that have been put in place but more replacements are needed wherever a broken roof tile is found.

It is generally advisable to replace tiles which have broken under locks. Sometimes the hard part is getting up there so that you are in a position to make the repair. In areas where the crack has led to a full horizontal or vertical break it is unwise to use adhesive to fix the crack. There are four weak corners on an interlocking tile and any one could be affected.

Using an adhesive specifically formulated for concrete or clay roof tile follow the manufacturers instructions to form a complete bond along the fracture. If the cover lock corner is broken less than three inches and the broken piece is available it may be possible to repair the corner by proper adhesive application. Using an adhesive specifically formulated for concrete or clay roof tile follow the manufacturers instructions to form a complete bond along the fracture. Roof tile cracks can happen due to several causes.

Vulnerable areas include roof valleys and areas of penetration. The high kinetic energy of the hail impact on the lower corner of the roof tile can cause a point load break or crack at the over lock corners.