Tile roofs in the west of Ireland face constant exposure to wind-driven rain and salt-laden air, particularly on older properties where the original tiles have become porous or the mortar bedding has failed. This leads to slipped or cracked tiles, water ingress at ridges and verges, and accelerated growth of moss that holds moisture against the surface.
Repair work focuses on matching existing tiles where possible and using traditional methods such as torching or modern breathable membranes only when the roof structure allows. Attention is paid to valleys, abutments and chimney aprons where lead or cement fillets commonly deteriorate under repeated wetting and drying cycles.
Agricultural buildings and outhouses in rural areas often show different patterns of wear, with larger tile formats and less frequent maintenance resulting in widespread ridge movement or missing hip tiles after winter gales.
Weather-Related Damage Patterns
Persistent damp from Atlantic fronts encourages rapid moss colonisation on north-facing slopes, while coastal properties suffer additional abrasion from sand and salt that weakens tile edges over time.
Technician insight
In Galway, the thing that catches most people out with Tile Roof Repair is hidden rot in the timber battens under the tiles on houses built in the 1960s and 70s; the tiles look sound from the road but once you lift a few the whole row shifts because the nails have rusted through from years of wind-driven rain.
Tile Roof Repair Services We Offer
✓Ridge Tile Repointing
Renewal of mortar bedding and pointing along the ridge line using lime-based mixes compatible with older clay tiles.
✓Slipped Tile Refixing
Re-securing displaced tiles and replacing any that are cracked or missing while preserving the original roof pattern.
✓Valley Gutter Repair
Clearing and relining tiled valleys with new lead or GRP where water ponding has caused rot or tile lift.
✓Hip Tile Replacement
Replacement of damaged or loose hip tiles and renewal of the underlying hip iron or timber where required.
✓Lead Flashing Renewal
Cutting out failed lead soakers and step flashings at abutments and chimneys and installing new code 4 or code 5 lead.
✓Moss Removal and Treatment
Manual removal of moss and algae followed by application of a biocide approved for use on roof tiles.
How it works
- 1
Initial Inspection
External and loft-level check for slipped tiles, daylight gaps, damp staining and ridge movement.
- 2
Scope Definition
Identification of all defects and discussion of repair options with the property owner.
- 3
Repair Execution
Access setup, tile work, mortar or lead work, and clearing of debris from gutters and valleys.
- 4
Final Check
Walk-round verification that all repaired areas are weathertight and that no new damage has occurred during access.
Pricing
Scope depends on roof pitch, height, number of slipped tiles and whether lead or valley work is required.