How to Fix a Clay Roof Tile
- 1). Apply a bead of silicone caulk to thin cracks for a temporary repair. Use a flexible putty knife to press the caulk in and spread it 1/2 inch past the crack in all directions.
- 2). Insert the notched end of a tile ripper under the clay tile, above the damaged tile. Snag the nail holding the tile in place with the notched end. Hit the L part of the tool with a hammer to pull the nail out and free the clay tile.
- 3). Slide the damaged tile out by hand and remove it.
- 4). Lift the roof tile carefully above the one that was removed, using a pry bar. Place a piece of 1-by-2-inch board under the lifted tile, perpendicular to the roofing tiles, to hold it up and allow enough room to slide a new tile in place.
- 5). Insert the new clay tile into the hole and slide it up so it is even with the row it came from. Use a wet saw to cut the tile to fit if necessary. Generally, clay tiles come in a standard size, but occasionally the tile may be too wide.
- 6). Nail the new tile in place with galvanized roofing nails and a hammer. Remove the board.
