How to Replace Roof Tiles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing a single broken or slipped roof tile is one of the most common roof repairs in the UK, and it is also one of the cheapest. A missing tile lets rain through to the underlay and, over time, can rot the battens and timbers underneath. Fixing it quickly is worth doing.

This guide explains how to replace a roof tile step by step, what tools you need, how to match the tile and when you should leave the job to a roofer. Roof work carries real risks, so please read the safety section first.

Is It Safe to Replace a Roof Tile Yourself?

Falls from roofs and ladders cause serious injuries every year. Replacing a tile is a small job, but it is still working at height. As a rule of thumb:

• Single-storey roofs or tiles within easy reach of a ladder: may be manageable for a confident DIYer with the right equipment.
• Two-storey houses, steep roofs, wet or icy conditions: leave it to a roofer.
• Fragile roofs, asbestos cement sheets or old slates: do not walk on them. Always call a professional.

Never walk directly on roof tiles. They break easily, and they are slippery when wet. Use a proper roof ladder that hooks over the ridge, and work with someone on the ground. If you have any doubt, hire a qualified roofer. The cost of a small repair is usually far less than the cost of an injury. You can see typical prices in our roof leak repair cost guide.

Signs You Need to Replace a Roof Tile

• A tile that has slipped down or out of line with the rest.
• Cracked or broken tiles, often after a storm or from foot traffic.
• A gap in the roof where a tile is missing.
• Damp stains on the ceiling or in the loft, or a drip during rain.
• Pieces of tile in the gutter or on the ground.

If you are not sure that a missing tile is the cause of a leak, read our guide on how to fix a leaking roof to help you trace it before you start.

What You Need

• A replacement tile that matches the existing ones.
• A sturdy ladder and a roof ladder or crawl board.
• Gloves and safety footwear with good grip.
• A small wooden wedge or a tile lifter to raise the tiles above.
• Tile clips or fixings suited to the tile type.
• A hammer and a small bar, if the old tile is nailed in.
• A bucket or bag for broken pieces.

How to Match the Replacement Tile

The new tile needs to be the same profile, size and thickness as the others. Before you buy:

1. Look at the underside of a spare tile, if you have one, for a maker’s mark.
2. Measure the length and width, and note the batten spacing.
3. Take a clear photo of the tile from the front and the side.
4. Ask a roofing merchant to identify it. For concrete tiles, our concrete roof tiles guide explains how to identify and match them.

If the exact tile is no longer made, a reclaimed tile may be the best match. For help on the main types and what they look like, see types of roof tiles.

How to Replace a Roof Tile: Step by Step

1. Make the Area Safe

Set up the ladder on firm ground, secure it at the top, and fit the roof ladder if the roof is steep. Check the weather. Never do this job in wind, rain or frost.

2. Remove the Broken Tile

Wear gloves. Lift the tiles in the row above just enough to reach the damaged tile. For interlocking tiles, a gentle wedge or tile lifter does this. For plain tiles, you can lift the neighbours slightly to release the nibs. If the damaged tile is nailed or clipped, carefully pull out the fixing. Slide the broken tile out and place the pieces in a bag.

3. Check What Is Underneath

This step is easy to skip, but it matters. Look at the batten and the underlay. If either is damaged, rotten or torn, the repair will not last. Small tears in the underlay can sometimes be patched, but widespread damage needs a roofer. See our guides to roof battens and roof felt and underlay for what to look for.

4. Slide in the New Tile

Slide the new tile into place, making sure it sits at the same level as its neighbours and that the nib or lugs engage on the batten. It should slot in without force. If it will not go in, check that the tile above has been lifted high enough.

5. Fix It Securely

Fit a clip or nail the tile in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is especially important in exposed areas, where wind can lift loose tiles. Use stainless steel or galvanised fixings so they do not rust.

6. Lower the Tiles Above and Check the Result

Gently lower the tiles you lifted, so that they sit properly over the new one. Check that the roof looks even and that no tiles are loose. From the ground, look for any gaps or tiles that sit higher than the others.

Replacing Different Tile Types

Interlocking Concrete or Clay Tiles

These have side grooves that lock into the next tile, so the neighbouring tiles have to be lifted carefully to get the old one out. They are usually fixed with clips or nails.

Plain Tiles

Plain tiles hang from the batten by two small nibs, and many are only nailed every few rows. A replacement tile is usually slid up under the row above and hooked over the batten.

Slates

Slates are fixed with nails and are more fragile. A slate is often replaced using a metal strip called a slate clip or tingle. This is a job best left to a roofer, because slates break easily and are easy to damage when you walk on them. Our slate roof guide explains the types and how they are fixed.

When to Call a Roofer Instead

• You have to climb above the first-floor level.
• More than a few tiles are damaged.
• The battens, underlay or timbers underneath look rotten.
• The roof is steep, wet or icy.
• You cannot find a matching tile.
• The leak is near a chimney, valley or wall, which usually points to a flashing problem rather than a tile.

A roofer can also check the rest of the roof while they are up there, and often finds other small problems before they cause leaks.

How Much Does Roof Tile Replacement Cost?

Replacing a few tiles is usually one of the cheapest roof repairs, often a few hundred pounds, with most of the cost going on access and labour rather than the tiles themselves. If you want to understand tile prices, see our roof tiles price guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you replace a roof tile?

Lift the tiles above the damaged one, remove the old tile and any fixings, slide in the matching replacement and fix it with a clip or nail, then lower the tiles above.

Can I replace a roof tile myself?

If the roof is low, dry and easy to reach with a ladder, it is possible for a confident DIYer. For anything higher or steeper, hire a roofer.

How do I find a matching roof tile?

Measure the tile, note the profile, check the underside for a maker’s mark and ask a roofing merchant. For older roofs, reclaimed tiles can be the best match.

How long does it take to replace a roof tile?

The repair itself usually takes less than an hour for one or two tiles. Setting up safe access takes longer.

Why does my roof tile keep slipping?

Common causes include failed fixings, rotten battens, wind movement and poor original installation. If a tile keeps slipping, have a roofer check the battens and fixings.

Final Thoughts

Replacing a roof tile is a simple job in principle, but the risks come from working at height. Match the tile properly, check the battens and underlay, and fix the new tile securely. If you are not completely comfortable, a roofer can usually do the job quickly and check the rest of the roof at the same time.