While roof tiles are durable, nothing in this world is permanent, which also goes for roofing. If you’ve got some tiles damaged by strong winds, an errant branch, or meddlesome neighborhood teens, there are several ways to find a replacement.
Finding an exact match for your roofing is possible if you are determined and a little lucky. If not, many close matches will likely make your roof look as good as new.
To achieve this, you must look at the tile manufacturer, material, and roof tile profile.
You’ll also want to keep in mind the color of the tile (which can fade over time) and where the tiles were manufactured. Some tiles are shipped internationally, which can cause additional headaches when tracking down a replacement. But it’s worth a few headaches to get your tiles replaced.
If your roof is damaged, it can lead to problems like leaks and water damage. Then, your roof could become further damaged, where water can lead to mold and mildew and even cause havoc on the interior of your home.
They could also lead to water-stained ceilings, drooping drywall, and wet insulation. Therefore, you must get it fixed before these issues crop up.
Examine your roofing material. Make a note of the color and style. Take lots of pictures and measurements. Let’s try to find the best match we can.
Find the Best Match
The easiest way to match your roofing tiles is by using some that you already have. So, before going through the hassle of contacting multiple roofing distributors, installers, and home improvement stores, snoop around your home and see if you’ve got any leftover roofing material. Some likely hiding spots to look at include your garage, basement, and any outbuildings you may have.
Contractors often leave a box or two of unused material at project sites (you’re the one who paid for it, after all). Exhaust all possible hiding places for surplus material before proceeding.
Check for the Manufacturer’s Information
If roofing material was blown off your home, turn it on its back. The manufacturer will typically stamp their name and the product’s name there. Bingo! Now you know precisely what you are looking for, and your search has gotten that much easier.
If you don’t have a scrap of material handy, try climbing onto your roof and examining your damaged roofing. Remember to use care because falling off from ladders and roofs is the number one cause of injury to homeowners working on projects.
Can you lift back any roofing materials to find more information about the product? If your roofing is already damaged and needs to be replaced, remove it and see what you can find. Call a professional roofing company if you are uncomfortable doing this.
No Manufacturer’s Stamp?
No problem. Here are the following steps you can take to try and track down the perfect fit for your roof.
1. Examine the Material
You can get so many roofing options these days. Various roofing materials are used, from metal to asphalt and terracotta to rolled roofing. Figuring out which type is on your roof is the first step. Got it? Onward.
2. Find Out the Profile
Like materials used for roofing, it can come in various profiles. The profile of the roofing is the shape of the tiles. Raised barrels or rounded with flat edges are two of the most popular profiles available but by no means the only types on the market.
Take measurements of each tile section’s length, the gap between the tiles, and how far back the gap goes. Take some pictures, too, then take your measurements and photos to your local roofing distributor and see how closely they can match your tile. If you’ve got a scrap of roofing tile, even better. Bring that with you, too.
3. Match Your Roof’s Color
It’s not just material and profiles that are variable. Roofing color comes in an array of colors. Again, take photos or a scrap piece of roofing with you when you go to home improvement stores looking for a match.
Keep in mind that roofing manufacturers regularly change the product they are making. If your roof is older, an exact color match may no longer be available, and you may have to compromise with the closest available product.
Another factor to consider is fading. Some types of roofing material, like asphalt, are more prone to this than others. Roofs absorb a lot of sunlight throughout their life cycle, which can inevitably lead to fading. Even if you find the exact product used on your roof, the match might not be perfect because your existing roofing has faded.
4. Where Are Your Tiles From?
We live in a global economy, and your roofing material might not have been manufactured in your home country. If that’s the case, and you locate the manufacturer of your roof tiles in another country, be prepared for some headaches. Expect long shipping times, language barriers, and miscommunications as you find the roof tile you’re looking for.
Get It Fixed
It’s essential to resolve any broken roofing tiles as soon as possible. Left unfixed, damaged roofing can allow water into your home. This means the insulation in your attic can get wet and degraded. It could also cause issues with mold and mildew. Worse yet, you could be looking at water stains on your ceiling or even ceiling collapse. So make sure to take care of any problems immediately before they compound.
Conclusion
Following this article, we’re confident that you now know how to find a suitable replacement for your damaged roof tiles. In the best case, you can find some leftover roofing material squirreled away on your property. Otherwise, you must figure out your tile manufacturer and find an exact or suitable match.
Make sure you take care of any issues before they get worse. Taking care of one problem now is always easier than caring for compounding problems later.
