How to fix roof tiles leaking?

[tommymac]

 

Hi gang,

Have recently had the roof repointed and some damaged tiles replaced. The pointing looks good and weep holes have been drilled but I am still getting water leak through the overlaps. Had previously thought the pointing had failed (it needed doing anyway) 

the tiles look good so I’m not clear how to resolve this (cannot afford a whole new roof with sarking).

it seems some areas only leak during excessive rain but a couple of areas including the one pictured seem to leak with even moderate rain fall.

thanks 

[EricL]

Hello @tommymac 

This feels like a needle in a haystack scenario. Since the roof has only been recently repaired it should be technically still under warranty. I propose calling your roofer back and telling them of what's been happening and asking them to repair the leaks.

Generally speaking, the only repair method that comes to mind is to do a tile-by-tile test and see which one is loose or bridging incorrectly. It's going to have to be a two-person job as one person pours water on the tile, and one observes underneath. Once you locate the source of the leak you can then apply a sealant or perhaps correct its layout.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[tommymac]

Thanks - I can see that the tile is leaking where it overlaps. It's the top tile so attached to the pointing, it's not running over the top of the tile. It appears to be leaking through the overlap. 

From what I have researched, old tiles can become porous and I've had a second opinion on the roof. Before I put money into it I am just testing any other solutions (current thinking is to reseal and repaint the roof to address potential porosity

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @tommymac 

@EricL has described the issue accuratley 😕 And I would also contact the roof repairer to come back and have a look and repair the parts that are leaking as a first step.

@EricL's suggestion of how to verify that the leak is still there is a good one, just be cautious for the person on the roof pouring the water. The tiles will get slippery.

Tiles being porus, mmmm Not that Ive heard before. I am not confidant thatjust repainting will solve the issue. The tiles may appear to have bubbles in them but I really dont see concrete/terracotta tiles becoming porus. Cracked yes and chipped (could explain water entering) Being able to see the underside of the roof when it rains as you can is a good thing, it will help narrow the issue down. 

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @tommymac 

Doesn't sound like a call-back for the tile repair as pointing and replacements of tiles appear not to be wear you have issues. I have never heard of old tiles being porous, and suspect if they can be it's not ones found in Australia. I would check your country of origin for that info.

Are all the tiles the exact same profile? The photo with the blue tape looks to rave a rounded profile and the next row down squared off. But this could be the angle? If not the same then this will be an issue.

There may be other contributing factors like driving wind in the right direction and heaviness. If you know the point of entry you could use a flexible flashing product and shape it up to match the profile and connecting points.

Nailbag

[tommymac]

Yeah the tiles are the same.

its interesting, I can multiple spots where the water is running down the inside of a few tiles. It’s just this one has a consistent drip. I appreciate the wild weather at the moment so the roof is saturated 

I will look into the flashing. I suspect these old roofs are just not up to modern standard. Seems pretty wild roof here have no sarking! 

[EricL]

Hello @tommymac 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your roof patched and free of leaks.

Eric