By Robert Lamoureux, Signal Contributing Writer
Replacing concrete tiles
Robert,
My name is Damon C. and I live in Canyon Country. We have a roof that has concrete tiles and four of them are split completely in half, just like a cookie would break. I sent photos to you and hope that you can help guide me, I’m retired and don’t have a lot of resources so is there something that I can do, maybe a glue or something other than replacing the tiles that I can use to put it back together? The paper below is torn also, not sure how this happened but I need some guideance, please.
– Damon C.
Damon C.
Hi Damon, thank you for writing in and I see clearly in the photos that you sent, you can do this repair and it should hold until you can make permanent repairs.
Go to the big box store and get Henry’s 208. They sell it in 1 and 5 gallon buckets as well as caulking tubes. In your case a caulking tube will be sufficient, but you’ll need the gun to go with it for dispensing.
Access your roof safely, remembering good ladder safety, and begin by using the Henry’s first to the paper where the tear is, and essentially you’re going to glue this back together. This is a very thick, pliable product that can be used even in the rain, but know that this is just a temporary repair and will need to be addressed with permanent repairs perhaps in the summer once the weather is good.
Literally glue the pieces back together, slipping the tiles back into place. I see also in the photos, that the vent stacks nearby are showing signs that they need sealing. While you are up there, check all of these areas and anything that looks like previous mastic was used and is cracked, chip away the old cracked product and re seal them.
You can follow this up with spray painting this product to match your roof, this keeps it looking great for you. You can use this same idea on the vent pipes themselves, so they match the roof also, if you wish. This will get you through this season, likely with no further water intrusion issues. Remember though Damon, this is temporary and you’ll need a roofer to make the permanent repairs once you are able to fund that. Good luck.
Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at
