Tiled roofs

Tiles can fracture, spall, or drop out.

Don't work on a tile roof by yourself unless you are very comfortable on a roof. They are slippery and dangerous. Hire a contractor to do it if you have any doubts.

• Check condition of all fasteners. If you have loose tiles, you have failing fasteners.
  
• Replace damaged or displaced tiles

Wooden Shingles

Shingles can split, fall out, or decompose.

Replacing wooden shakes is a do it yourself job, if you're fairly handy and have the right tools. A shingle-puller is almost required (a flat-bladed tool with a set of hooks on the end that catch and cut the nails holding shingles in place), and a good, comfortable hammer.

• Keep the roof clear of debris and moss
  
• Replace loose or damaged shingles
  
• Repair hips and ridges

Slate Roofs

Cracked or missing slates will leak

Slate roofs are heavy and expensive, but they will last almost forever, if cared for. Slate as well should not be worked on unless you are comfortable working on a roof. This is especially true with the steep pitch of some older houses. Get help or hire it done.

• Remove and replace broken or missing slates
  
• If nails fail, have roof slates re-laid. If more than one fails, you can bet the rest of them will soon.

Ornamental Features

• renail or replace ridge tiles
  
• replace or repair missing wooden ornaments

Metal roofing

Corrosion can weaken roofs

Metal roofs (terne, tin, copper, steel, etc. ) can be long lasting and low-maintenance if installed correctly.

• Keep the roof clear of debris
  
• Check condition of flashing
  
• Repair promptly

Preparing for a new roof

Strip the roof if there are:

• more than 2 layers
  
• extensive water damage
  
• rafters are undersized
  
• an adjacent section must be replaced

Article from: www.phouka.com