Roof Tiling in Edinburgh Tile Repairs and New Tiled Roofs
Tile roofs look fine from the street long after the underlay has given up. Robert repairs, re-laids and replaces concrete and clay tile roofs so they keep water out, with a fixed price agreed before work starts.
22 years' experience · Fully insured · Workmanship guaranteed
- 22 Years' Experience
- Fully Insured
- Fixed-Price Quotes
- Workmanship Guaranteed
- Owner-Operated
Tiling
What roof tiling covers
What it is
Roof tiling covers the repair, re-laying and replacement of tiled pitched roofs. That includes replacing cracked or slipped tiles, fixing loose verges and ridges, renewing battens and underlay, and fully re-tiling a roof. Tiles may be concrete interlocking, plain clay or concrete, or clay pantiles, and each type has its own fixing method.
Who it's for
Tiling suits homeowners with tiled roofs, which are common on post-war semis and bungalows, 1960s to 1990s housing, newer developments and many extensions across Edinburgh's suburbs such as Corstorphine, Liberton and South Queensferry.
When you need it
Tiling work is due when you see cracked or displaced tiles, loose or missing ridge tiles, crumbling verge mortar, torn or brittle underlay in the loft, or water marks on rafters after rain. Many older tile roofs have bitumen felt underlay that becomes brittle over time.
Why experience matters
Tile roofs rely on correct overlap, fixings and underlay to stay watertight. Poor fixing leads to tiles lifting in high winds, and incorrectly laid underlay can channel water into the roof instead of out. Robert has 22 years of experience working on both slate and tile.
The cost of waiting
What happens when a tile roof is neglected
A tile roof can hide its problems well. Tiles often look intact from the ground while the underlay beneath has perished or the fixings have loosened, until a storm or a spell of heavy rain exposes the weakness.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Replacing a broken tile with a mismatched profile that does not interlock correctly.
- Re-bedding ridges repeatedly when a dry-fix system would be more durable.
- Ignoring brittle underlay because the tiles look fine from outside.
- Walking on tiles without care, cracking more than the original damage.
- Coating tiles as a fix for roof problems that are actually beneath them.
Wind lifts loose tiles
Tiles that are not mechanically fixed can be lifted in strong winds, exposing the underlay and creating a larger repair.
Perished underlay leaks
When underlay has become brittle or torn, any water that gets past the tiles goes straight onto timbers and insulation.
Loose ridges and verges
Crumbling mortar at ridges and verges lets tiles move and water enter along the edges of the roof.
Batten decay
Damp battens rot and lose their grip on tile nails, speeding up tile slippage across the roof.
How Robert works
A clear process, from first look to finished roof
- 1
Inspection
Robert checks the tiles, fixings, ridges, verges and, where accessible, the underlay and battens from the loft.
- 2
Diagnosis
He explains whether targeted repairs will last or whether re-laying or re-tiling is the better investment.
- 3
Fixed-price quote
You receive a clear fixed price for the agreed work before anything starts.
- 4
Tiling work
Tiles are replaced or re-laid, battens and underlay renewed where needed, and ridges and verges refixed.
- 5
Check and guarantee
The roof is checked, the site cleared, and the work is covered by Robert's workmanship guarantee.
What you get
The result of doing it properly
Tiles that stay put
Correct fixing keeps tiles in place when high winds come in off the Forth.
A dry loft
New underlay where needed stops water that gets past the tiles from reaching timbers and insulation.
Lower maintenance
Secure ridges and verges reduce the need for repeat mortar repairs.
Matching finish
Replacement tiles are chosen to match your existing profile and colour as closely as possible.
Fixed price
You know the exact cost before any work starts, with no drifting charges halfway through.
Experienced hands
Tile and slate both handled by the same roofer with 22 years' experience.
In detail
Tile roofs in Edinburgh: types, repairs and replacement
Tiled roofs vary widely, and the right repair depends on the tile type, the roof pitch and what lies underneath.
Concrete interlocking tiles
The most common tile on post-war Edinburgh housing. Interlocking tiles are relatively large and quick to lay, but individual tiles crack and older roofs often lack modern fixings. Replacing broken tiles with the correct profile keeps the interlock watertight.
Plain and clay tiles
Smaller plain tiles, in clay or concrete, are laid double-lapped and are common on some older and higher-specification homes. They need careful handling and correct nailing patterns. Clay pantiles also appear on some older Scottish properties.
Underlay and battens
Underlay provides the secondary barrier beneath the tiles. Older bitumen felt can become brittle and tear, especially at the eaves. When re-laying or re-tiling, new breathable membrane and treated battens give the roof a sound base.
Ridges, hips and verges
Mortar-bedded ridges and verges crack over time. They can be rebedded, or replaced with dry-fix systems which mechanically fix the tiles and reduce future maintenance. See ridge repointing under general roofing.
When to re-tile
When tiles are failing widely or the underlay has perished throughout, re-tiling is usually better value than repeated repairs. Robert will explain the options in plain terms. See full re-roofs for more on the process.
Residential tile roofs and extensions
Tiles are common on Edinburgh extensions, garages and dormers as well as main roofs. Where a tiled extension meets the main house, the junction usually relies on lead flashings and careful work where the roof meets a wall. Many leaks on tiled roofs are actually at these junctions rather than through the tiles themselves. Robert checks the whole roof, including verges, eaves, where the roof meets walls, and any roof windows, so the repair addresses the real weak point. Low-pitched tiled roofs need particular attention, because tiles laid below their recommended pitch are more prone to wind-driven rain getting underneath. If a roof has been tiled at too low a pitch, Robert will explain the options plainly, whether that means improved underlay and detailing or a different covering altogether.
Tiling across Edinburgh and its neighbourhoods
Edinburgh's housing stock changes street by street. Tenements and terraces in Leith and Stockbridge, Victorian and Edwardian villas in Morningside and Colinton, seafront homes in Portobello exposed to salt air, and post-war and modern housing in Corstorphine, Liberton and South Queensferry all present different challenges. Robert has worked across all of them over 22 years, so he knows how roofs in each part of the city were built and how they tend to wear.
Wherever you are in Edinburgh, the approach to tiling is the same. Robert looks at the job himself, explains what he has found in plain language, and gives you a clear, fixed-price quote so you know exactly what you are paying before any work starts. R Galloway Roofing Services is owner-operated and fully insured with public liability and employer's liability cover, and the workmanship is guaranteed. You deal with one person from the first phone call to the finished job.
To arrange a visit, call Robert on 07756 375223 (Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm) or send a request using the form below. You can also read more about Robert or return to the homepage.
Straight answers
Tiling: questions answered
Something not covered here? Contact Robert or call directly.
Ask Robert: 07756 375223How much does roof tiling cost?
It depends on the tile type, the scope and access. Robert gives a fixed-price quote after inspecting the roof.
How long does a tile roof last?
It depends on the tile type, the quality of installation and the underlay. Robert can assess the condition of your roof and advise.
Can you match my existing tiles?
Robert sources replacement tiles to match the profile and colour as closely as possible.
How long does re-tiling take?
It depends on roof size and weather. Robert will give you a realistic timeline with the quote.
Is tiling work guaranteed?
Yes. Workmanship is guaranteed. Robert will explain what applies when he quotes.
My tiles look fine but the loft is damp. Why?
The underlay beneath the tiles may have perished, or there may be a condensation or detail issue. An inspection will identify the cause.
Do you repair storm-damaged tile roofs?
Yes. For storm damage, call Robert on 07756 375223 for emergency roof repairs across Edinburgh.
Which areas do you cover?
Edinburgh including Leith, Portobello, Morningside, Corstorphine, Stockbridge, Colinton, Liberton and South Queensferry.
Get your tile roof watertight again
Tell Robert what you have noticed. He will inspect the roof and give you a fixed price to fix it. Fully insured, workmanship guaranteed.
Request a quote
Get a clear, fixed price
for your roof
Tell Robert what's going on with your roof. He'll come back to you personally to arrange a look and give you a fixed price.
07756 375223Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm