A solid, well-secured roof is essential for protecting your home against Ireland’s unpredictable weather—especially in Galway, where strong winds and heavy rain are common. Loose or poorly fixed roof tiles can lead to leaks, dampness, and costly structural damage. Knowing how to secure roof tiles correctly is crucial for a long-lasting, durable roof covering.
Whether you’re tiling a roof with concrete or using clay roof tiles, this guide will cover the main methods professionals use to fix tiles in place, why they matter, and the steps you can take to ensure your roof structure remains strong for years to come.
1. Mechanical Fixings: Nails, Screws, and Clips
One of the most reliable ways to secure roof tiles is with mechanical fixings:
Nails or Screws – Most tiles on the roof are mechanically fixed at the bottom edge or head into a batten. Screws or nails provide firm resistance against uplift, especially in Galway’s high-wind areas. This method works for both concrete tiles and clay roof tiles.
Tile Clips – Clips attach to the tile tail and the batten, preventing tiles around the roof from being lifted by strong winds.
Placement – Proper spacing and placement are essential. The tile manufacturer will specify exact locations for nails or screws, and adherence to BS 5534 ensures compliance with safety standards.
Tip: Always use corrosion-resistant fixings to prevent rust and maintain the lifespan of your tile roofs.
2. Roofing Adhesives and Sealants
Even with mechanical fixings, roof tiles and accessories may need extra support on vulnerable areas like eaves, verges, ridges, and hip tiles.
Roofing Adhesive – Applying a high-quality adhesive under a tile adds a secondary layer of security, helping prevent slippage on pitched roofs and areas where tiles are more prone to movement.
Sealant – Sealant can be used at joints, edges, and around chimneys to enhance waterproofing and protect your roof area from leaks. This is particularly important for tile roofs exposed to Galway’s coastal weather.
3. Storm Clips and Extra Fixings
Atlantic storms can lift tiles on the roof if they’re not properly fixed. To prevent this, professional roofers often use:
Storm Clips – These secure the bottom edge of tiles and are critical in high-wind zones.
Double Fixing – Extra nails or clips may be necessary for ridge and hip tiles, verge tiles, and the top course to maintain durability.
These measures ensure tiles are laid firmly and remain in place even during severe storms.
4. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines and Building Codes
Every type of roof tile has different characteristics, from plain tiles to interlocking tiles. To ensure longevity:
Manufacturer Instructions – Always follow the tile manufacturer’s recommendations for attaching the tiles, spacing, and placement of nails or screws.
Building Standards (BS 5534) – The code of practice for slating outlines minimum fixing requirements for pitched roofs, roof pitches, eaves to ridge, and tile overlap.
Following these ensures your finished roof complies with safety standards and avoids costly mistakes.
5. Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Even the best roof covering needs routine maintenance:
Routine Inspections – Check for broken tiles, slippage, or tiles in place issues at least once a year.
Post-Storm Checks – After strong winds or heavy rain, inspect for missing tiles around the verge, ridge, or eaves.
Professional Maintenance – A qualified roofer can assess batten condition, underlayment, and roof tiles to prevent leaks and damage before problems escalate.
Pro Roofers Galway recommends annual inspections to keep your tiles on the roof secure and durable.
Additional Tips for Tiling a Roof
Prepare the Roof: Clean the roof deck, remove moss and lichen, and check the batten spacing.
Course of Tiles: Begin from the eaves and work upwards to the ridge, overlapping single lap tiles properly.
Dry Fix Systems: Consider these for ridge and hip tiles; they reduce maintenance and improve durability.
Underlay and Underlayment: Always install an approved underlay beneath tiles for added waterproofing.
Tile Selection: Choose tiles that match the roof pitch and roofing material style of your property.
Final Thoughts
Properly securing roof tiles is essential for protecting your home against Ireland’s weather. By combining mechanical fixings, adhesives, storm clips, and following manufacturer guidelines and BS 5534, your tile roofs will remain secure, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
If you notice loose or missing tiles, don’t wait for the next storm. Contact Pro Roofers Galway for professional inspection, repair, or new roof installation. Our team ensures your roof tiles and accessories are safely installed and built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should you nail or screw roof tiles?
Both methods work, but screws generally provide stronger resistance in high-wind conditions. Nails are quicker, but in exposed tile roofs, screws or clips are often preferred.
What holds roof tiles on?
Roof tiles are held by nails, screws, clips, adhesives, and sometimes dry fix systems. Gravity helps, but proper fixings are critical to prevent uplift.
Do roof tiles have to be nailed down?
Most modern installations require nails or clips, especially for ridge tiles, hip tiles, and tiles on steep pitched roofs.
How to stop tiles falling off the roof?
Use corrosion-resistant fixings, add storm clips where needed, maintain underlayment, and schedule routine inspections.
How do you hold roof tiles in place?
Secure tiles in place with nails or screws into battens, reinforced with adhesive, dry fix systems, or clips as necessary. Follow tile manufacturer guidelines.
Why are my roof tiles falling off?
Common causes include rotten battens, rusted fixings, storm damage, or incorrect slating and tiling methods. A professional roofer can resolve these safely.