Author Topic: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak  (Read 4633 times)

Roland of Gilead

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Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« on: April 12, 2014, 08:45:41 AM »
I was mowing the grass the other day and noticed we were missing a concrete roof tile at the very peak of our A-frame roof (a cap tile rather than a shingle).  I have no idea how where it went as they are probably 10 pounds and it isn't on the ground or rest of the roof that I can see (big ass squirrel?)

It is about 40 feet off the ground and so is too tall for my 30 foot ladder.  I am skeptical about walking on the rest of the roof as it is around 25 years old and could chip.  I would like to just get up to the edge from the ground and fix this one tile.

What do you think?  My idea was to build a platform out of wood to get my ladder up 10 feet higher but the wife doesn't like that idea :-)

Rent scaffold? I could higher a roofer I guess but I worry about them breaking other tiles if they decide to just walk on the roof to the top.

homehandymum

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2014, 02:58:49 AM »
I'd go for scaffold, or check out how much it would be to hire a cherry-picker for the day, if there's vehicle access next to the house.

You're right to be careful about walking on the roof.  Our roof has 65yr old concrete tiles and they're really fragile.  If you get a roofer in, get recommendations from other people, and find out how much experience they have with old tiles.

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2014, 03:09:53 PM »
We have had a nice bit of weather so I put a GoPro on the end of a 20 foot pole and stood on my 12 foot ladder and took a video of the suspect area.  Yes, sure enough there is the missing tile.  It is off to the side.  What in the world did that?  No branches near and I can't see wind moving a 10 pound concrete tile like that.  Angry squirrel?  Raccoon trying to get a mouse?  Rabid Ferret?

It looks like it has caused some damage under the tile, probably along the sill.   Sigh.   I just want to put the keys in the mailbox and leave even though we have paid off the house.

I have spent all morning looking at scaffolding on craigslist.  I tried calling a few local roofers but none want to deal with tile roofs.  I don't want to sink a lot of money into this house but this needs fixing (I will disclose the damage when we sell even if I don't replace the sill right now).


dragoncar

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2014, 03:40:56 PM »
Around here, it looks like I could get a 40' extension ladder from Hertz for $45/day.

https://www.hertzequip.com/herc/rental-equipment/general-equipment+ladders

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2014, 03:49:49 PM »
Around here, it looks like I could get a 40' extension ladder from Hertz for $45/day.

https://www.hertzequip.com/herc/rental-equipment/general-equipment+ladders

And lean it against *that* rotten sill board?   Maybe if I wear a hardhat so those edge tiles don't fall on me head!  :-)

dragoncar

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2014, 03:58:57 PM »
Around here, it looks like I could get a 40' extension ladder from Hertz for $45/day.

https://www.hertzequip.com/herc/rental-equipment/general-equipment+ladders

And lean it against *that* rotten sill board?   Maybe if I wear a hardhat so those edge tiles don't fall on me head!  :-)

Uh, what were you planning to do with your 30' ladder if it wasn't too short?

Put your smartphone on the pole and video chat your other smartphone.  Also put a hook or something on the pole.  Use the pole to push the tile back into place.  Don't drop it on your head.
« Last Edit: May 01, 2014, 04:00:45 PM by dragoncar »

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2014, 04:00:47 PM »
Around here, it looks like I could get a 40' extension ladder from Hertz for $45/day.

https://www.hertzequip.com/herc/rental-equipment/general-equipment+ladders

And lean it against *that* rotten sill board?   Maybe if I wear a hardhat so those edge tiles don't fall on me head!  :-)

Uh, what were you planning to do with your 30' ladder if it wasn't too short?

I forgot I mentioned a ladder.  After looking at the GoPro picture I am not sure I would have used a 30 foot ladder even if it was tall enough.  Maybe I am just chicken.

Greg

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2014, 09:47:12 PM »
Believe it or not, a strong wind probably tossed that tile aside.  Poorly attached.

worms

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2014, 01:59:05 PM »
Tricky one you've got there! It is a two second job once you are up there, but 40 feet would be at the outer reaches of my comfort zone on a ladder.  I would have no worries about the ladder leaning against the house, but the height would still get to me. Cherry picker would be better, but a lot of expense for that 2 second job.

To my eye you also have something missing from the apex of the barge board, covered by half tiles to right and left but not in the middle - might this be how the wind got under the tile that moved?  I'd want to bed the tile on some mortar to hold it in place, so maybe a wee bit longer than two seconds, 40 feet up, bucket of mortar in one hand, trowel in the other, clinging for dear life to the ladder with...

Roland of Gilead

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Re: Noticed we are missing a concrete roof tile on the end peak
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2014, 02:22:34 PM »
40 feet up, bucket of mortar in one hand, trowel in the other, clinging for dear life to the ladder with...

prehensile willy?