Very old roof tiles (biscuits) - mend with felt from inside?

[MattB83]

I've got a 70 year old roof with old torching on. It's in remarkably good condition despite being one of the few remaining original roofs on our estate.

The problem seems to be when someone gets on the roof e.g. ariel installation, the tiles are brittle and soon after something cracks and falls to earth. Last time we had a roofer he told us they refer to the tiles as 'biscuits' as they're so brittle and easy to do more damage. As a result he ended up replacing a couple and fixing one with some sort of lead repair liquid.

Anyway - I've just noticed a cracked tile right up at the top of the roof and wondered if it's a daft idea to fix a small patch of felt in from underneath (I am able can do this as the roof isn't lined).

Failing that I will call the roofer and I'm not trying to avoid a bill - just lots more broken tiles!

 

[RandomGrinch]

I'm no expert, so please disregard!
Rather than using felt to repair, you could possibly use the lead repair mastic, or some flashband to temporarily hold the tile together from the inside?
Not too expensive from screwfix:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/bostik-flashband-primer-grey-3-75m-x-75mm/20535
https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-roof-gutter-sealant-black-310ml/67521

 

[datarebal]

Get one that is capable of the repair.
When viewing the repair , if they make it sound a big deal , try another .

 

[RandomGrinch]

Get one that is capable of the repair.
When viewing the repair , if they make it sound a big deal , try another .

Yes, I agree.
However, in these mad times, I have just had a roofing job completed that I waited seven months for the roofer to become available.
Finding a good roofer who will tackle small jobs like this could involve a lot of flexibility and patience on your part.

 

[datarebal]

One tile is not a emergency , do what you can from inside , keep the arial guy off the roof . They tend to break tiles and shove the busted bits back to fall out later one .. oh dear my tiles are falling apart .
Then wait for a compétant roofer

 

[MattB83]

Yes, I agree.
However, in these mad times, I have just had a roofing job completed that I waited seven months for the roofer to become available.
Finding a good roofer who will tackle small jobs like this could involve a lot of flexibility and patience on your part.

Absolutely right - there was a roofer who kept texting me saying he would be here 'next week', for about 4 months and never came. Feel like you can't really harass someone too much when it's a £60 job.

Nearly persuaded to buy my own roofing ladder and try it myself but could see that going very badly (at least before me diet starts).