Tiled roofs are known for their durability, appearance, and long lifespan. However, on older homes, these roofs often deteriorate faster than expected. Ageing materials, outdated construction methods, and decades of exposure to weather can all affect the condition of a tiled roof. At Braunstone Roofing Repairs, we help homeowners across Braunstone, Leicestershire understand why tiled roofs on older properties tend to fail sooner—and what can be done to protect them.
The Natural Ageing of Roofing Materials
Every component of a roof has a limited lifespan. On older homes, many tiles and supporting materials have been in place for decades, meaning they are naturally more prone to wear. The longer a roof has been exposed to rain, frost, heat, and strong winds, the more its strength slowly decreases.
Common Ageing Issues Include:
- Tiles becoming brittle
- Mortar joints weakening
- Timber battens rotting or softening
- Underfelt becoming fragile or torn
As these components break down, the roof loses its structural stability, causing tiles to loosen, crack, or slip.
Outdated Installation Methods and Materials
Roofing methods used many years ago differ significantly from modern standards. Older roofs may rely on fixings or materials that are now considered outdated or less effective.
Examples of Outdated Features:
- Non-breathable felt that traps moisture
- Nails prone to rust and corrosion
- Battens that don’t meet current size or strength requirements
- Mortar-heavy bedding rather than secure mechanical fixings
These older systems simply do not perform as well under modern weather conditions, leading to quicker deterioration.
Weathering Across Decades Takes Its Toll
Homes in Braunstone, Leicestershire experience a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Over several decades, even small seasonal changes weaken roofing components. Freeze–thaw cycles are especially damaging, causing tiles to expand and contract repeatedly, which accelerates wear.
Long-Term Weathering Effects:
- Small cracks that become larger over time
- Waterproofing layers breaking down
- Increased moss and algae growth
- Mortar erosion around ridge and hip tiles
While modern roofs are designed to handle these conditions better, older roofs reach their limits much sooner.
Structural Movement in Older Properties
As buildings age, they naturally shift and settle. This movement can subtly change the angles, alignment, or load distribution on a roof. Older tiled roofs are particularly vulnerable to these shifts because their components are already weakened.
Signs of Movement Affecting the Roof:
- Uneven rows of tiles
- Gaps between tiles
- Cracks in mortar bedding
- Visible dips or sagging in the roofline
Structural changes can put pressure on ageing tiles, causing them to crack or dislodge more frequently.
Deterioration of the Underfelt and Roof Deck
The underfelt and roof deck play a vital role in keeping water out and supporting the roof structure. However, felt installed decades ago often deteriorates much faster than modern breathable membranes.
Why Underfelt Fails on Older Homes:
- Exposure to moisture over many years
- Tears and brittleness from temperature changes
- Lack of breathability leading to trapped condensation
- Damage caused by pests or previous leaks
When the underfelt fails, the tiled roof above it becomes much more vulnerable to water ingress and structural damage.
Mortar Failure Around Ridge and Hip Tiles
Older tiled roofs often rely heavily on mortar to secure ridge, hip, and gable tiles. Mortar naturally weakens over time due to exposure to weather, vibration, and movement.
Effects of Mortar Deterioration:
- Loose ridge tiles
- Gaps allowing water to penetrate
- Increased risk of tiles slipping during storms
- Reduced overall structural stability
Modern roofing uses mechanical fixings alongside mortar, reducing the risk of failure. Older roofs do not benefit from this extra security.
Increased Moss and Algae Growth
Older roofs tend to accumulate more moss, algae, and lichen due to years of moisture retention. While moss may seem harmless, it can cause tiles to lift and crack, and can trap water against the surface of the roof.
Problems Caused by Moss Growth:
- Added weight on old tiles
- Moisture penetration
- Frost damage during winter
- Accelerated weakening of tile edges
This growth is particularly common on north-facing roofs or properties surrounded by mature trees.
Previous Repairs Done to Lower Standards
Older homes often have a history of small repairs carried out over the years. Not all of these repairs may have been done professionally or to a high standard.
Issues Caused by Past Repairs:
- Poor tile alignment
- Wrong tiles used as replacements
- Weak mortar patches leading to future failure
- Short-term fixes masking deeper problems
These earlier issues can lead to more frequent failures as the roof continues to age.
Why Homeowners in Braunstone Should Monitor Older Roofs Carefully
A tiled roof on an older property requires closer attention and more frequent inspections. The combination of ageing materials and weather exposure makes them more prone to sudden failure, leaks, and tile displacement. Homeowners in Braunstone, Leicestershire benefit from regular assessments to catch issues before they become costly problems.
Braunstone Roofing Repairs provides expert inspections and repairs for older roofs, helping homeowners keep their properties safe, dry, and secure.
Conclusion
Tiled roofs fail faster on older homes because of natural ageing, outdated installation methods, weather exposure, structural movement, mortar deterioration, and the breakdown of supporting materials. Understanding these factors helps homeowners address issues early and avoid major roofing problems. Braunstone Roofing Repairs supports households across Braunstone, Leicestershire with professional roofing services designed to extend the life of older tiled roofs and maintain the long-term safety of the property.
Call us on: 0116 216 5891
Click here to find out more about Braunstone Roofing Repairs
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your roofing needs.
