Nail sickness is the corrosion and failure of the original iron nails used to fix roof tiles or slates on Victorian and Edwardian properties. When nails corrode, tiles and slates rely only on their nibs to stay in place, providing almost no wind resistance. The diagnostic symptom is scattered tile or slate loss across multiple roof slopes — not in one localised area. This pattern distinguishes nail sickness from impact damage or mortar failure.
From ground level: Multiple slipped tiles in different, unrelated positions across the roof. Tiles found in the garden after moderate winds. Rattling tiles in windy conditions.
From the loft: Visibly corroded, reduced-diameter or absent nails. Battens showing movement signs. In advanced cases, slates that can be shifted by hand.
Localised nail failure (one slope) — targeted re-nailing with copper nails is viable. Widespread nail failure across the whole roof — full strip and re-lay is the only lasting solution. Patching a roof with widespread nail sickness buys 2–3 years at most. See our nail sickness guide.
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