tiles on the gable end of my roof.
>
>I need some help with the following:
>
>1. Should I remove the old cement completely first, or just chip it
>back a couple of inches(it seems to go back about 4-5 inches)?
An inch should be enough.
2. What mix should I use for the cement, should I use any additives or
>coatings to make it more waterproof/longlasting?
I'd use 1SBR/1 water. If you have trouble finding it (it's around £25 per 5L if you do), PVA would probably do the job.