Understanding The Process Of A Tile Roof Installation

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A tile roof is a great option for many homes. When installed correctly, they work well to ensure that your home is fully protected as well as being attractive. They do take some work to install though, and understanding the steps will show just how it should be done.

Here’s the process of installing a tile roof, and how each step works.

Picking The Right Tiles 

The first thing you’ll do when planning your roofing project is to pick the right roofing tiles for you. There are many different options out there, and typically you’ll have a choice between clay and concrete tiles. There will be several things that will impact the decision that you make.

For example, clay tiles are known to be more durable than concrete tiles. A concrete tile can last anywhere from 30 – 50 years, while a well made clay tile can last up to 100 years. Also, price is a factor. As you’d expect, clay will be more expensive than concrete, so if you’re trying to save money going for concrete may be the best option. You’ll also want to think about the color of the tiles. Typically, concrete tiles will fade over time, so that’s something to think about as this roof should last for a good few decades.

Considering Weight

Weight is going to be an important factor when installing a tiled roof. Asphalt shingles are very popular as they’re inexpensive, as well as being very light. If that’s what your roof has now, then your roof may not be able to take the added weight as it’s designed now.

To check this, you’ll need a roofing expert to come and take a look at your roof for you. When they do this, they’ll be able to see how much weight the roof can take, and advise you on what can be done to adapt it for clay or shingle tiles.

It’s worth noting that clay tiles are usually heavier than concrete tiles. If weight is an issue, then concrete tiles will be the way to go.

Hiring An Expert 

There are lots of guides on how to install a tile roof yourself online, but it’s usually much better to hire an expert to handle the job for you. Installing a roof is not only complicated but potentially dangerous too. As such, you want someone with experience to do the job for you.

Do your research, and find a roofer that you can trust with your roof. A well-trained roofer will be able to install the roof correctly and carefully the first time, so you won’t have to worry about issues later down the line.

Preparing The Roof

Now that your roofers are ready to start, they’ll begin by preparing the roof ready to be replaced. They’ll remove any old roofing if needed. This will need to be removed if the new roofing is to be placed on top of it. Then, they’ll carry out any repairs that need to be done. That ensures that there’s a good structure for the new roof to go on top of.

This part of the process can take several days, depending on how much needs to be removed, and how many repairs need to be done. At this point, the roofer may also reinforce the roof to take the added weight of tiles.

Installing Underlayment

Now your roof is prepared, the roofer will start the installation process. The first step is to install the underlayment. This is what creates the first barrier between your roof and the elements. Once the roof is fully installed, you’ll find that it’ll be the last line of defense if your tiles were to fail.

The underlayment is installed by being rolled out first at one side of the roof, along the lower edge of it. This is secured into place and then repeated until the whole roof is covered. Sections of underlayment will be overlapped to create a seal against water.

Installing Battens 

This may not need to be done on all roofs, but your roofer will let you know if you need them. These are thin strips of wood that are installed if the roof has a steep slope, and they’re designed to hold tiles in place. These will be installed at intervals along the roof, and once they’re in place, you can install tiles that have lips or hooks. These are designed to hang on the battens and stay in place.

Installing The Tiles 

Now, your roofer is ready to install the tiles themselves. If you didn’t need battens on your roof, then you’ll see that they nail the tiles directly into the roof itself. If there are battens, the tiles will be nailed into those. Some tiles are designed to interlock, and in these cases, they may not all need to be nailed into place.

To install the tiles, the roofer will start at one side of the roof at the top of the ridge, and work their way down. If any tiles need to fit around tight spots, such as the chimney, then they’ll cut them in order to fit. Tiles that sit at the end of a tow may need to be cut too.

Once all the tiles have been installed, the ridge tiles will need to be installed. These are what sit at the top of the roof and cap it off. Once they’ve done that, the roof has been fully installed.

Taking Care Of A Tiled Roof

Once the roof has been installed, you’ll need to take special care of it to ensure it lasts for its entire lifespan. Doing regular visual checks for anything that’s out of place, such as broken tiles, will be helpful to this end. You can also ensure gutters are clean to avoid water damage to your tiles. Hiring a roofer to inspect your roof annually will be your best option here.

Tile Roof Installation – Get It Today!

Now you know the tile roof installation process. If you think it’s the best option for your home, call your roofer today to start the process.