Tile roofing installation is a laborious and time-consuming process. An undertaking of this scale requires careful forethought and organisation before the tiling process even begins. The appropriate approach is also essential for either the installation of new roofing tiles or the replacement of broken tiles. Below, you'll find detailed instructions on how to lay roof tiles correctly.
Choosing The Roof Tile Material
It is important to choose the type of roof tile to be used before beginning the tiling process.
Terracotta Shingles
For many decades and centuries, clay roof tiles have been the standard. In addition to being one of the most long-lasting options, they let you construct a classic and timeless roof. Furthermore, the overall look of the roof is consistent and tidy because clay tiles are often the same colour and size.
Roofing Slates
Slate roof tiles are also a common choice for many homes. Slate roof tiles are quite popular because of their beautiful, natural appearance. Slate has a natural, striking appearance because it produces a sharp and clean finish and has natural colour variations running through it. Because of its extraordinary durability, slate roofs often last for a century or more, making them a great option for historic buildings.
Shingles made of concrete
Concrete roof tiles are becoming increasingly popular as new methods of production allow for an unprecedented range of coloration, dimensionality, and form. Concrete roof tiles are also frequently used in projects that are being evaluated for their environmental credentials due to their relative environmental friendliness.
Ceramic Tiles
Numerous plastic roof tile options have emerged as lightweight and environmentally friendly replacements thanks to the widespread use of recycled plastic in their production. Plastic roof tiles come in a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes, so you may get the appearance of a traditional roof while showing greater concern for environmental protection.
Determine the Required Amount of Roof Tiles by Determining the Total Roof Area
Once you've decided on the roof tiles you want to use for your home, the next step is to calculate how many tiles you'll need. To do so, you'll need to be familiar with the proportions of both a single roof tile and the roof's entire area. This link will take you to more information on how to calculate the roof's total area.
Count How Many Tiles You'll Need
Once the roof's total area has been calculated, it can be divided by the tile's dimensions to provide an estimate of the roof's pitch. Instead, have a look at the manufacturer's guidelines. Tiles are sold by the manufacturer by the square metre, and this number specifies how many tiles are needed to cover a given area of roof. In order to get the exact quantity of roof tiles you need, check out our post for more information and specifics.
Check That You Have All Necessary Items
To start tiling the roof, you must first estimate how many tiles you will need and then gather the rest of the equipment, materials, and supplies that will be needed. You'll need roofing tiles, roofing nails, timber battens, underlay, and sealer in addition to the typical tools and accessories like a hammer and a ladder. You may also require hip and ridge tiles.
Make Ready The Overhead Space
Roofing work often begins with the removal of any preexisting layers of tiles, shingles, or other coverings. In addition, you should check the sheathing for damage and either replace or repair any damaged components. In conclusion, strong sheathing is necessary because it will be the material that holds the roof tiles in place.
Proceed to Underlayment
The underlay can be installed once the sheathing has been checked and, if necessary, replaced. The underlay should be laid out parallel to the lower eaves first, and then sheets should be worked their way up to the top of the roofline. When securing the sheets on the opposite side, make sure they overlap the peak of the roof. The underlay must be nailed to the sheathing with the overlap between each roll creating a seal, and the nails must be placed at a spacing of about 50 centimetres apart.
Tighten the Timber Slats
The underlay must be installed before the timber battens can be laid, which will serve as the surface for attaching the roof tiles. Every row of tiles should overlap the one below it by at least 3 inches, with the exception of the eaves, where the tile should extend to the gutter's centre. The tiles are used to establish how much space there should be between the timber battens. You should always leave at least three inches of overlap while laying tiles.
So, put a tile over a timber batten, and then put another tile over a timber batten below it. For a neat finish, space the battens so that the tiles overlap by three inches. If you measure the current gap between two timber battens, you'll have a good idea of how much space there should be between them. Install the first batten at the lowest point of the roof, make sure a tile will reach the gutter's centre, and work your way up the roof while keeping the expected distance between battens.
Cover the Roof with Tiles
The tiles can be laid down at this time. When installing a new roof, it is important to spread the tiles out equally across the surface area to ensure that the load is distributed properly.
When possible, proceed from right to left; otherwise, you may need to detour around obstacles like chimneys and come back to them later.
When working from the eaves outward, the tiles should reach the gutter's centre line.
Organizing The Project
Choose the Tile That Best Suits Your Needs.
There are many different tile grades to choose from, and it is important to pick the tile grade that is suitable for the location of the building.
The choice between clay and concrete for your tiles is equally crucial (various grades based on climatic conditions are available for both). They differ from one another in key areas, heightening the gravity of your decision.
Among the many options for roofing materials, clay tiles are widely considered among the most long-lasting options. However, it is anticipated that a concrete roof tile will endure between 30 and 50 years, while a properly constructed clay roof could last for up to 100 years.
Clay tiles are more expensive than other materials because of their durability (and neither option is particularly cheap). Installing a concrete tile roof on a typical house with a roof size of 1,500 square feet might cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000. This wide range in price is illustrated by a single quote. A clay tile roof, on the other hand, may set you back between $10,500 and $45,000 to have installed on the same property.
Finally, the colour of concrete tiles is likely to fade more quickly than that of clay tiles. Consider this when shopping for a roof, especially one you plan to maintain for a while.
Think About The Weight's Effect
Standard asphalt shingles often have a weight that is less than three pounds per square foot, to put it in the simplest terms imaginable.
Concrete tiles are often lighter than clay tiles, although they may still support more than 10 lb/sq ft when properly installed.
It's possible that a roof that wasn't built with tiles or wasn't designed to sustain tiles will collapse under their weight. If this is the case, you should have your roof inspected, and possibly reinforced, to make sure it can take the added weight.
Create a list of what will be needed.
Some of these are rather common sense, like the fact that you should bring a ladder, but others are more specific to your task and are items that you probably don't have on hand. For instance, a ladder can come in handy. Instances to consider
Nails known as gasket nails include a plastic cap on the inside that helps seal nail holes, so you don't have to worry about water seeping in.
One can use underlayment or underlay as an alternative. This water-proof membrane is installed between the roof's sheathing and the rafters.
There are a few choices, but since this is a roof that is expected to last anywhere from 30 to 100 years, it is probably wise to invest in one of the more robust varieties.
Exterior caulk or sealant is meant for usage in the open air. Some caulks and sealants are made specifically for outdoor usage, but it's important to make sure you pick ones that will stay.
This roof could last forever, but the materials must be adequate to the task or it will fail.
Create a Material Cost Projection.
You must first determine the size of your roof. Please feel free to use this calculator to help you figure out how big your roof will need to be (do not use the function titled "Tile Calculator," which is intended for interior floor tile).
Estimating the number of tiles needed to complete a job is challenging without knowing the specific tile that will be utilised. To cover 100 square feet of roof, for instance, would take between 75 and 400 tiles.
Set aside a certain amount of time.
It is crucial to think about the weather and how much time you have before determining whether or not to replace the roof of an existing property.
It goes without saying that you should put your roof on before winter, but you should also keep an eye out for dry days so you can accomplish it.
Look at the forecast for the next few days (with an understanding that forecasts do change). Also, make sure you have enough people working on the project to complete it on schedule. You can't do it all by yourself, therefore you need get ready accordingly.
Get the required supplies and equipment.
Check with the hardware store staff while you're there, as they may have specialised knowledge about the things you're looking for.
If consumers have been complaining about an unsatisfactory product, the company might have some insight into the matter.
Destroy the Existing Roof (If Applicable).
This is a massive undertaking that could take many days and requires specialised tools to finish. To that end, allot sufficient time to accomplish this.
Restore and reinforce the roof (If Applicable).
It would have been preferable if you had taken the time to reinforce the roof framing before tearing off the old roof.
However, the sheathing can be compromised due to damage or a lack of strength, as it is the layer of wood or another material that covers the region between the relatively exposed frame and the outer layers of roofing. Raise its strength.
Don't forget the heft's significance for a second.
Many homes have light, affordable shingle roofs; switching to a heavier tile roof will need significant additional effort due to the weight difference between the two.
Weight of underlayment and tiles on a 1,500 square foot roof is close to 8 tonnes. This applies to the "average" home in the United States. That's a lot like parking two enormous SUVs on top of your home at the same time.
Roll Out The Underlayment.
The first roll of underlayment should be laid parallel to the lower border of the roof (the eave) and along one side of the roof. Roll out the underlay so that the bottom edge is flush with the eave, but make sure it is higher than any metal or synthetic edging that may be covering the eave's borders.
Check that the underlayment is stable. One section at a time, roll out to a length of ten feet (three metres), and then secure with nails every twenty-four inches. Keep every nail at least two inches from the ridge of the roof.
When you reach the ridge of the roof, you'll need to trim the underlayment roll to fit the perimeter. You should then close things up securely.
To start over on the roof, go to the far end from where you were. You must overlap the underlayment such that the fresh layer partially covers the old layer.
Underlayment may come with a set of lines to show the installer how much each layer should overlap. The top line of the newly installed layer should be treated how the eave's original lower border was treated.
Try Different Approaches To Overcome Challenges.
Chimneys and other protrusions from a roof should also have their access points sealed. Caulk or other sealants made especially for outdoor use should be used to seal the metal flashing around the chimney.
The underlayment must be cut to size so that it may be a snug fit around the obstacles. The overlap between the flashing and the underlayment must then be covered with a second layer of material (such as the leftover underlayment strips) and fastened into place.
Placing the Tiles
Fix Battens (If Applicable).
Using battens to secure the tiles in place may be necessary if the roof has a severe slope. Battens are the thin horizontal strips of material used to support the roof. Wood, metal, and plastic are all viable materials for making battens. Most battens are 2 inches in width and 1 inch in thickness. Many different kinds of tiles have a lip or hook on the back that makes them suitable for hanging from a variety of battens. (It goes without saying that this is another thing to think about when choosing the tile that matches your needs.) Clips are also included for fastening the tiles to the batten.
Using two tiles as guides, determine the appropriate distance between battens. Non-interlocking tiles must have a three-inch overlap (measurement is unnecessary with interlocking tiles), and eave overhangs should be kept to a minimum. Tiles that fit together without the need for measuring tape are convenient. When deciding where in the building to instal the battens, keep this in mind.
First, decide on the spacing for the first two battens, measure it, and then set up the remaining battens with that measurement in mind, checking your work at each stage to make sure it's accurate.
Lay Down Tiles.
In order to complete the roof efficiently, you should begin on one side and move to the other sides in a clockwise direction.
If battens have not been installed, you can hammer the tiles right into the sheathing.
You will nail the tiles into the battens when you have finished installing the battens. Clips can be used as an alternate method for fastening tiles to battens.
It may not be necessary to attach all of the tiles to the sheathing or battens if you are using tiles that securely interlock with one another; read the instructions carefully for the tiles to learn more.
Tiles can be shaped to fit awkward spaces.
In order for the tiles to fit securely around obstacles like the chimney, they will need to be cut. In addition, the tiles at the ends of each row will very certainly need to be hacked.
The Ridge Tiles should be put in place.
When you're done with the flat sections of the roof, known as the "fields," you'll need to finish off the tops with specialised ridge tiles. After you've completed the "fields," proceed to this step.
These are circular, and their arrangement can be either parallel or overlapping, depending on the design. After this, the installation process should be complete. Again, many thanks for the superb work you did laying the new tiles on the roof.
How To Install Clay Roof Tile
Roof tiles made of clay are popular because they look rustic and ancient, like they belong in the Mediterranean. Their durability and portability make them a great option for certain roofing uses. They offer better insulation than conventional materials like ceramic tiles.
The size, colour, and installation method you choose for your clay tiles should be carefully deliberated over before you begin.
An Appropriate Incline
Roofs with inclines of more than 20 degrees benefit from the use of clay tiles. Cathedral roofs are perfect for this tile because its aesthetic value increases with the steepness of the roof's pitch. Before beginning, make sure the surface is level; if it isn't, you'll need to use mortar or thin-set to get it there.
The Proper Underlayment for a Roof
One of the most important considerations during the installation of clay tiles is the roof's underlayment.
The longevity of a clay tile roof can be affected by the quality of the substrate beneath it. Typically, the underlay is asphalt-soaked roofing material that is applied to all the exposed areas of the roof that sit below the tile clay cover.
Be careful to join or place it properly, or you may soon have tiles overlapping one another. A second layer should be installed along the roof's edge and in the valleys to further protect the surface. Two layers of asphalt-impregnated roofing felt No. 30 or one layer of coated base sheet No. 43 should be used to cover each deck. That's the very minimum that should be done.
Picking the Perfect Clay Tile
Despite the fact that clay tiles are manufactured to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, it is still vital to choose them based on the environment of the location in which you reside. The most common types of clay tiles are as follows:
The size and thickness of the thin, rectangular portions of slate, a type of rock, can vary widely.
Small, rectangular slabs of clay, fired to a smooth or sanded finish, make up plain tiles.
Clay tiles known as "pantiles" take on the shape of the letter "S" in plan view.
Roman tiles resemble pantiles but differ in that its cross sections are flat rather than rounded.
Guidelines for Putting in Clay Floor Tiles
Metal flashing must be put around chimneys, conduits, vents, and other roof openings, as well as the area where the roof meets a vertical wall, after the underlay has been laid. Use a corrosion-resistant flashing of at least 28 gauge. Here are the simple procedures you need to take to instal your clay tiles correctly:
The first tile should be centred from side to side on the batten and placed with the crown pointing upward.
Nail the clay tile down to the batten with a penny-sized nail. Be cautious about hammering the nail too hard. Make sure the tile ends up overhanging the batten by at least two inches before moving forwards.
The first clay tile needs extra support, thus a thin layer of mortar should be applied directly under it.
To do this, position a new tile so that its inner border covers the previous one. If you want to cut off a bit more of the second tile, do your measuring from the perimeter of the tile.
You should use the same method you used to secure the first tile to the batten to secure the second tile.
Add two more tiles at the ridge's other end and set them up in the same way as the first.
Calculate the span of the bridge by starting at one end of the ridge and measuring the distance between the first two tiles. Subtract 16 inches from the total measurement, then divide that figure by 8 to get the appropriate number of tiles.
Get going with the second tile at one end of the ridge. Proceed from one end of the ridge to the other, then work your way towards the ridge's centre before finishing with the remaining ridge tiles.
You should start putting in the remaining tiles at the far end of the ridge and work your way inward. Finally, mortar is utilised to set a crucial tile in place in the ridge's centre.
Mortar Variety
To make it more manageable and straightforward to apply, use a mortar with a consistency that falls somewhere in the middle. Pack mortar under the outer edge of the first ridge tile to fill the gap between the tile and the batten and secure it in place. Then, polish it off with the trowel.
Continue securing the ridge tiles to the wall with mortar along their lower edges. You should next apply mortar to the outer edge of the tile at the opposite end of the ridge, paying special attention to the intersection of the ridge tiles. Using the trowel, remove any excess mortar and place a key ridge tile in the centre of the ridge.
Conclusion
It is important to choose the type of roof tile to be used before beginning the tiling process. Slate roof tiles are popular because of their beautiful, natural appearance. Numerous plastic roof tile options have emerged as lightweight and environmentally friendly replacements thanks to the widespread use of recycled plastic in their production. Roofing work often begins with the removal of any preexisting layers of tiles, shingles, or other coverings. Tiles are sold by the manufacturer by the square metre, and this number specifies how many tiles are needed to cover a given area of roof.
When installing a new roof, it is important to spread the tiles equally across the surface area. Choose the tile grade that is suitable for the location of the building. There are many different tile grades to choose from, and it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Asphalt shingles often have a weight that is less than three pounds per square foot. Concrete tiles are often lighter than clay tiles, but may still support more than 10 lb/sq ft when properly installed.
Some caulks and sealants are made specifically for outdoor usage, but it's important to pick ones that will stay. Look at the forecast for the next few days (with an understanding that forecasts do change). Make sure you have enough people working on the project to complete it on schedule. Roll out the underlayment so that the bottom edge is flush with the eave, but higher than any metal or synthetic edging. Underlayment may come with a set of lines to show the installer how much each layer should overlap.
Most battens are 2 inches in width and 1 inch in thickness. Non-interlocking tiles must have a three-inch overlap. Eave overhangs should be kept to a minimum. Roof tiles made of clay are popular because they look rustic and ancient, like they belong in the Mediterranean. They offer better insulation than conventional materials like ceramic tiles.
Clips can be used as an alternate method for fastening tiles to the sheathing or battens. The longevity of a clay tile roof can be affected by the quality of the substrate beneath it. Underlay is asphalt-soaked roofing material applied to all exposed areas of the roof. A second layer should be installed along the roof's edge and in the valleys to further protect the surface. Mortar is used to set a crucial tile in place in the centre of the ridge.
You should use a consistency that falls somewhere in the middle to make it manageable and straightforward to apply. Using the trowel, secure the tiles to the wall with mortar along their lower edges.
Content Summary
- Choosing The Roof Tile MaterialIt is important to choose the type of roof tile to be used before beginning the tiling process.
- Determine the Required Amount of Roof Tiles by Determining the Total Roof AreaOnce you've decided on the roof tiles you want to use for your home, the next step is to calculate how many tiles you'll need.
- To do so, you'll need to be familiar with the proportions of both a single roof tile and the roof's entire area.
- Once the roof's total area has been calculated, it can be divided by the tile's dimensions to provide an estimate of the roof's pitch.
- Instead, have a look at the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Tiles are sold by the manufacturer by the square metre, and this number specifies how many tiles are needed to cover a given area of roof.
- In order to get the exact quantity of roof tiles you need, check out our post for more information and specifics.
- Check That You Have All Necessary ItemsTo start tiling the roof, you must first estimate how many tiles you will need and then gather the rest of the equipment, materials, and supplies that will be needed.
- You'll need roofing tiles, roofing nails, timber battens, underlay, and sealer in addition to the typical tools and accessories like a hammer and a ladder.
- So, put a tile over a timber batten, and then put another tile over a timber batten below it.
- For a neat finish, space the battens so that the tiles overlap by three inches.
- Install the first batten at the lowest point of the roof, make sure a tile will reach the gutter's centre, and work your way up the roof while keeping the expected distance between battens.
- Cover the Roof with TilesThe tiles can be laid down at this time.
- When installing a new roof, it is important to spread the tiles out equally across the surface area to ensure that the load is distributed properly.
- There are many different tile grades to choose from, and it is important to pick the tile grade that is suitable for the location of the building.
- The choice between clay and concrete for your tiles is equally crucial (various grades based on climatic conditions are available for both).
- It's possible that a roof that wasn't built with tiles or wasn't designed to sustain tiles will collapse under their weight.
- Create a list of what will be needed.
- This water-proof membrane is installed between the roof's sheathing and the rafters.
- Create a Material Cost Projection.
- You must first determine the size of your roof.
- It goes without saying that you should put your roof on before winter, but you should also keep an eye out for dry days so you can accomplish it.
- Also, make sure you have enough people working on the project to complete it on schedule.
- Get the required supplies and equipment.
- Restore and reinforce the roof (If Applicable).It would have been preferable if you had taken the time to reinforce the roof framing before tearing off the old roof.
- Weight of underlayment and tiles on a 1,500 square foot roof is close to 8 tonnes.
- Roll Out The Underlayment.
- When you reach the ridge of the roof, you'll need to trim the underlayment roll to fit the perimeter.
- To start over on the roof, go to the far end from where you were.
- The overlap between the flashing and the underlayment must then be covered with a second layer of material (such as the leftover underlayment strips) and fastened into place.
- Placing the Tiles Fix Battens (If Applicable).Using battens to secure the tiles in place may be necessary if the roof has a severe slope.
- Battens are the thin horizontal strips of material used to support the roof.
- Clips are also included for fastening the tiles to the batten.
- When deciding where in the building to instal the battens, keep this in mind.
- In order to complete the roof efficiently, you should begin on one side and move to the other sides in a clockwise direction.
- If battens have not been installed, you can hammer the tiles right into the sheathing.
- You will nail the tiles into the battens when you have finished installing the battens.
- It may not be necessary to attach all of the tiles to the sheathing or battens if you are using tiles that securely interlock with one another; read the instructions carefully for the tiles to learn more.
- The Ridge Tiles should be put in place.
- When you're done with the flat sections of the roof, known as the "fields," you'll need to finish off the tops with specialised ridge tiles.
- After this, the installation process should be complete.
- Again, many thanks for the superb work you did laying the new tiles on the roof.
- The size, colour, and installation method you choose for your clay tiles should be carefully deliberated over before you begin.
- The longevity of a clay tile roof can be affected by the quality of the substrate beneath it.
- Picking the Perfect Clay TileDespite the fact that clay tiles are manufactured to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, it is still vital to choose them based on the environment of the location in which you reside.
- Use a corrosion-resistant flashing of at least 28 gauge.
- Here are the simple procedures you need to take to instal your clay tiles correctly:The first tile should be centred from side to side on the batten and placed with the crown pointing upward.
- Nail the clay tile down to the batten with a penny-sized nail.
- You should use the same method you used to secure the first tile to the batten to secure the second tile.
- Add two more tiles at the ridge's other end and set them up in the same way as the first.
- Calculate the span of the bridge by starting at one end of the ridge and measuring the distance between the first two tiles.
- Get going with the second tile at one end of the ridge.
- Finally, mortar is utilised to set a crucial tile in place in the ridge's centre.
- Pack mortar under the outer edge of the first ridge tile to fill the gap between the tile and the batten and secure it in place.
- Continue securing the ridge tiles to the wall with mortar along their lower edges.
- Using the trowel, remove any excess mortar and place a key ridge tile in the centre of the ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiling A Roof
Roof tiles are 'hung' from the framework of a roof by fixing them with nails. The tiles are usually hung in parallel rows, with each row overlapping the row below it to exclude rainwater and to cover the nails that hold the row below.
For all roof areas and rafter pitches, every tile should be mechanically fixed with at least a nail, a clip, or a combination of these options that provide adequate combined resistance to the wind uplift loads on the tiles. For roof pitches of 45° and above, each tile should be fixed with at least one nail.
40-50mm
If your roof features an overhanging edge known as a verge, try to allow for a 40-50mm overhang with your tiles. This will allow any rainwater to drain into your guttering system and not over the side of your property.
The process of tiling a roof begins with installing the guttering and fascia boards and the bulk delivery of the tiles to the site. This is then followed by the installation of a guard rail and warning signage, which help to protect those below from any danger while work is being carried out.
Roofing felt
Roofing felt or roofing underlay sits underneath the tiles or slate on your roof and secures them in place. The felt is laid on the top of the supporting rafters and beneath the tiles or slate battens.