Clay Roof Installation
Three Rules for Proper Clay Roof Installation
Since hard clay tiles resist sun, rain, wind and other elements, clay roofs are more durable than most other materials. To prepare for clay roof installation you must first get rid of all shingles from the roof surface by prying them up with a crowbar or shingle remover. Here’s a quick clay roof how-to:
Rule No. One: Find a roofing contractor with the skill and experience to do proper clay roof installation
Roofing contractors all too often advise homeowners to completely remove roof tiles that are repairable – purely because that particular contractor isn’t capable of working with clay tile. In many cases, the companies you purchase your tiles from can direct you to roofing contractors in your area who are skilled in clay roof installation.
Rule No. Two: The roof should have a layer of felt or other waterproof covering under the tile
The roof surface should be carefully scrutinized prior to clay roof installation, and all projecting nails, busted pieces of lumber and large pieces of rubble such as mortar, and pieces of brick or stone should be removed so they will not rupture the felt when it is applied. Flashing should be in place before the felt is laid. Defective sheathing should be changed, and roof surfaces should be even, with holes or cracks filled in so that the sheathing surface is in good condition to receive the felt.
Rule No. Three: Ensure correct application methods are followed
The installation method should be based on roof slope, type of roof deck or substrate, typical weather, seismic considerations, local building codes, and manufacturer’s suggestions. For example, in southern Florida it’s common to use adhesives, since they do better than mortar bedding in hurricane-force winds. Adhesives, however, are new to the market, and so little is known about their long-term durability.