How Does A Clay Tile Roof System Work

Add some mortar underneath the first clay tile to provide additional support.

How does a clay tile roof system work.

A clay tile roof is considered to be a water shedding system so windblown rain is expected to get in under the tiles and must be accounted for during the installation. Drive a 10d nail at the base of the clay tile into the batten. Tile roofs are very good insulators. While concrete roofing tiles are typically expected to survive 30 50 years in the right conditions a well made clay roof might be expected to last 100 years.

Don t overdrive the nail. The combined effect of roof tiles decking and air space between the tiles allows for better air circulation and reduces direct heat transfer by up to 50. But don t forget that clay tile is only the cosmetic layer of the total roofing system. The water repellent underlayment and tile supporting battens have an estimated lifespan of 40 years or less.

Lay out battens to provide equal courses with a minimum 3 inch head lap unless the tile profile is designed for a specific head lap. Structural clay tile describes a category of burned clay building materials used to construct roofing walls and flooring for structural and non structural purposes especially in fireproofing applications. An average clay tile roof costs between 675 to 1400 per square 100 sf of roof area. Battens for use on clay tile roofs should be made from pressure treated lumber except in very dry climates.

Air conditioning costs are lower in the summer and formation of ice dams ridges of ice that prevent melting snow from draining off the roof decreases in the winter. In terms of durability a well maintained tile roof will outlast a shingle roof by decades. Clay and concrete tiles are a great roofing material since they re more durable than shingles but they can break or crack if you apply too much pressure while you re walking on them. Metal and composites tend to last the longest but there are clay tile roofs that are over 100 years old as well.

Clay tiles are considered to be one of the longest lasting roofing materials available even substantially longer than concrete ones. While it s usually best to stay off your roof if possible you can still walk on the tiles if you need to make repairs. A clay tile roof system can cost two to three times as much as an asphalt roofing system. Depending on the material the tile is made of it can last from 25 to 100 years if taken care of properly.

Concrete tile roofs are more economical with costs of 400 to 450 per square. This is offset though by the long life a tile roof will enjoy. Verify that the tile overhangs the end of the batten by two inches. Roof frame support reinforcement requirements.

Self adhering underlayment that sticks to the roof deck and prevents leakage can be a highly desirable option for tile roofs.