Clay tiles provide a durable and weatherproof barrier for a roof.
Clay roofing tiles are created by baking clay into molds of specific shapes to make the tiles. How hard the clay is depends on how hot it becomes and how long it is baked. After it is done baking, glazes and protective treatments are often applied. You should choose clay tile based on what kind of look you want your roof to have. Every clay tile is a little different, so proper installation procedures are very important. Does this Spark an idea?
Materials and Preparation
Tile rooftops should be installed on continuous wood decking. If you use plywood, make sure the plywood is at least 5/8 inch thick to provide the necessary base. Stay away from strand board and fire retardant wood, which can develop problems when covered with tile. Before you start laying the tile, you will need to install the underlayment, or the base material that forms a protective layer between the tile and the wood.
Underlayment is known as roofing felt or felt paper, and is designed to protect the roof while you are installing the tile and create a waterproof barrier after the tile is installed. Choose an asphalt saturated felt, code 15 or 30, if you can find a local supplier. If your roof has a slope of 40 degrees or more, install one layer, but if it has a slope between 18 and 40 degrees, use two layers. If your roof is below 18 degrees in angle, you should not use clay tiles as an option. Attach the felt in strips, from bottom to top, using a staple gun or bonding material as proscribed by the felt instructions.
Installation Process
Once the felt is laid, attached the clay tiles. The most common method for attaching the tiles is nailing them in place, but you can also choose to use wire tie or clips. When choosing nails, pick galvanized steel or another resistant type of nail, 11 gauge or 12 gauge. Find nails with low profile heads by barbed shanks that are much more difficult to pull out. The nails should penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the wood plank.
Your clay tiles will be either interlocking or overlapping. If they are interlocking, fit them together carefully, leaving no cracks. If they overlap, overlap in a process similar to asphalt shingles, between 1 to 2 inches, and nail in place, moving from the edges of the roof up. Install flashing where needed--if you live in a harsh climate, especially a cold climate, you should install flashing along the perimeter of the roof as well as around chimneys and vents.
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