Ceramic Roof
Tile Installation
Ceramic roofing tiles have been around for centuries and are produced in a variety of colors, shapes and patterns. Ceramic tile is kiln-fired and formed using a mold that creates an interlocking mechanism and rain channels. A properly glazed, installed and maintained ceramic tile roof will last up to 80 years. Ceramic tile is used to add architectural character to a building. Does this Spark an idea?
Make Sure the Roof Will Bear the Weight
Ceramic tile is made in three grades, each defined by the tiles' resistance to frost, with grade 1 providing the most resistance and grade 3 the least. Ceramic roofing tiles have a long life span. It is important to choose decking and underlayment that is also long-lasting and water resistant. Tile is heavy, weighing 25 to 60 kilograms per square meter. Make sure that your home builder knows that you want a tile roof covering so he can plan for it. If the house already exists and you want to replace a current roof covering with ceramic tile, check with a building engineer to be sure the roof structure can accommodate the extra weight. Tile is not used on buildings with less than an 18-degree angle because the water will not shed from the roof quickly enough.
Plan the Layout
Plan the roof layout in the area between the eaves and the ridge to ensure the tile is installed to achieve the best possible appearance. There are several method used to install the ceramic tiles. The choice depends on the type of decking, building codes, the tile grade, manufacturer recommendations and the slope of the roof. Galvanized nails are the most common and least expensive means of attachment. If the decking will not allow for nailing, wire ties will work. In high-wind areas, you can use nose or butt clips in addition to nailing. Lug-hung tiles can be hung over a batten. However, lug-hung usually requires an additional method of securing the tiles. Adhesives are new and not that common yet. Also used with other securing methods is mortar. Mortar is only used in year-round warm weather climates. Which method you choose will depend on the slope of the roof, what type of decking is on the rafters, manufacturer recommendations and requirements in the building code regulations.
Batten and Install
If you are using lug-hung tiles, nail the batten to the roof. Vertical battens will be used in the troughs and valleys of the roof. Whether you install counter batten, vertical or horizontal batten depends on the climate, the orientation of the roof and the roof pitch. Establish the vertical alignment to ensure the tiles will be placed level and straight. Calculate the loading guide for the roof. Ceramic tiles are heavy; they need to be placed so that the weight load is spread out but the tiles are accessible while you work. You will need enough tiles on the roof to do three courses at a time. Begin at the eaves and make this your first course. Measure as often as needed to ensure you are laying the tiles level.
Tags: Ceramic Roof, Ceramic Roof Tile, Ceramic roofing, Ceramic roofing tiles, Ceramic tile