Concrete and Clay Tile Roof Installation

Many designs of both concrete and clay tile roofs require the installation of blocks to correctly position the individual tiles. Traditional Spanish or barrel tiles are installed vertically up the roof surface. Other types of tiles are required to run horizontally across the roof plane. All tile roofs should be installed with a minimum of one corrosion-resistant fastener per tile, if the tile weighs less than 9 pounds per square foot. Heavier tiles and those installed in snow-load areas require a minimum of two fasteners. All open ends of shaped tiles at both the eaves and at any valleys should be sealed to prevent birds and other wildlife from entering the area between the tiles and the underlayment. Problems other than those from mechanical damage tend to be from failure of the underlayment and flashings, rather than failure of the tiles themselves. Concrete and clay tile roofs are very similar from an inspection perspective, as they are all installed in generally the same way and tend to exhibit the same problems in service. Tile roofs should not be walked on, as they can be very easily damaged by foot traffic. The inspection should be conducted from a ladder at the eaves, using a drone, or from the ground.