Things You'll Need:
- Cement roof tile installation kit
- Roof sheathing (if new construction, or if old and in poor condition)
- Vapor barrier/roof wrap
- Stick lumber for grip battens
- Roofing felt 30-pound strength or greater
- Circular saw fitted with diamond cutting blade
- Nail gun and nails, silicone caulking
- Ladder, safety harness assembly
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Step 1
Nail down a layer of 3/4-inch plywood over the entire roof to provide a stable and strong base for the tile if your current roof is weak or damaged or this is on new construction.
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Step 2
Glue down a vapor barrier or roof wrap over the plywood and then cover the vapor barrier with a wrap of roofing felt in at least a 30-pound weight.
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Step 3
Install flashing around all openings in the roof including chimneys, plumbing vents, sky lights and the like with caulking and nails to prevent water damage.
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Step 4
Decide on your mounting style for the cement tiles. In warmer weather climates tiles can be nailed directly to the roof felt. In wet and windy climates, wood battens can be nailed across the roof in horizontal bands with the tiles nailed to the battens. Roof adhesives can be used to slide in and secure an individual replacement tile and added as a secondary mounting method but is not sufficient alone to secure the tiles.
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Step 5
Cut and lay down the first course of roofing tiles according to the manufacturers specifications. Some roof tile designs require starting the installation at the lower roof edge and working upwards, others can be applied working from the ridge line downwards. Continue to place and cut tiles to fit and complete each course and the overall tile pattern.
