How to Install a Concrete Tile Roof
Concrete tile roofing is available in a great many styles, colors and shapes that mimic sophisticated and very costly architectural roofs at a fraction of the price. Modern concrete tile roof systems can evoke the look and feel of a traditional Spanish tile roof with curving profiles to a French slate mansard roof with edges that appear hand chiseled but with much easier installation, lower cost and with little to no ongoing maintenance. Properly installed concrete tile roofs have a lifespan of 30 to 70 years, depending on the climate. Does this Spark an idea?
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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
Instructions
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Install Stable Roof Sheathing
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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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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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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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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
Roof top work is dangerous even for the pros. If attempting this kind of installation as a DIY project, always work with a partner on the ground to hold the ladder and man the safety harness.
