TILE ROOFING SYSTEMS

Many believe that tiles make the most beautiful and most structurally sound roofs. They have proven themselves over time. Some archeologists have found evidence of tile roofs that are 10,000 years old. After the Great Fire of London, in 1666, the King decreed that thatch was too dangerous a roofing material, and tiles should be used.

Tiles are fire resistant, and can also resist insect damage, water and salt damage, and their weight helps prevent loss from high winds. They are uniquely insulative, allowing a blanket of moving, solar-heated air just under the tiles that keeps thermal transfer from occurring. This type of insulation means tile roofs can help a building stay cool in summer and warm in winter. They are reflective, so they do not contribute to the urban heat sink. Tiles are also environmentally friendly and are made from natural materials with no off-gassing; most manufacturers hold to carbon footprint and recycling standards.

Roofing tiles are heavy, and if improperly installed, can allow the incursion of water under the tiles. If an earlier roof or missing tile allowed water to seep into the underlayment, the wooden structures can be damaged from dry rot or mold. In addition, there are both building code and tile manufacturer's requirements regarding the weight load of solid deck roofing before tiles are installed. Tile roofs require specialized flashing around skylights, vents, and chimneys, and both the materials of the flashing, and the vents and skylights, can be damaged or fail, requiring replacement before new roof tiles are installed.

The tiles themselves are also inspected, and any that have been damaged or cracked from falling debris or by people walking on the roof are noted for replacement. Edges are prone to problems, and birds love to nest along the edges, and under, clay tiles roofs. Areas where different angles or heights of the roof meet need to be assessed for structural integrity. One of the benefits of tile roofing is that air flow under the tiles keeps the roof insulated and prevents the thermal transfer of energy. But this system can also allow water to get under the tiles if the placement is improper or if a tile is lost to the weather. Gutters are known to be a challenge for tile roofs, and specific types of gutters should be installed. An inspection of the roof at the time of a repair or replacement decision can include an assessment of the gutters.