Fieldnotes: Tile Roofing
Distinctive and Decorative Traditional Roofing Material
Clay tiles are one of the most beautiful and unique traditional roofing materials because of their various shapes and colors. These features make a clay tile a character-defining detail of the property. The cost to replace a clay tile roof can be significant, so the homeowner must take all precautions to preserve and repair the roofing tiles.
Clay tile can last lifetimes, up to several hundred years! The National Park Service recommends a regularly scheduled maintenance program.
Tiles are available in two common shapes, pantiles, and flat tiles. Pantiles are commonly called barrel tiles, mission tiles or Spanish tiles and have a cup or S shape—flat tiles, similar to slate tiles. Color can also add character. While most clay tiles are red or terracotta tiles, many can be blue, green or even black clay tiles.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Why do tile roofs fail?
Tile roofs fail because of a lack of care and maintenance. Typically tiles fail for three reasons, breakage, framing failure, fastening failure.
Breakage: Many things can cause breakage, tree branches, frost and freezing, and careless foot traffic on the roof. Breakage can lead to water infiltration, which will result in framing failure.
Fastening Failure: Corrosive nails, over time, can rust and deteriorate. This may allow tiles to fall off, exposing the sheathing or shingle lathe.
Framing Failure: When water infiltration occurs, it can expose the framing to moisture and cause the wood to deteriorate and root. This problem can be increased by poor ventilation in the roofing system. This becomes very problematic because of the weight associated with tile roofing shingles.
“Repair of historic clay tile roofs is not a job for amateurs; it should be undertaken only by professional roofers experienced in working with clay tile roofs.”
Maintenance
How do I maintain my tile roof?
First, inspect the roof regularly from inside the attic, looking for signs of moisture (leaks and condensation). Second, trim back tree limbs to prevent contact with tiles. Finally, clean and remove all debris from the roof regularly. Do not allow leaves, branches, and trash to accumulate on the roof.
Repair
How do I repair my tile roof?
Tile roof repairs should be completed by a contractor that specializes in preservation:
A contractor must take special precautions not to cause additional damage.
All structural repairs must be complete before missing or broken tiles are repaired.
The roofing professional should replace broken tiles with salvaged or replica tiles.
Replacement
When should I replace my tile roof?
Ideally, you should never replace your tile roof. If replacement tile is required for the project, it should match the original tile as closely as possible since a historic clay tile roof is likely to be one of the building's most significant features. Natural clay tiles have the inherent color variations, texture, and color that is so important in defining the character of a historic tile roof. Thus, only traditionally shaped clay tiles are appropriate for repairing a historic clay tile roof.
What does a new tile roof cost?
The cost of a new tile roof can easily exceed $100,000 on a typical home.
Old Home Rescue is Oklahoma's only general contractor that specializes in traditional and historic exteriors. Please contact us to begin restoring and remodeling your home's unique exterior character.