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A Look At Converting Your Roof From Shingles To Clay Tiles When You Get A Roof Replacement

If you want to change your asphalt shingles to clay tile roofing when you get a roof replacement, you should talk to your roofing contractor about what to expect with the process and whether it can be done. There may be a few preliminary steps you need to complete before the roof replacement can begin since tiles are so much heavier than shingles. Here's a look at what happens when converting your shingle roof to clay tiles. 

Have An Inspection From A Structural Engineer

Clay tiles are heavy, so you need to make sure your roof can support them properly. This requires an inspection from a professional. A structural engineer can examine your roof to see if it is strong enough for clay tiles, and if not, they can recommend what needs to be done if you want to continue with the conversion.

Take Off The Old Roofing

Your roofer will probably want to take off the old shingles rather than apply the clay tiles over them. One reason is that you'll reduce some weight on your roof with the old shingles gone, and another reason is so the roofer can inspect the deck closely.

Clay tiles can last decades, so it's important for the deck to be dry and in good shape before tiles are put on. If there is water damage, the tiles might all need to come off in a few years to replace the deck. If the roofer finds water damage on the deck, they can cut it out and replace it.

Prepare The Deck For The Tiles

A clay tile roof needs underlayment too. Your roofer may choose self-adhering underlayment, and apply it to the deck. The underlayment is waterproof, so it keeps rain away from the deck when rain gets under the tiles. Underlayment prevents water damage to the roof, which is important for the roof's long life.

When the underlayment is on, the roofer installs battens. These are boards that are attached to the roof horizontally. The clay tiles are then attached to the battens rather than the plywood deck. This is done to allow for drainage and ensure the tiles are held more securely to the roof. Plus, with the tiles elevated from the deck, air can flow under the tiles. This helps keep your home cooler in the summer and is one reason clay tiles are popular in warm climates.

Apply The Clay Tile Roofing

Clay tiles go on in a similar manner to asphalt shingles in that they're layered over each other and nailed to the roof. However, working with the tiles is more challenging since they can be cracked if not handled properly. Once the tiles are on and the flashing is in place, the roof replacement is complete and you can enjoy your home's new look.

Contact a local roofing replacement service to learn more.