Not at all. Although clay tile roofing is maintaining current popularity, its use stretches back to before the beginning of Western civilization. Clay tile roofing was a common addition to the architecture of Ancient Rome (the word tile comes from the Latin word tegula). The use of clay tile roofing expanded, maintaining a link to Mediterranean cultures, but also being associated with the early colonial settlements in California, a region where this type of roofing remains popular.
The continued use of clay tile roofing through the centuries means that you can be sure that it will perform. Even though clay tile roofing is an ancient technology, new manufacturing processes in North America make it a modern fixture you can rely on.
27
How is clay tile roofing made?
2007-12-20 16:08:54
Answer
Clay roof tile is made in the same way that ceramic tile is made – it''s fired in the kiln. At one time, most clay roof tiles were made by hand by shaping each tile around a curved surface, or even around the tile maker''s thigh! Now, clay tile is mass produced to render a more uniform appearance, and to create a relatively inexpensive product as demand for quality tile for roofs increases worldwide.
28
How many types of clay tile for roofs are available?
2007-12-20 16:09:19
Answer
There are a number of styles for you to choose from when it comes to clay tile roofing. Among the most popular is Spanish clay roofing, otherwise known as barrel tiles, which are semi-cylindrical tiles that overlap each other to render a series of rows with rounded profiles.
29
What are the insulation benefits of clay tile roofing?
2007-12-20 16:09:41
Answer
One of the reasons that clay tile roofing has been a staple material is the tendency of clay to hold in warmth and coolness, while keeping out heat and colder temperatures. The clay tile keeps a cushion of temperate air between it and the roof deck which acts like an insulative layer. This helps to keep attic temperatures more consistent, and to minimize excessive temperatures to the upper levels of your property in general.
30
How does clay tile roofing help my whole structure?
2007-12-20 16:10:06
Answer
Clay roof tiles add stability to your structure as a whole. Also, like ceramic tile, they are fire-proof. This obviously adds to structural as well as safety benefits to all kinds of properties.
31
Are clay tiles for roofing waterproof?
2007-12-20 16:10:47
Answer
To an extent, although it''s a good idea for you to concentrate on the underlayment when it comes to the issue of waterproofing. Make sure you''re installing your clay roof on a roof deck that is flat and clean. Roofing paper should be applied to cover the entire surface of the roof deck. This will seal the structure from moisture.
32
What is roof pitch and exposure and why is it so important?
2007-12-20 16:11:14
Answer
The pitch of a roof is a measure of how high a roof rises as you travel along its plain. In other words, for a roof which has a roof pitch of 3:12, this means that for every twelve inches, the incline of the roof rises by three inches. The minimum roof pitch for a Merida clay tile roofing installation is 3:12, with a maximum pitch of 12:12.
Exposure is a term which refers to how much surface area of the tiles that remains visible once the clay tile roofing has been installed. There are local building codes which determine what the minimum exposure should be and it''s a good idea to make sure you know before you proceed.
33
where can I learn more about how to figure out my roof pitch and exposure?
2007-12-20 16:11:46
Answer
Both of these factors are important to the health of your clay tile roof. Among other things, they are important pieces of information that can save time when you talk to your roofer. You''ll certainly need this information when it comes time to order your materials. Read this article to learn more about how to determine these important factors.
34
Can clay tile roofing be installed in any climate?
2007-12-20 16:12:12
Answer
Clay tile roofing is generally to be considered for more moderate climates, although installations in colder areas are not unheard of. Basically, it depends on your structure to a certain degree. Particularly, it refers to how steep your roof is – the roof pitch. For rainier climates, the steeper your roof pitch, the better. This will allow proper drainage and will discourage pooling, which can become a real problem in the long term.
This principle also applies to snow and ice, which you ideally don''t want to have too much of on the surface of clay tile over the course of an entire season. Talk to your local roofing contractors for advice on roof pitch and climate before ordering clay tile roofing.
35
Can I install clay tile roofing myself?
2007-12-20 16:12:39
Answer
Unless you''re an experienced roofer, then we would say no. There is an element of danger when it comes to installing any kind of roofing, and it can be an even greater risk to the inexperienced. Roofs are uneven surfaces, and slips and falls happen unexpectedly and very quickly even to the experienced. In addition to this, it can save a lot of time when you hire a professional roofer which is generally worth the extra expense alone.
36
How do I maintain my clay tile roofing?
2007-12-20 16:13:08
Answer
On a seasonal basis, make sure that leaves don''t remain on the roof – try a shop-vac or a simple once-over with a broom. For moss and algae, there are herbicidal treatments and methods which can be employed to minimize their presence. Talk to your local contractors or retailers about the right products to use on your clay tile roof. Choose products carefully, read the labels, and follow all instructions.
And once again: when you''re on your roof, be very careful. Work while sitting down as much as you can, and always be aware of how close you are to the edges of your roof. When in doubt, always ask for help from the more experienced.
37
How do I maintain my clay tile roofing?
2007-12-20 16:25:24
Answer
On a seasonal basis, make sure that leaves don''t remain on the roof – try a shop-vac or a simple once-over with a broom. For moss and algae, there are herbicidal treatments and methods which can be employed to minimize their presence. Talk to your local contractors or retailers about the right products to use on your clay tile roof. Choose products carefully, read the labels, and follow all instructions.
And once again: when you''re on your roof, be very careful. Work while sitting down as much as you can, and always be aware of how close you are to the edges of your roof. When in doubt, always ask for help from the more experienced.
