Inspectors look at different types of tile roofs. Clay and cement tiles are the two most common. Cement tiles made with asbestos have been banned for health reasons.The way tiles are installed and the types of fasteners used will affect the life-span of the roof.
The roof on this home appears to be in good condition. However, the downspout should have an extension to allow rain water to exit away from the foundation. The ground near the downspout shows erosion, and the ground is sloping towards the foundation. I would recommend having a contractor slope the ground near the downspout away from the foundation.
I read ‘Roof Underlayment Types.’ I was aware of 15 and 30 pound felt underlayment, in my area commonly called ‘tar paper.’ I was interested to lean about synthetic underlayment. The advantages are light weight and strength, fungal growth resistance, wrinkle-free and resistance to UV. The disadvantages are no ASTM standard, may not meet current building code, and may void asphalt shingle manufacturer’s warranties.
This is an example of a dual batten system biding installed. The first row of battens are being installed in the direction of the rafters. This raises the second row of battens so the horizontal row will be less likely to catch debre and to lessen the likelyhood of moisture being held against the underpayment for long periods of time .
There are many type of undelaymets in use with todays homes. It seems that the building markets are leaning less towards tar paper and moving forwards synthetic or rubberized asphalt. You must keep in mind that there are newer synthetic membranes that havent been approved for use by some local building codes.
The interlocking concrete roofing tiles were observed without staggered joints on the Southside. This condition appears an installation defect and poses risk to good maintenance, e.g. untimely/premature breakage and/or moisture intrusion. A qualified specialist, e.g. licensed roofing
contractor is recommended for prompt investigation and repair as needed.
In the Inspecting Tile Roofs Course, it was indicated that tile roofing may be installed with or without battens and counter batons, i.e. supporting battens (running parallel with the underlying roof structure–rafters, truss top chords) according to the manufacturer’s instructions and attention to drainage.
THE ATTACHED IMAGE IS THAT OF A GUTTER. A ROOF GUTTER SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO COLLECT AND DRAIN RAINWATER FROM THE ROOF TO AN AREA AWAY FROM THE FOUNDATION. HERE, THE GUTTER APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED AND NOT SUPPORTED BY ITS HANGER IN THIS SECTION. I WOULD REPORT THIS AS IN NEED OF REPAIR IN MY REPORT.
THE ILLUSTRATION THE I CHOSE FROM THE ILLUSTRATION GALLERY IS TITLED, “TILE TO WALL FLASHING”. THE IMAGE PROVIDES ME WITH AN EXCELLENT VIEW OF HOW PROPER ROOF TILE AND FLASHING SHOULD BE ASSEMBLED AT A WALL. HERE, I’M ABLE TO SEE THAT THE TILE ENDS A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE WALL AND CURVES INTO PAN FLASHING. COUNTER FLASHING IS INSTALLED ON THE WALL AND DROPS IN OVER THE PAN FLASHING. THE IMAGE HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THE ASSEMBLY AND I’LL BE ABLE TO INCORPORATE THIS KNOWLEDGE IN THE FIELD.
This inspection of the roof shows properly installed counter flashing on a flat roof. Counter flashing on sidewalls and headwalls are needed over channel flashing. Properly installed Counter flashing sits continuously embedded in between brick or mortar to make a water tight seal.
The essay describing the difference between Type B and Type L vents broke down the specific use of each. Type B vents should be used with gas firing appliances that are draft hooded and do not exceed 480 degrees. The clearance for combustibles is 3 inches. Type L can be used with gas or oil burning appliances and have a combustible clearance of 2 inches. Neither vent should be used for wood or coal burning appliances.
The concrete tile roof was in good condition during this inspection process. The tiles were uniform and showed no indications of any cracking at the time of the inspection. With proper maintenance, this roof covering should last for many years.
I read the article titled “Roofing”, particularly the section that speaks about clay and concrete roofing tiles. Something I didn’t pick up on prior is the energy savings. I learned that tile roofs can lower A/C costs and protect against UV. The roofing material is also 100% recyclable which is great for the environment.
During my inspection today on 01/20/2019, I inspected a home’s roof. I noticed on the tile roof there is a crack on the tile. I advised client that they needed to hire a professional to repair that crack to prevent any issues in the future such as moisture intrusion. Estimated cost: $500.00 to $1000.00
Today’s research, I studied the article on Roof Drainage. I’ve learned on this article that any time it rains, rainwater falling on the roof is collected on the gutters, any downspout carries roof water away from the foundation, and the ground slopes away from the wall by 5%.
While inspecting the tile roof, the inspector, noted that the valley, in particular the metal valley flashing was buckling. This condition has the potential to cause damage as water will not flow properly thru the valley and may well seep into the roof
Walking on Concrete Tile Roofs
Learn how to properly walk on concrete tile roofs with Kenton Shepard in this 1-minute video.
This video/article was important to watch as it presented the proper way to walk on a concrete tile roof without damaging a clients roof
For this required writing essay for InterNACHI’s Inspecting Tile Roofs Course I chose an article located on InterNACHI’s site called “Mastering Roof Inspections: Tile Roofs, Part One” by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Sheppard. This pertains to inspecting tile roofs as the title describes.
For this section of InterNACHI’s required essay for Inspecting Tile Roofs Course, I chose a picture of a tile roof. This roof appears to be in the installation process. You can see the battens, underlayment, interlocking tile’s, and proper overlap.
Roof penetrations should be flashed and or sealed in a manner that does not allow the passing of moisture beneath the roofing material where it can damage sheathing and other vulnerable materials. Sealant used should be the type that is most effective against UV exposure and that will not be subject to drying and cracking. It is recommended that sealant be checked often and resealed before moisture is allowed into the materials.