For this Research and Writing assignment I read The History of Concrete and Mastering Roof Inspections: Tile Roofs, Part 1. The History of Concrete discusses the evolution of concrete throughout history from the Nabataea, to the Egyptians, the Romans, and down to modern Portland cement. Mastering Roof Inspections: Tile Roofs, Part 1 explains the most common types of tiles inspectors will find as well as different tile profiles.
Inspector notes excessive molding on shingle tile of roof. Recommending cleaning by expert in field. Molding can be caused by over-shadowing of roof by trees or higher peaks and excessive moisture found in the area. Left alone, molding can lead to roof failure and leaking into attic space/interior ceiling.
The related article that I’ve read is ““Cool” Energy-Efficient Roofs” by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. The “cool” roof is a rooftop that is specifically created to reflect the sun’s radiant energy back instead of transferring it as heat into the building. These roofing materials can be found in coatings, single ply, or special asphalt shingles. All of which will reduce power used to cool the home in warmer climates.
This is a photograph of a clay tile roof. There is missing clay tile along the ridge at this hip. The inspector should pay special attention to this area when inspecting the attic area as it is highly likely that there has been a moisture intrusion.
viewed a picture of a clay tile roof that an over time had been repaired with cement to fix everything from loose tiles to leaks , the mortar has since broken off and flacked and is now blocking drainage paths for water
tried to upload a picture of a cement roof that i inspected , the only cement or tile roof i had inspected but would not upload , it was of a proper installed cement tile roof with proper installed flashing around vent pipes. picture is of roof with wood shingles
This tile roof is in good shape. It has a valley and adequate ridge line coverage. There are no leaks or damage. The tiles properly interlock with each other. No evidence or missing fasteners. There are no weak spots, wind or storm damage. This is roof is in good shape and there is nothing to document in the inspection report.
Mastering Roof Inspections: Tile Roofs, Part 1:
Most roof tiles are clay and concrete, fiber cement are not used much anymore. Low profile tiles are flat or close to flat. Medium profile tiles are s-shaped or shallow. Barrel tiles are typically your high profile roof tiles. Like shingles, tiles are installed with courses over lapping the ones below. Side profile tiles can be installed like any of the other profile tiles. Medium and high profile tiles should have bird stops. Be sure to mention missing birdstops in your inspection report with a recommendation of adding it.
Although everything looks good with this new tile laid roof, there is a potential problem that can lead to moisture intrusion and can cause major damage. The skylight is missing the sidewall flashing and can cause leakage. Head flashing and front flashing is installed, but no sidewall flashing.
It is very important to watch your step when walking on a tile roof. If you dare to walk on a tile roof, make sure to on the head-lap of the tiles and if possible use your hands to use a four placement weight distribution to decrease the chances of breaking a tile and slipping. Great caution is required when walking on a tile covered roof.
Does anyone monitor these posts? It is labeled student discussion… seems like someone should monitor to help students.
This is an 12 year old interlocking concrete roof tile. The condition of the tile is good condition, the top and sides both have metal flaring with the side flashing being wider and deeper to act as a gutter, note the protruding metal in the salt in the bird stop.
Tile roofs are hard to inspect since you should not walk on them. Looking for visible damage is the easier part and since the fastening method being hidden tell tales become your best friend. Moved / misaligned tiles are just two indicators of failed fasteners.
The damaged tile shown appears was broken by foot fall. This tile roof showed signs it was recently pressure cleaned to sell the house. Broken tiles and loose filed and ridge tiles are a very common defect shuold be reported, even if there are no signs of active leaks.
I read the article Mastering Roof Inspections: Accessing the Roof, Part 1. Having the judgement to walk or not walk a roof has to become one of the most important parts of this job. Walking on steep roofs, wet roofs, roofs that appear to have sheathing damage can cause serious damage even death. And learning how to explain this situation to the buyer in a professional manner is as important.
Proper Clay tile assembly
The image shows the correct methods for a barrel style clay tile assembly. When installing this style of tile its important to use the proper battens to ensure they are secured properly to the roof decking and confirm that the proper fasteners are also used. preferably copper or stainless steel. A proper assembly will ensure a weatherproof roof structure.
Clay Tiles
I’ve there are several methods and different types of tile products for roofing installations. Concrete and clay tile assemblies can be much heavier than traditional asphalt shingles. Its important to inspect for stress on the roof framing for these heavier material installs. These type of assemblies may require a batten system for install to ensure proper airflow under the tiles and for drainage. Its important to inspect for proper bonding if mortar is being used.
cement tile installation. I did not walk on the roof, I felt it was unsafe- inspection restriction. Image was taken from a second floor window. Tiles are new and in good overall condition. Roof penetrations appear to be flashed correctly, once again limited by observation distance. Fasteners could not be evaluated due to inspection restriction. Underlayment has been installed as well as both vertical and horizontal batten strips for proper tile installation. No defects at time of inspection but installation has not been completed. This is a general roof covering inspection and does not guarantee or warranty this roof for the future
tile roof. S pattern tile roof installation. Tiles seem fasten correctly and there are ridge caps installed. Organic growth is noted on many tiles. Recommend scrubbing and power washing to extend the overall tile life. Walking and power washing can damage clay tiles so special care should be taken when attempting to clean. Recommend hiring a professional. Overall roof seems to be in good shape within the realm of this observation.
