Concrete Installation of Roof Tile

Inspect the existing sheathing to ensure it is adequate to support the weight of a concrete tile installation per local building codes. Inspect the underlayment to ensure it completely covers the decking material and overlaps all hips and ridges, as well as through all valleys. Contact your local building code department to inquire about local codes and verify that your roofing plans are in compliance.

Install your batten system. Battens should typically be no more than 4 feet long. Position the top batten along the top edge of the roof and secure with fasteners, which may be screws or nails that can penetrate through the batten and at least 3/4 inch into the sheathing. Leave 1/2-inch weep space for drainage between battens and at the edges.

Lay out your roof tile design. Determine the overhang of the tile over the eaves, which is typically 3/4 inch to 2 inches, depending on the type of your concrete tile and your gutter system. Subtract the amount of overhang plus 3 inches from the total length of a single tile to determine the starting point for your first row of tiles. Measure this distance from the eave and snap a chalk line across the length of the roof.

Install the entire first row of tiles. Ensure the overhang is even and the butt end of the tiles are aligned along the chalk line. Snap each succeeding chalk line the length of a tile minus 3 inches. Install your next row of tiles along this line, ensuring a 3-inch overlap.

Secure the tiles to the roof with appropriate fasteners. These may be corrosion-resistant nails or screws, depending on the type of tiles and the manufacturer's recommendations. Repeat the process until the section is complete. Cap the ridge with ridge tiles.