Considering Clay Tile Roofing Installation around Western Pennsylvania?

The crew at The Roofing Company can show how tile is laid, fastened and finished, and what the roof needs once it is up

Call 412-858-8858 to ask whether the framing suits a tile roof

Where Tile Fits in Pittsburgh, Then Style

Most roofs in this area are shingle, so a tile roof is a choice that calls for a few extra questions; ask next whether the tile is made for freezing weather.

Clay tile is baked from natural earth and keeps its color for a very long time; clay is usually the denser and more color-stable of the two.

Anyone weighing Clay Tile Roofing Installation should begin with the house, since the framing sets what the roof can carry; ask about the structure before anything else.

What the Rafters Have to Hold, From Attic to Wall

Tile is many times heavier than asphalt shingle, so the structure beneath it has to be sound and strong; an engineer or a qualified framer can check the numbers.

A deep layer of dense Pittsburgh snow adds real load to a roof that is already heavy with tile; a low slope may need extra thought.

Your plan for Clay Tile Roofing Installation should state what was looked at and what it showed; get it in writing if the house is old.

Frost, Moisture and Cracking, and What to Ask

Freeze and thaw is the greatest threat to a tile roof in a climate like this one, because trapped water pushes outward as it turns to ice; a roofer should be able to tell you what the tile is rated for.

Tiles that look the same can behave very differently in frost, so the quality of the product matters a great deal; a reputable supplier will answer questions about frost.

Frost resistance is the central question for Clay Tile Roofing Installation in cold country; a few spare tiles should be set aside for repairs.

Holding Tile Down in the Wind, and Why They Count

Water that gets under tile has to be stopped by the membrane below, which is why the underlayment is so important; a thin felt can break down long before the tile does.

Tiles are hung on battens or fastened by nails, screws or clips, and the method has to hold against wind and the pull of gravity; tiles near the edges are the first to lift.

  • Wall intersections are worth asking about before work begins.
  • The membrane at the eaves should be chosen to last as long as the roof.

Any bid for Clay Tile Roofing Installation should list what goes under the tile as clearly as it names the tile itself; ask what was chosen and why.

Flat, Barrel and Interlocking Styles, and How to Choose

Tile comes in flat, curved and interlocking shapes, and the shape affects both appearance and water flow; a very low slope may not suit certain tiles at all.

Clay holds a natural color through the years, while concrete gets its color from pigment and finishes that can fade; ask how the color is made and how it ages.

The look is a big part of why people choose Clay Tile Roofing Installation, and the profile and color should suit the whole building; trust your eye, then check the details.

Slate, Shingle or Tile, Side by Side

Next to shingle, tile is heavy, though some natural slate is heavier, so the house may already be built for something like it; the honest answer depends on the building.

Tile asks for more planning than shingle, and what you get is a long-lived surface that needs little upkeep; a short stay in the house may not justify it.

Judging Clay Tile Roofing Installation properly means comparing it with the other roofing choices for the same house; a roofer who sells only tile may not give you the whole picture.

Keeping Tile Whole After It Is On, Season by Season

Anyone who goes on a tile roof needs to step on the right part of the tile and know which ones are loose; do not allow gutter cleaners or antenna installers to roam the roof.

Entrances and walkways need protection from sliding snow, and snow guards for tile are worth discussing; a roofer should look at the eave detail and the gutters.

Looking after a finished roof of Clay Tile Roofing Installation is simple, and a careful roofer should be willing to describe it; keep photographs of the roof in a safe place.

What the Crew Does, Step by Step: Start to Finish

The old roof comes off first, then the deck is checked and repaired, and the crew sets up to handle heavy material; every step is planned to avoid overloading one area.

Tiles are laid from the eave upward in courses, cut to fit at hips and valleys, and fastened to the pattern set for the roof; caps at the ridges and hips are set last and are secured firmly.

Porches, Dormers and Older Tile, and How to Plan for It

Many older Pittsburgh houses have a tile roof on the main slopes and a different covering on a porch, dormer or rear addition; a roofer should tell you early what can and cannot be matched.

Before you decide on Clay Tile Roofing Installation, make a list of the porches, dormers and small roofs that touch the main one; walk the property with the crew and point out each junction.

Getting Clear Answers on Tile: Plain Questions

  • Have you looked at the rafters in the attic, and can I see it?
  • Can I see a data sheet for the tile you suggest, and what does the maker say?
  • Which fasteners will you use and how many per tile, and what is the next step?

When You Are Ready to Talk, Whenever You Are Ready

A tile roof is a long commitment, and the questions are worth asking before anything is ordered; the next step is simple.

Dial 412-858-8858 and tell us what you have in mind for Clay Tile Roofing Installation; tell us about the age and framing of the house.