Starting the process of tiling a roof involves several crucial preparatory steps that lay the foundation for a successful and durable roof installation. Based on the common procedure and the provided reference steps, you don't simply begin by laying tiles; there's a systematic approach to follow beforehand.
The initial phase of a roof tiling project is centered around planning, preparation, and setting up the base layers before any tiles are installed. These steps ensure you have the right materials, quantities, and a properly prepared surface.
Essential Steps to Begin Roof Tiling
According to the outlined process, starting the tiling of a roof involves working through the following key stages before you even reach the actual tiling phase (which is listed as Step 8).
Step 1: Choose the Right Roof Material
This is the very first decision. Selecting the appropriate tile type (e.g., clay, concrete, slate) is critical. Your choice will depend on factors like local climate, roof pitch, architectural style, budget, and structural capacity of your roof.
Step 2: Calculate the Roof Area
Accurately measuring the total surface area of your roof is essential. This calculation directly impacts how much material you will need for both underlayment and tiles. Ignoring this step can lead to significant material waste or shortages.
Step 3: Determine the Number of Tiles You'll Need
Using the calculated roof area and the specifications of your chosen tile, you must determine the exact quantity of tiles required. It's standard practice to order extra tiles (often 10-15%) to account for cuts, breakages, and future repairs.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tools and Materials
Before starting any physical work, gather all necessary tools and materials. This typically includes items like:
- Safety gear (harness, safety glasses, gloves)
- Measuring tape
- Cutting tools for tiles (e.g., angle grinder with diamond blade, tile cutter)
- Fixings (nails, screws, clips)
- Battens and counter-battens
- Roofing underlay
- Hammers or nail guns
- Mortar or dry-fix systems (depending on tile type)
Step 5: Prepare the Roof
This step involves getting the existing roof deck ready. If it's a re-roofing project, this means safely removing the old roofing material down to the deck. You'll also need to clean the surface and inspect the roof deck and rafters for any damage or rot, making necessary repairs.
Step 6: Install the Underlay
The underlay (also known as roofing felt or membrane) is a crucial waterproof barrier installed directly onto the roof deck. It provides a secondary layer of protection against moisture penetration and helps channel water away from the roof structure. It is typically rolled out horizontally across the roof, starting from the eaves, with appropriate overlap.
Step 7: Fit Timber Battens
Timber battens are horizontal strips of wood fixed on top of the underlay and, often, counter-battens (vertical strips). The battens provide the fixing points for the tiles and create a ventilation space beneath them. Their spacing is critical and depends on the specific tile size and the required "gauge" (the exposed part of the tile).
These seven steps represent the comprehensive process of preparing to tile a roof, culminating in a structure ready for the actual placement of tiles, which is Step 8: Tile the Roof. Effectively, starting the tiling of a roof involves completing these crucial initial stages.
