Clay Roof Contractor | New or Rebuild

Clay has been used for centuries and was commonly formed on the upper thigh of workers. This material is known as cap and pan, mission, or spanish style tile. It is designed to be a two piece (bottom piece pan, top piece cap) system, or a modern one piece S tile, similar in look to old - Spanish Mission - tile roofs. Clay tile Commonly uses mortar to secure trim pieces (ridge, hip cap pieces). There are an unlimited number of special products that are made of clay but the following are common to all: they normally have about a 50 year/lifetime span, this product is sold and reused, often for several hundred years, and they have Class A fire protection.

Concrete is a more modern tile with a wide variety of colors and styles. Concrete tile is found with differing thicknesses and weight, but all using a similar base product. It is designed to replace the more expensive clay tile with a product of different but considerable character. Concrete tile is usually set without mortar on the trim pieces. A more uniform appearance is gained by using molds with the concrete. As the curing process does not affect the uniformity of the cement/ concrete materials as much as it does the natural clay products, the result is a straight, clean look.

Once you have narrowed down the field with reference to choice of contractor and materials, it is time to compare the written estimates. Make sure all the estimates cover the same workmanship and materials to complete the project. Some variables you might find or want to consider are as follows.

Re-roof or Overlay? Legally, you can install a new roof over your existing roof so long as it does not exceed three layers; however, this could change the fire rating. For instance, if you install a Class A materials over a material of a lesser fire-rating, it reduced the fire-rating of the new system. Even though the cost is somewhat higher to remove the existing roof, it is a recommended practice. Once the existing roof is removed, the contractor can check for any termite or dry-rot damage and make repairs before installing the new system. YOUR NEW ROOF WILL NOT LAST AS LONG IF YOU OVERLAY THE EXISTING ROOF

Underlayment and Sheeting: The felt underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. It is the roofing felt that actually makes the roof watertight. Uniform building requires #15 felt, two layers if the pitch is less than a 4/12 pitch. It is advisable to upgrade your underlayment to a #30 felt or possibly two layers for roof systems such as tile applications. If sheeting is required, plywood is far superior to the less expensive OSB Board. Make sure you know what your contractor intends to use.

Flashings and Vents: Does the estimate include replacing all the rooftop metal and flashings? Even if the metal appears to be in fairly good condition at the time, it is more cost effective to replace all heating vents, plumbing jacks, and any flashings at the time your home is being re-roofed. It is much costlier to have to replace the metal at a later date. It is a nice addition to the appearance of your home if the contractor paints the rooftop metal to match the new roof.