YOUR ROOF TILE QUESTIONS, ANSWERED!
Regardless of which type of tile you choose, you’ll still need to think about storage, maintenance and how to finish the roof. Patrick Bell from Lifestiles answers some common questions
Q HOW SHOULD YOU STORE ROOF TILES ON SITE?
Despite the understandable stigma around plastic usage, most roof tiles are delivered in plastic shrouds. These serve to hold the pallet load together and minimise damage, while ensuring the material does not degrade in the elements. The best, handmade roof tiles are designed to withstand all weathers for centuries and so can be stored outside, preferably within their packaging, until ready for use.
Q HOW DO YOU PREVENT MOSS ON ROOF TILES?
Having invested in a beautiful handmade roof that matches the architectural integrity and period style of your home, it is natural to want to prevent moss and algae from appearing. Although naturally occurring, both are invasive and serve to compromise both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your beautiful and secure roof.
One option is to remove all overhanging branches that create shade and contribute to dampness. Also, clear debris from gutters occasionally to prevent it building up. The best proactive step to minimise moss occurrence is to get your roofer to apply sufficient numbers of zinc or copper strips when laying your tiles. When it rains, both these materials release tiny particles of metal that run down the roof and effectively seal it in a way that inhibits moss and algae growth.
Q WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR FINISHING VERGES AND RIDGES?
The traditional method of fixing verges, hips and ridges are bedded in sand and cement/lime mortar. This is still regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing method, leaving a much cleaner finish, although it requires periodic maintenance by skilled professionals.
Since 2014, it has been a requirement of BS 5534: the British Standard Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling that all ridge and hip tiles must be mechanically fixed, even if they are mortar-bedded.
In practice, the best way to comply is to use dry fix systems. These are more expensive initially, but easier, quicker and cheaper to maintain over the years. A good compromise is to fix mortar bedded ridge and hips with stainless plates and screws which clamp the ridge/hip down in the mortar joints between each piece.