product advisory

Tile Roofs Provide Shelter from the Storm
Centuries-old roofing method stands up to Mother Nature’s fury.

By Richard K. Olson

TILE ROOFS MEAN SAFETY
The use of tile roofing in the Southeastern United States and other hurricane-prone areas can enhance the safety of homes and the families that live in them. Clay and concrete tile roofs have been tested to withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour in addition to other harsh weather conditions like rain, hail and even wild fires. Proven to be the longest lasting roofing material, tile roofs are also more easily repaired after a storm thanks to the individual installation of each tile.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) conducted tests to analyze wind speed and its correlation with uplift of roofing tiles. As a result, TRI developed and refined a new code for the installation and repair of tiles, which now can be found in the current Florida Building Code (FBC), International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC). With these new standards, tiles have undergone improved attachment resistance and even hip-and-ridge tiles, which previously often blew off in a storm, are far more likely to stay intact in the event of a hurricane.

AFTER THE STORM
One of the most valuable benefits of tile roofing is the ease of repair. By taking a look at the back of a roofing tile, the manufacturer is usually identifiable in a printed or embedded format. Manufacturer members of TRI provide more than 95 percent of North American roofing tiles. So, chances are good that they will be easy to replace. To do this, submit the manufacturer information to the “Ask an Expert” section of the TRI Web site (www.tileroofing.org) and an association representative will assist in finding them. As a rule, TRI recommends only repairing roofs with tiles made by the original manufacturer.

Debris torn from houses flying at speeds more than 100 miles per hour can be one of the most detrimental effects of a storm and can create dangerous environments in the aftermath. That’s why it is crucial to have a licensed and insured professional to walk on the roof for inspection and installation. Although revised codes came into effect in 1997 and 1998, older homes may have roofs that were installed prior to the updated codes’ implementation. Interpretation and application of these complex codes are best left to experienced roofing contractors who are able to see damage not immediately visible to the untrained eye.

LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS
Again, the one dealing with the logistics of the installation or repair of tile roofs should be a licensed and insured professional. Diligence in finding the right contractor is crucial to success. Be sure to understand the credentials of the company, check for client satisfaction and potential complaints, and consult with your insurance agent to see if they are on the agents’ approved list of contractors. Information on finding a roofing contractor in Florida can be found by contacting FRSA at www.floridaroof.com, or by calling (800) 767-3772.

Roof repair and installation can be stressful. The last thing homeowners want to worry about is searching for buckets and pans around the house to catch water dripping from leaks. Fortunately, for homeowners with tile roofs, they can keep those pans in the kitchen because the roofs are installed over a sealed underlayment system in Florida. As such, there still is a water-shedding system in place during repairs. Even if a tile is broken or missing, there is little to no opportunity for water to seep through a crack or hole in the tile. The damaged tiles are easily removed and able to be properly repaired, avoiding the costly replacement of the entire roof that other roofing materials will require.

Although functionality is key, roof aesthetics are often a concern for homeowners. The goal is to make the house look as good as new, and mask the changes it has undergone in random spots. Realistically, even the highest quality tiles can have slight color variation between old and new. The natural weathering process and the nature of the raw materials may also create subtle differences in shades. Depending on the type of repair or re-roof project, experienced roofing professionals will likely be able to blend tiles throughout the roof or install certain tiles on a particular section on non-visible portions of the roof to keep new tiles from looking out of place.

ADDRESSING CONCERNS
The harsh 2004 hurricane season and a sustained residential construction boom recently created an extremely high demand for tile roofs in Florida. This, occurring in tandem with cement shortages across the country, brought temporary problems for manufacturers in securing adequate levels of imported cement for tile production. As a result, shipping lines are attempting to import foreign cement that is being tied up in China due to the country’s industrial boom.

What’s the solution? Increased production and new tile plants. The tile industry is committed to responding to recent hurricane disasters and a growing demand for this versatile roofing option. In fact, tile roof manufacturers have invested more than $100 million to expand production output and meet the roof tile demand in Florida. This infusion of capital has resulted in a doubling of production output levels from just two years ago. This increased capacity will allow our industry to properly handle the future needs for tile.

For those who live by the phrase ”better safe than sorry” (or just those in areas with higher wind speeds), upgraded fastening systems are something to consider. Extensive testing by TRI has shown that upgrading these fastening systems to a higher level during installation can provide extra insurance against particularly high winds. While these fastening systems are required in most of the coastal areas, they are also a good upgrade for inland areas that can also experience the wrath brought on by hurricanes and tropical storms.

First used centuries ago, concrete and clay tiles remain one of the most common and satisfactory roofing options. Mutually beneficial in hot, cold, stormy and dry climates, the durability of tiles and the quality of installation increases safety and withstands the test of time. As natural disasters strike randomly and unexpectedly, adequate preparation can saves homes and lives.

Richard K. Olson is technical director for the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI). The association represents industry professionals involved in the manufacturing and installation of concrete and clay tile roofs in the United States and Canada, and works with national, state and local building officials to develop installation techniques, code, and standards for better roofing systems. Visit www.tileroofing.org or call (312) 670-4177 to learn more about how the Institute may benefit your business.