Preparing Your Flat Roof for Tile Installation

Tile roofing on a flat surface can be a very attractive option, but you must prepare the underlying surface first. A good tile roof always begins with a good seal underneath. Here's how to ensure you have the proper surface for a long-lasting tile roof that requires only routine maintenance in the future.

Preparing the Foundation for Tile Roofing

Ready to prepare your roof for the tile that can turn it from so-so to beautiful? Here's how to start:

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• Head up to the roof with a pocketknife and a can of light-colored spray paint. Wear heavy-duty gloves--a hot roof can quickly burn your hands if you aren't careful. Perform a visual inspection of the roof coating, marking all problem areas with spray paint. Use the pocketknife to inspect seams in the covering. If you can move the knife more than one inch underneath the covering, it's time to repair that area. Don't forget to mark it with the spray paint.
• Clean the areas that need to be repaired, then give the area a nice layer of roofing cement. Spread the cement to about 6 inches beyond the area of repair. Press down a bit to ensure that all the areas of repair are filled with the cement.
• Press down a repair patch over the area, then apply more roofing cement. Cover the patch completely.
• Let the cement dry, then use an alcohol-based cleaner to finish the job. Seal the area with roofing tape.
• When rains come again, go up to the roof and check your work. Look for any leaks that need to be repaired, and handle that immediately. When you have a roofing foundation with no leaks, it's time to haul that roof tile up the ladder and get to work on your new tile roof!

Roof Tile Installation

Installing your own tile roof can be done if you are handy with the proper tools and stick to the manufacturer's directions for your particular kind of tile. If you have never worked on a roof before, or feel a bit nervous about walking on the steep surfaces, it might be best to turn to the services of a professional roofer. When it comes to roofing, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, look into the warranties and guarantees offered by various manufacturers and roofing companies. Allowing a professional roofer to handle the job also gives you the potential for a longer warranty on the materials, as well as a warranty or guarantee on the labor for a set period of time.