Not at all. Although clay tile roofing is maintaining current popularity, its use stretches back to before the beginning of Western civilization. Clay tile roofing was a common addition to the architecture of Ancient Rome (the word tile comes from the Latin word tegula). The use of clay tile roofing expanded, maintaining a link to Mediterranean cultures, but also being associated with the early colonial settlements in California, a region where this type of roofing remains popular.
The continued use of clay tile roofing through the centuries means that you can be sure that it will perform. Even though clay tile roofing is an ancient technology, new manufacturing processes in North America make it a modern fixture you can rely on.
227
How is clay tile roofing made?
2007-12-20 16:08:54
Answer
Clay roof tile is made in the same way that ceramic tile is made – it''s fired in the kiln. At one time, most clay roof tiles were made by hand by shaping each tile around a curved surface, or even around the tile maker''s thigh! Now, clay tile is mass produced to render a more uniform appearance, and to create a relatively inexpensive product as demand for quality tile for roofs increases worldwide.
228
How many types of clay tile for roofs are available?
2007-12-20 16:09:19
Answer
There are a number of styles for you to choose from when it comes to clay tile roofing. Among the most popular is Spanish clay roofing, otherwise known as barrel tiles, which are semi-cylindrical tiles that overlap each other to render a series of rows with rounded profiles.
229
What are the insulation benefits of clay tile roofing?
2007-12-20 16:09:41
Answer
One of the reasons that clay tile roofing has been a staple material is the tendency of clay to hold in warmth and coolness, while keeping out heat and colder temperatures. The clay tile keeps a cushion of temperate air between it and the roof deck which acts like an insulative layer. This helps to keep attic temperatures more consistent, and to minimize excessive temperatures to the upper levels of your property in general.
230
How does clay tile roofing help my whole structure?
2007-12-20 16:10:06
Answer
Clay roof tiles add stability to your structure as a whole. Also, like ceramic tile, they are fire-proof. This obviously adds to structural as well as safety benefits to all kinds of properties.
231
Are clay tiles for roofing waterproof?
2007-12-20 16:10:47
Answer
To an extent, although it''s a good idea for you to concentrate on the underlayment when it comes to the issue of waterproofing. Make sure you''re installing your clay roof on a roof deck that is flat and clean. Roofing paper should be applied to cover the entire surface of the roof deck. This will seal the structure from moisture.
232
What is roof pitch and exposure and why is it so important?
2007-12-20 16:11:14
Answer
The pitch of a roof is a measure of how high a roof rises as you travel along its plain. In other words, for a roof which has a roof pitch of 3:12, this means that for every twelve inches, the incline of the roof rises by three inches. The minimum roof pitch for a Merida clay tile roofing installation is 3:12, with a maximum pitch of 12:12.
Exposure is a term which refers to how much surface area of the tiles that remains visible once the clay tile roofing has been installed. There are local building codes which determine what the minimum exposure should be and it''s a good idea to make sure you know before you proceed.
233
where can I learn more about how to figure out my roof pitch and exposure?
2007-12-20 16:11:46
Answer
Both of these factors are important to the health of your clay tile roof. Among other things, they are important pieces of information that can save time when you talk to your roofer. You''ll certainly need this information when it comes time to order your materials. Read this article to learn more about how to determine these important factors.
234
Can clay tile roofing be installed in any climate?
2007-12-20 16:12:12
Answer
Clay tile roofing is generally to be considered for more moderate climates, although installations in colder areas are not unheard of. Basically, it depends on your structure to a certain degree. Particularly, it refers to how steep your roof is – the roof pitch. For rainier climates, the steeper your roof pitch, the better. This will allow proper drainage and will discourage pooling, which can become a real problem in the long term.
This principle also applies to snow and ice, which you ideally don''t want to have too much of on the surface of clay tile over the course of an entire season. Talk to your local roofing contractors for advice on roof pitch and climate before ordering clay tile roofing.
235
Can I install clay tile roofing myself?
2007-12-20 16:12:39
Answer
Unless you''re an experienced roofer, then we would say no. There is an element of danger when it comes to installing any kind of roofing, and it can be an even greater risk to the inexperienced. Roofs are uneven surfaces, and slips and falls happen unexpectedly and very quickly even to the experienced. In addition to this, it can save a lot of time when you hire a professional roofer which is generally worth the extra expense alone.
236
How do I maintain my clay tile roofing?
2007-12-20 16:13:08
Answer
On a seasonal basis, make sure that leaves don''t remain on the roof – try a shop-vac or a simple once-over with a broom. For moss and algae, there are herbicidal treatments and methods which can be employed to minimize their presence. Talk to your local contractors or retailers about the right products to use on your clay tile roof. Choose products carefully, read the labels, and follow all instructions.
And once again: when you''re on your roof, be very careful. Work while sitting down as much as you can, and always be aware of how close you are to the edges of your roof. When in doubt, always ask for help from the more experienced.
237
How do I maintain my clay tile roofing?
2007-12-20 16:25:24
Answer
On a seasonal basis, make sure that leaves don''t remain on the roof – try a shop-vac or a simple once-over with a broom. For moss and algae, there are herbicidal treatments and methods which can be employed to minimize their presence. Talk to your local contractors or retailers about the right products to use on your clay tile roof. Choose products carefully, read the labels, and follow all instructions.
And once again: when you''re on your roof, be very careful. Work while sitting down as much as you can, and always be aware of how close you are to the edges of your roof. When in doubt, always ask for help from the more experienced.
238
Why should I use composite decking?
2007-12-20 16:28:32
Answer
Yakima decking has a long lasting life with a minimum of care and maintenance. It is a composite material of wood fiber and plastic but with no preservative chemicals to worry about, and no splinters that can cause painful slivers.
239
How do I clean it?
2007-12-20 16:28:57
Answer
You can clean your Yakima deck occasionally with a detergent or deck cleaner, a brush, and a hose to keep it looking fresh.
240
Will Yakima decking decay?
2007-12-20 16:29:21
Answer
The plastic encapsulates the wood fiber protecting it from water and the elements that can swell or rot natural wood decking. Yakima comes with a 10-year limited warranty against decay and water damage.
241
What span length can we do with Yakima?
2007-12-20 16:29:48
Answer
The span can be up to 24 between joists for perpendicular application. We would recommend 16 for a strong and solid deck. For application on a 45 degree angle, a maximum of 12 on center will give the best result.
242
How can I cut and nail it?
2007-12-20 16:30:13
Answer
Yakima decking cuts just like wood with a normal tool such as a skill saw, and will accept screws similarly to wood. Screws should be applied at the thick support areas to ensure full contact and holding power.
243
Do I need special tools?
2007-12-20 16:30:37
Answer
There is no need for special tools. Regular woodworking tools are all you need for cutting and building a Yakima deck. Our installation instructions have a short list of simple tools that will help.
244
What type of fasteners should be used?
2007-12-20 16:31:09
Answer
This depends on the type of support structure underneath the deck. If you are using the new ACQ or CA-B treated lumber and using our galvanized clip system, please use double dipped galvanized screws as well. To be sure of the correct fasteners please consult with your local building dealer as some fastening companies do have proprietary coating for this use. Stainless steel fasteners should not be used in conjunction with galvanized clips. Use stainless to stainless or galvanized to galvanized.
245
Is Yakima composite flooring fire resistant?
2007-12-20 16:31:39
Answer
Yakima decking is fire resistant, but like wood, the product is not fire proof and will burn or melt at a high temperatures. As with other materials, caution should be taken to ensure BBQ''s and other potential sources of fire are safe.
246
Can I obtain a sample of the decking?
2007-12-20 16:32:07
Answer
For samples we only charge for the courier cost of the samples which can be ordered Fedex ground or Fedex Expedited. The rate will be calculated based on your address and the number of samples you order. Samples can be ordered online or over the phone at
1-877-631-2845 . Payment can be made by MasterCard or Visa. The sample pieces are approximately 6-8 long and include one decking clip.
247
What colors and styles do you have?
2007-12-20 16:32:35
Answer
Our Yakima decking comes in a medium-gray color as well as a rich, cedar brown. Production is based on formula mixing and between production runs there can be variations of shades in the coloring. For this reason it is best to order all your decking at once and make sure you have sufficient for the job.Both styles simulate wood-grain and has a textured surface reducing the slippery effect.
248
How can I purchase Yakima decking?
2007-12-20 16:33:00
Answer
ou can call a BuildDirect representative toll free at
1-877-631-2845 and get a quotation for the product delivered to your driveway.
249
How accurate are the sizes?
2007-12-20 16:33:24
Answer
Extrusion technology produces a very accurate Yakima product that will meet the most demanding size requirements. The thickness is +/- 0.5mm (1/50 ) and width will be -0.0mm/+1.0mm (1/25).
250
How much expansion or contraction should I allow for?
2007-12-20 16:33:53
Answer
This depends on the temperature range from the time of installation to what may be the maximum temperature expected. For the width gaps, a spacing of 3/16- 1/4 is enough to allow movement and also make sure water and dirt will not collect. For the length gaps, we would recommend a 3/16 to 1/4 to protect against buckling due to expansion in hot weather.
