How To Tile A Low Pitch Roof

Stuart nicholson director of roof systems at marley outlines how best to approach the preparation and specification of tiles for low pitch roofs.

How to tile a low pitch roof.

It is uncommon to find a roof below 15 but for those very low pitch applications there are interlocking clay pantiles available suitable for use down to 12 5. For pitches of 2 5 12 up to 4 12 the roof requires double underlayment. Conventional roofs are the easiest to construct and you can walk on them safely. Slopes above 19 12 are not recommended since tiles on very steep roofs can rattle.

Where the minimum pitch for clay pantiles used to be 30 tiles like the redland cathedral pantile can be pitched as low as 22 5. Traditionally a minimum roof pitch of 20 was recommended in bs 5534 but modern tiles and slates have now been designed for applications as low as 15. The membrane will outlast the shingles and seal around all nail penetrations. Then apply standard asphalt shingles over the membrane.

Clay or cement tiles can be used on a wide range of roof pitches. Ratios from that minimum up to 4 12 which are considered low pitch require double underlayment. Low pitched roofs are generally difficult to maintain and you need special materials to prevent leaks. These roofs have a pitch less than 4 12.

These linings are applied starting at and parallel to the eaves in 36 inch wide strips with a 19 inch overlap for successive sheets. Just like any other roofing system low slope roof designs will have several effects on the overall construction of the building including the interior volume the style and design of the house the drainage system and the material used for covering. They have a pitch ranging from 4 12 to 9 12. For a low slope residential roof there are two main options.

Once a tile has been specified for the low pitch roof and the installation instructions have been double checked make sure you adhere to the following. Decra tiles have a tile with a minimum pitch of 10 degrees. Use a smooth tile if possible avoid granular finishes never discharge a gutter rainwater pipe directly onto the roof use fixing clips if specified. A low slope roof design typically has a pitch of between 2 12 and 4 12.

They can also be used on low pitched roofs such as the sandtoft 20 20 tile which is a highly popular clay option that can be installed on pitches of 15.