Many of our customers have questions regarding tile roofing and how it differs among various College Station roofing companies. While the material and types of tiles may be from the same manufacturer for everyone, the installation process is very different, and is the determining factor between a well-built roof and one that is not. These modifications are made to account for additional weight, extra weather protection, and upgraded and more durable materials used. As you look at your bids, be sure to check for these few tips when selecting your College Station roofing company.
Underlayment
Despite College Station only receiving the occasional freeze, you should always make sure you go with an added layer of protection. Some firms may allow you to go with a 30 pound underlayment. In the roofing industry, that will only set you up for future issues. It is not a matter of “if”, but rather a matter of “when”. The 30 pound felt underlayment should only be used on composition roof installations. Instead, you should go with an ice and water shield underlayment. It is a rubberized to protect against the elements. This is probably the most important part of the installation.
Battens
Battens are the attachment points where the tiles are matched to the roof. Roofing battens must be treated for the elements. Because battens are primarily made from wood, they are subject to the same vulnerability. Treated battens are integral to a complete integrity system, like the Bulletproof Roof Guarantee.
Flashing
Depending on your roof, custom flashing made be required to make sure water properly diverts into the gutters, instead of under the tiles. Most College Station roofing companies do not have the capability to make custom flashing, but instead have to outsource that work, driving up your costs. Schulte Roofing actually has their own metal fabrication shop to make sure the right materials are used on the job.
Drip Edge and Bird Stops
A drip edge does exactly what its name implies, leads water over the edge of the tile. This diverts water away from the vulnerable materials beneath the tile. It is important to note that the ice and water shield should actually extend over the drip edge. The drip edge is also galvanized and designed to be primered and painted to match the exterior color of your home.
Bird stops are named so because they are designed to keep birds out of the small spacing that is seen when looking at a tile, straight ahead. Birds would use these spaces as shelter. Unfortunately for the home owners, this degrades the material and creates an exposure to the elements, creating future issues. Bird stops simply close the gaps, proactively preventing birds, squirrels, and other critters from entering the home.
Installation
Every tile should be properly marked or chalked to make sure they line up evenly. Most firms will install tiles with an approximate 4 inch overlap. This prevents water and ice from creeping back towards the home.
In our area a popular extra installation measure is to use “hurricane clips”. These are galvanized metal fasteners that go on each strip of tile. It is an extra attachment measure, designed to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 120 miles per hour.
As with any roofing installation or project, make sure the College Station roofing company of your choice goes the extra mile for you roofing project. Each roof is different and requires the experience it takes to handle each situation differently. Contact Schulte Roofing for your roofing project to learn how their installation techniques provide you the best roof for your budget and backed up by the industry’s best warranty, the Bulletproof Roof Guarantee.