There is a lot more to laying roof tiles than just laying the tiles. Roof tiles need to be anchored in a specific way to ensure it’s waterproofed, and a solid roof. New roofing is often done every 30 years. Laying roof tiles is a heavy job which requires knowledge and experience.
Which tile do you pick?
You can choose from a range of different types of roof tiles, like concrete, ceramic, hollow, and flat tiles.
Concrete roof tiles
Concrete roof tiles are generally cheaper that clay roof tiles, and can be laid relatively quickly. The tiles are frost-, UV-, and weather resistant. They last around 30 years and are more sustainable than clay roof tiles, since they’re not baked. Concrete roof tiles cost between 25 and 40 euro per m2.
Ceramic roof riles
Ceramic roof tiles give a roof an authentic appearance. It’s a natural product, and the glazed tiles are very resistant to moss, algae, and dirt. The tiles have a long lifespan of around 50 years. Ceramic roof tiles cost between 35 and 65 euro per m2.
Hollow and flat roof tiles
A general distinction is made between hollow and flat roof tiles. The slope of your roof determines which tile is appropriate for your roof. Light curvy roof tiles are used when your roof is sloped between 20 and 25 degrees, hollow tiles are used for roofs with slopes that are minimally 25 degrees, and flat tiles are use for roofs steeper that 35 degrees. The type of roof tile is decisive for the appearance, but mostly for the wind- and water resistance of the roof.
How are roof tiles laid?
Different techniques, knowledge and experience are required in order to build a waterproof, windresistant and pretty tiled roof. Professional roofers work as follows:
- Preparation
Before the tiles are laid, the subroof is checked for optimal conditions. The current state of the construction and isolation are checked aswell, to track possible deficits in the roof timely, and prevent high repair costs in the future.
- Subroof and support
The subroof’s foil is stretched tightly for an optimal water drainage and thermal isolation. A double bar structure of “pan- en tengel” bars is needed, where the “tengellatten” are at least 1.5cm thick. The “tengellatten” are placed vertically on the roof on the “kepers”. The horizontal “panlatten” have to be the same and make sure the roof tiles overlap nicely. The space needed for this overlap is dependent on the type of roof tile. The slope of the roof and the climate also influence the overlap space. Before the “panlatten” are hammered on to the vertical “tengels”, several measurements are taken and calculations are made.
- Laying roof tiles
When laying roof tiles, the work starts at the bottom and ends at the top, to keep an overview of the roof. The bottom row of tiles are fixed to the “panlat”. In the top tiles, a small hole is drilled, which will be bolted to the top of the roof. Tiles are laid with single or double overlap.
- Finishing the side
Where the roof meets the wall, the edge is made waterproof with lead sheeting. A seam is ground in order to add the lead. When the lead is added it is fixed with a roll of lead. The seam is closed up with mortar, after which the lead is hung over the seam.
In order to protect the roof against gusts of wind, or prepare it for extreme weather conditions, several roof tiles or aiding pieces are anchored to the underlying structure. Ofter there are rules in a municipality about the anchoring.
Permit to lay roof tiles
In some cases you need a building permit in order to lay roof tiles. This is differs per municipality. In most cases this necessary when the new roofing changes the view of the house. Things like a higher roof because of extra isolations, a dormer, or a change in color of the roofing.
Roofing costs
The price of a new tiled roof varies widely per roof. The costs are dependent on the state of your current roof, possible repairs, or roof isolation. The price also depends on the area, the type of roof tile, and whether you outsource the tile laying. Generally outsourcing is done to professional roofers.
This way you guarantee the best and most sustainable result. Possible deficits like leakages are found, and expensive future repairs will be prevented. Replacing your roof is a great moment to (re)isolate your roof aswell.
When deciding to isolate your roof aswell, inform with your local municipality whether you are eligible for subsidy. Municipalities often offer subsidies on isolation regarding sustainability. This makes for a great money saver. Investing in isolation also earns itself back in savings on the energy bill.
You can also ask your neighors whether they plan to replace their roofing, because adjacent houses are often build in the same year. This way you save on the cost per m2, and you do not each have to pay the travel costs or rent schaffolding.
Roof tiles are generally replaced every 30 years. It’s a heavy job requiring knowledge and skill. With different lay- and anchoring techniques we make sure the roof is solid and waterproof. There is a choice between concrete, ceramic, hollow and flat roof tiles. The decision depends on your taste, budget, and the slope of your roof. When the construction changes the view of your house, you might need a building permit. If you choose to isolate together with changing your roof tiles, you may be eligible for municipal subsidy.