Should Roof Tiles Be Nailed Down Uk In Reading

Welcome to A1 Roofing Reading, your ultimate source for all your roofing needs in Reading, Berkshire, and the South East of England. One of the most common questions that we receive from our clients is whether roof tiles should be nailed down or not. As a leading roofing company in Reading, we want to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about the type of roofing system that is best for your property.

Types of Roof Tiles

Before we delve into whether roof tiles should be nailed down, let's take a look at the various types of roof tiles available in the market. There are two main types of roof tiles; concrete and clay. Concrete tiles are made of sand, cement, and water, while clay tiles are made of natural clay that is fired in an oven. Both types of tiles come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to choose the right style that fits your property's aesthetic.

Importance of Nails When Tiles Are Installed

To answer the question of whether roof tiles should be nailed down, we need to understand the importance of nails during the installation of tiles. Nails are vital during the installation process as they hold the tiles in place, providing them with stability and strength. Without nails, tiles may shift or move, leading to leaks or even falling off the roof. Roofing nails also help to secure the roof tiles in place against wind and rain.

Installing Roof Tiles

When installing roof tiles, it's essential to ensure that every tile is secured in place using nails. Each tile needs to be nailed to the batten or the roof structure. The nails should be placed at the bottom of the tile, just above the cutout, but not too close to the edge of the tile. Too much hammering near the edge of the tile can cause the tile to break, leading to leaks or other damage. It's essential to ensure that the nail has a good grip on the tile, but it's not over-tightened as this may cause the tile to crack.

Verge and Eaves

The verge and eaves are other critical areas that require adequate roofing nails. The verge is the edge of the roof, while the eaves are the lower edges of the roof that overhang past the walls. These areas require special attention when it comes to nailing down tiles. The tiles at the verge and eaves need to be held in place using nails, clips, or other mechanical fasteners. This is especially important for areas of high wind exposure or heavy rainfall.

Soil Pipes, Vents, and Chimneys

Soil pipes, vents, and chimneys are other areas that require special attention when it comes to roofing nail installation. These areas need to be well sealed to prevent leaks, which can cause water damage to your property. It's recommended to use special flashings to seal these areas and ensure that they are adequately secured in place using nails.

Ridge and Hip Tiles

Ridge and hip tiles are other critical areas that require adequate nailing. These tiles need to be mechanically fixed in place using clips, screws, or other fasteners. Hip tiles require at least two nails, while ridge tiles need four nails to ensure they are held in place correctly. These tiles also require a special joint to prevent water penetration at the hip or ridge.

Wet-Bedded Tiles

Wet-bedded tiles are another option for securing roof tiles. Wet bedding involves creating a cement and sand mix and then laying the roof tiles in a wet bed. This ensures that the tiles are secured in place without the need for nails or mechanical fasteners. However, wet-bedded tiles should only be used in areas with low wind exposure or low rainfall. They are not recommended for areas with high wind or heavy rain as they are more prone to leaks or other damage.

Thickness of New Roof Tiles

New roof tiles should be at least 10mm in thickness or as required by local building codes. This ensures that the tiles are durable and can withstand the elements over an extended period. In areas with high wind exposure, it's essential to use tiles that are thicker than 15mm to ensure better stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether roof tiles should be nailed down or not depends on various factors such as the type of tile, the location, and the weather conditions. At A1 Roofing Reading, we recommend that you secure your roof tiles with nails or other mechanical fasteners to ensure they are held in place correctly. This will prevent leaks or other damage to your property. Contact us today at 0118 449 2361 to schedule a consultation or visit our website at a1-roofing-reading.co.uk to learn more about our roofing services in Reading, Berkshire, and the South East of England.