Concrete Tile Roof Inspection Guide
This guide for the House of Horrors® in Boulder, Colorado, is currently being produced for self-guided tours.
The guide is based on and refers to the most recent International Residential Code (IRC), which can be found online at https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/I-Codes.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
The International Standards of Practice for inspecting the roof system is located at www.nachi.org/sop.
MASTERING ROOF INSPECTIONS
To learn about inspecting asphalt shingle roofs, please visit Mastering Roof Inspections.
What To Inspect
During an inspection of concrete tile, you should look for the following types of problems:
installation, including:
fastening;
proper exposure; and
flashing.
broken, damaged and missing tiles;
environmental problems, such as biological growth;
manufacturing problems, such as spalling, voids and shrinkage cracks; and
excessive weight.
Observation
The concrete tile is cracked. A loose piece has separated. The concrete tile in this area is not reliable and is prone to roof leaks. Any separated cracks should be further evaluated and repaired by a qualified roofing professional.
Concrete tiles often have left and right interlocking edges. In order to create the interlocking section, the edges are cast thinner than the rest of the tile. Because they’re thinner, these sections are fragile and are likely to break first when the tile is stressed.
What To Inspect
During an inspection of concrete tile, you should look for the following types of problems:
-
installation, including:
-
fastening;
-
proper exposure; and
-
flashing.
-
-
broken, damaged and missing tiles;
-
environmental problems, such as biological growth;
-
manufacturing problems, such as spalling, voids and shrinkage cracks; and
-
excessive weight.
Observation
A fastener is wedged in the seam and should be removed.
The plumbing vent flashing is not sealed down and may lift in the wind. This is prone to moisture intrusion.
Flashing methods vary with the type of tile. Most important is that the flashing method used prevents moisture intrusion.
Observation
No channel flashing below the sidewall flashing to guide water to the gutter.
Observation
The ridge roof pieces are installed backwards. The roof tile pieces should be installed downward to divert rain water down the roof slope.
Observation
Openings at the end pieces should be filled with a bird stop or mortar material.
Observation
Headwall flashing at the dormer is incomplete.
MANUFACTURER'S INSTALLATION