Clay tiles are colorfast which means their tints improve rather than fade over time.
Minimum slope for clay tile roof.
The short simple answer is 2 12 has traditionally been considered the absolute minimum acceptable roof slope suitable for asphalt shingles.
Aluminum or galvanized sheet metal sufficient for the life of an average asphalt roof would be the weakest link in a clay tile roof.
This means for every 12 horizontal units the roof must rise a minimum of two and one half vertical units.
Anything lower than this angle is rare and although there are specific products that can go lower 15 is the most common minimum angle for clay tiles.
Clay and concrete roof tiles can only be installed on roof slopes of 2 1 2 12 or greater.
Likewise the nails used to attach clay tiles to the decking should be corrosion resistant copper or stainless steel.
The irc recommends a minimum pitch of 2 5 12 for these materials.
For many years 20 was recommended as the minimum pitch for clay tiles but this has decreased in the modern era down to 15.
This article series explains clay tile roofing types clay roofing tile inspection tile roofing diagnosis tile roof repair.
The international residential code irc specifies a minimum 4 12 pitch 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run for a clay or concrete tile roof except that a pitch as low as 2 1 2 12 is allowed when two layers of underlayment are applied.
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.
Roof slope requirements for tiled roofs.
Adapted paraphrased with permission from best practices guide to residential construction chapter on best roofing practices.
They provide excellent weather resistance great value and now more than ever a tremendous range of beautiful designs and color blends.
Ratios from that minimum up to 4 12 which are considered low pitch require double underlayment.
Asphalt shingles continue to be the most widely installed roof covering option in north america.
The general trend is for steeper pitch roofs which is due partly to the demand for living space in the roof.
Instead flashing for clay tile must be formed from heavy gauge copper or stainless steel.
The following table provides the minimum required allowable roof slope for each type of roofing material mentioned in the code.
Tile covered roof installation specifications.
Clay and concrete tile minimum roof slope roof pitch r905 3 2.
Concrete is long lasting with a minimum lifespan of 50 years depending on climate.
