Installing concrete and clay tileRichard K. Olson
For years, the roof tile industry has been asked to develop an
industry-based installation manual that would provide
recommendations for installing concrete and clay roof tile in
moderate climate regions of North America.
During the past two years, members of the Roof Tile Institute
(RTI) (formerly the National Tile Roofing Manufacturers
Association) have worked with the Western States Roofing
Contractors Association (WSRCA) to assemble such a manual, which
provides best installation practices, industry standards and
available code requirements.
The new manual, Concrete and Clay Roof Tile Installation
Manual for Moderate Climate Regions, was released to the
design/build community in June 2001. The changes made to the manual
became effective in the field Jan. 1. The new manual can replace
the numerous individual installation guides currently in
circulation, which are provided by individual tile manufacturers as
part of their code approval. There currently are more than 50
manuals by various tile manufacturers in North America. Almost all
tile manufacturers in North America now have formally replaced
their manuals with RTI's and WSRCA's manual.
The 73-page manual contains detailed recommendations and
drawings that address every aspect of roof systems used with tile
products. The recommendations are meant for areas with moderate
climates that may experience occasional winter storms and heavy
rain. In locations where the January mean temperature is 30 F (-1
C) or less or where ice damming occurs, RTI and WSRCA suggest
roofing professionals refer to the organizations' Concrete and
Clay Tile Roof Design Criteria Manual for Cold and Snow
Regions. (Copies may be ordered on RTI's Web site,
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