Forever Clay, LLC - Hand-made & Extruded Clay Roof Tile

Be sure and ask about our monthly specials!

brioso.jose@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is clay roof tile manufactured of?
Five important components are used to make clay roof tiles: Fire, Clay, Water, Craftsmanship and state-of-the-art equipment...
Back to Top
How is clay roof tile manufactured?
Forever Clay's roof tiles are manufactured under an exclusive fire flash process to create one of a kind tile with colonial authenticity. This process results in clay roof tiles that are truly state-of-the-art. The tiles are fired for 26 hours at 940 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon completion of the firing cycle, tiles cool down for over a two day period. This slow cooling process allows the tiles to go through thermal changes in a way that minimizes any cracking in the tile...
Back to Top
How long can a typical clay tile roof last?
Fifty years is the industry standard, however it is not uncommon to see a clay tile roof structure last up to one hundred and fifty years...
Back to Top
What is the minimum slope of a tile roof?
The minimum slope is 3:12 (17*). At less than a 3:12 slope, the roof tile is decorative only and must be installed over a sealed roof deck with provisions for drainage under the tile...
Back to Top
Will I be able to walk on my clay tile roof?
Yes, but you need to do so with caution. Any sloped surface can be dangerous to walk on and could be a bit slippery. When you go up on your roof to wash windows or hang holiday lights, you want to stay on the lower third of each tile where your weight is transferred straight onto the roof deck. Avoid stepping directly on the cut tiles, the hips, the valleys and the thin area where the tiles inter-lock side to side. If you are going to spend an extended amount of time on your tile roof when re-painting the house or cleaning the chimney, you should put down sheets of plywood to dissipate the weight and movements over a large section of the roof tiles...
Back to Top
How strong is a ClayTile Roof in Seismic Zones?
A University of Southern California study was commissioned by the National Tile Roofing Manufacturers Association (NTRMA) to study the performance of clay and concrete roof tiles in seismic areas. All tiles were attached to the experimental roof decks in accordance with Tables 15-D-1 and 15-D-2 of the Uniform Building Code. Both clay and concrete tile were installed at roof slopes of 5:12, 12:12 and 24:12 and tested at forces in excess of 1.4g (gravity acceleration) in both parallel and perpendicular direction. Results of the tests proved that current fastening requirements are adequate to resist tile displacement for forces twice as strong as required by the Uniform Building Code...
Back to Top
How does "foam applied" installation work?
In Florida and other extreme wind areas, the use of expanding foam adhesive has been approved by the local building officials to be used in place of concrete mortar paddies. These systems originated out of the desire to eliminate nail penetrations through the underlayment. The low slope roof system includes a fully sealed and adhered underlayment system to which the pre-measured foam is applied and the roof tile is embedded in the foam. There is a longer, more detailed article in the Florida Forum roofing magazine on the foam applied system: http://www.floridaroof.com/ffmag.htm.
Back to Top
Can my roofer use Orientated Strand Board (OSB) as a roof deck under a tile roof?
In 2000 a major study was undertaken by the Engineered Wood Products Association (APA) to determine the structural integrity equivalency to similar thicknesses of plywood. In most building department jurisdictions outside of Florida, the structural performance characteristics allow OSB to be used in place plywood. Due to Florida's extreme climatic conditions different building departments do not allow OSB due to the fastener withdrawal values, so please check with your local building department for their requirements or the APA at http://www.apawood.org.
Back to Top
How big do crickets need to be?
Roof crickets are the roof design element to slowing down and redirecting water coming down the roof above a large roof protrusion (chimney, skylight or wall). If this is not done, then water can splash over the back saddle flashing and cause a leak. The minimum requirement is that a cricket or diverter be in place on all protrusions wider than 30 inches. However, there are a number of variables including the total surface area that will drain directly behind the protrusion that may change the size of the cricket. In Florida there exists a very common roof design where a roof slope drains into a horizontal wall. The cricket should be installed to enhance the flow of water away from the roof to wall intersection. If there is any doubt as to the size or configuration of the cricket, you should consult an engineer for the proper design based on your roofs slope, expected maximum rainfall and drainage area...
Back to Top
Can I repaint or change the color of my clay tile roof?
Yes, there are a number of professional services that specialize in changing the color of your roof tile. They have special formulated paints and concrete dyes that work well on roof tile. As most good painters will tell you that preparation is the most important step in making sure the project turns out the way you intended, so cleaning the roof of moss, mildew, dirt and debris is crucial. These roof painters are also very knowledgeable regarding walking on steep, slippery roofs and how to walk on roof tile to prevent unnecessary damage.
Back to Top
When should I replace a chipped or broken tile?
When the structural or weather proofing performance of the tile is compromised. Some of the factors that determine the integrity of the tile are: Complete horizontal or vertical breaks. Broken corners above the 3-inch overlap. Broken under locks extending past the 3-inch overlap. Coverlocks not extending past less than the 3-inch overlap may be repaired with the proper roof tile adhesive. Care must be taken with the adhesive to not block the water channel on the under lock. If the small cover lock piece is not available, then aesthetic consideration takes precedence over functional consideration. On low slope roofs the missing piece may not be as noticeable as on a steeply sloped roof. If the corner piece is not available, aesthetics become a factor that must be considered. In all cases, if the missing chip affects the weather integrity of the roof it should be replaced...
Back to Top
Can I install standard weight tile on my existing homes roof?
That would depend on many factors. The biggest concerns are the unsupported span of the rafters and the size of the window and door headers. In many areas where snow load or wind load have already been designed into the structure the additional weight between standard and lightweight roof tile is within the tolerances built into the house...
Back to Top
How do I choose a qualified roofing contractor?
You should thoroughly investigate several contractors because a good roof requires a qualified contractor as well as quality roofing materials. Price and More � Of course, compare bids for total installed cost, but remember we often get what we pay for so look closely at each contractor. Referrals � Ask friends and neighbors who they recommend. References � Ask the roofing contractor for pact customers, and call them. Complaints � Check the Better Business Bureau. Licenses � Ask about all appropriate state and local licenses. Insurance � Ask to see the contractor's liability and worker's compensation insurance policies. Experience � How many years has the contractor been in business? Drive by some nearby homes the contractor roofed or is roofing to see if the roofs look even and neat. Crews � It's generally better if the roofer uses his own crews instead of subcontracting to outside roofers. Associated Recommendations � Be certain all bids include the same work. Often, the roofer should be repairing or replacing other components like gutters, down spouts, and flashing. Bids � Make sure all bide, are in writing with costs for roofing, materials, and associated work (above) all broken out. Bids should also contain timetables for Starting and finishing the work. Any change from the original bid may add additional costs. Building Code Requirements � When considering a new roof, you should check with your local building department about class (A, B or C) of roof covering your local building code requires. Qualified Contractors � Westile will supply you with a list of qualified licensed and insured roofing contractors.
Back to Top
How do I prepare my home to be roofed with clay tile?
Tear Off: �
If you are re-roofing your home, the first step is to remove your old roof. With asphalt shingles and wood shake, large shovels are used to break free the shingles and roofing felt beneath them. This should be immediately disposed of in a truck or container. Make sure the crew picks up all Small scraps and nails or staples
Deck Repair: �
Once the old roof has been removed down to the wood deck, the roofers should repair any split or missing decking
Roof Preparation:
Next the roofers will install new underlayment roofing felt and battens (wood strips,). New metal flashing is also applied
Tile Installation:
Once the tiles are loaded onto the roof, the roofer hangs them on the battens and nails them in place. Tiles are cut to fit valleys, hips, sidewalls, etc...
Clean Up:
You should never make final payment until the roof, yard, and driveway are cleaned up and all materials and tools have been removed from your property
Final Inspection:
Walk around your home and check that everything is cleaned up and completed to your satisfaction
Visual Inspection:
Check that the entire roof is covered (no gaps or spaces), gutters and down spouts connected, and flashing (metal) is in place wherever the roof meets a vertical wall. Try to look at the roof from a ladder or even from your neighbor's windows
Problems:
If you detect any leaks or missing tiles, immediately call your roofing contractor to prevent water damage and further roof problems
Back to Top
Am I choosing the right roofing material?
Not all roofing materials are created equal. Roofing materials have a wide range of features and benefits which affect your roof's appearance and performance so consider these factors before you buy.
- Weight of the Roofing Materials: � If you decide to change roofing materials when you re-roof your home, contact an engineer to evaluate your home's structural strength
  Back to Top
- What payment methods do you accept?
  We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Discover, and MasterCard), as well as Personal Checks and Money Orders. Checks and Money Orders may take longer depending on the postal service
  Back to Top
- Do I have to pay Sales Tax?
  Only certain states must pay sales tax, you will be notified if taxes apply to your order before completing the checkout.
  Back to Top
- What are your normal business hours?
  Most inquiries will be answered within 2-6 hours but our normal business hours are Monday - Saturday, 7am - 7pm. PST
  Back to Top
- Are my payments secure?
  Yes, all of our transactions are encrypted using industry standard equipment to ensure that only we see your private information
  Back to Top