Omar Khalid
Plastic roof tiles are a great roofing option for those seeking a lightweight, inexpensive, and straightforward installation process. They are perfect for those who want the classic look of slate tiles without the weight and hassle of traditional roofing materials. One of the most significant advantages of plastic roof tiles is their ease of installation, requiring no specialist tools or equipment, making them accessible to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to fitting plastic roof tile edging, covering everything from preparation to the final touches, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing roof for your home.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your roof structure
Before installing plastic roof tile edging, it is important to prepare your roof structure. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, thoroughly inspect your roof surface. Ensure that the area where the tiles will be installed is flat, smooth, clean, and clear of any debris. This includes checking for any rotten battens, which can make the installation process more difficult. It is also important to double-check that sheathing joints are fully supported by framing and blocking. Make sure any specialist flashings, such as metal flashing, are in place.
Next, prepare the substrate by creating a slope that is anchored to the framing. This will ensure proper water drainage. Clean the interlocking areas to minimise moisture and prevent ice damming. Make the necessary provisions for flashing and roof penetrations.
If you are installing a dry verge system, which is a popular method for finishing the edge of a pitched roof, there are a few additional steps. The dry verge system uses interlocking caps or units that are fixed over the edge of the roof tiles, providing a secure and durable finish. To prepare for this system, you may need to install barge boards, especially if you plan to screw the dry verge segments directly into the wooden boards instead of the brickwork. Ensure that the battens are in good condition and extend far enough over the roof verge. If not, cut them back to the nearest rafter and replace them with longer pieces to accommodate the dry verge panels.
Finally, gather the necessary tools and materials for the installation process. For plastic roof tile edging, you will typically need galvanised roofing fasteners that are at least 30mm long and 3mm in diameter with a 10mm diameter head. Keep in mind that no specialist tools or equipment are usually required for this project.
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Install barge boards
Barge boards are essential in protecting your roof's gable end from harsh weather conditions, including heavy storms, rain, wind, and moisture. They are usually attached to the gable end of the roof, along the outer edge of the framing barge rafters, and they provide both structural support and aesthetic appeal.
- Prepare the Roof Structure: Ensure your roof is ready for barge board installation by inspecting the roof surface. Make sure the area is flat, smooth, clean, and clear of any debris. Check that the substrate is sloped and anchored to the framing, and address any flashing and roof penetration requirements.
- Select the Right Material: Barge boards come in various materials, including wood, PVC, metal, and composites. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetic appeal. Choose the material that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Secure Attachment: Position the barge boards securely to the very edges of your roof. Ensure they are perfectly straight and well-fixed to enhance their functionality and appearance. Proper fastening strengthens the entire roof structure by linking the roof stringers at the eave, providing the necessary protection from the elements.
- Maintenance and Inspection: Regularly inspect and maintain your barge boards to prolong their lifespan. Clean them to remove dirt and debris, preventing moisture buildup. Keep an eye out for early signs of damage, decay, or warping, as these issues can compromise the barge board's protection and weaken the overall roof structure.
- Replacement: If you need to replace an old barge board, carefully remove it without damaging the roof. Ensure that the new barge board matches the exact size and style of the previous one to maintain the exterior look of your house.
By following these steps, you can successfully install barge boards, enhancing the protection and aesthetic appeal of your roof.
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Fit a lead saddle
Plastic roof tiles are a lightweight and inexpensive roofing solution. They are straightforward to install, requiring no specialist tools or equipment. Before beginning the fitting process, it is important to prepare your roof structure. Ensure the roof surface is flat, smooth, clean, and clear of debris. Check that the sheathing joints are supported by framing and blocking with metal flashing. The substrate should be sloped and anchored to the framing. Clean interlocking areas to minimise moisture and make provisions for flashing and roof penetrations.
Once your roof structure is prepared, you can begin installing the plastic roof tiles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimum results. Typically, you would start at the bottom, fixing the first tile with a screw to the batten. Each subsequent tile will interlock with the previous one, and you will screw each one in place, with the next tile covering and hiding the screw. Ensure the slates are fitted straight by striking chalk lines horizontally at the desired level of exposure. Spacer tabs provided on each slate will help maintain consistent spacing. Use galvanised roofing fasteners to secure each slate.
To fit a lead saddle, you will need to identify the junction where the ridge tile meets the hip tile. The lead saddle should be fitted over this intersection to weatherproof the joint. The saddle should extend at least 100mm down each roof slope and terminate in a welt to prevent water from running into the roof space. For steeper roof pitches, you may need to form the saddle using lead welding, while for relatively low-pitched roofs, you can boss the lead sheet into shape. Ensure the saddle turns up the wall by the same distance as the cover flashing and dress it into the brickwork joints or chasing.
It is important to note that lead alternative flashing systems are also available if you have concerns about the price, use of lead, or potential theft. These alternative systems are generally lighter in weight, and staining is not an issue, eliminating the need for patination oil coating. However, if you choose to use a lead saddle, ensure it is installed correctly to prevent water ingress.
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Use galvanised roofing fasteners
When fitting plastic roof tile edging, it is important to use galvanised roofing fasteners. These are specialised screws that help secure different types of roofing materials to the roof platform below. This includes composite tile, ceramic tile, metal sheeting, and pressure-treated lumber.
To ensure a secure fit, each slate should be fastened with a minimum of two galvanised roofing fasteners. These fasteners should be at least 30mm long and 3mm in diameter, with a 10mm diameter head. This will ensure that the nail holes are covered by the next slate course, with no through-joints exposed to the deck.
Galvanised roofing fasteners are available in a variety of finishes to match your specific project. For example, zinc-plated steel fasteners are suitable for most jobs. If you are fastening metal roofing materials to a wood roof deck, look for fasteners with a high-low thread configuration. This allows users to quickly and easily penetrate both steel and wood.
It is important to note that if you are installing plastic roof tiles in low temperatures (0°C and above), the tiles should only be hand-fastened. In these conditions, it is also crucial to condition the tiles at a temperature of at least 7°C for 24 hours before installation.
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Prevent bird and pest ingress
A dry verge system is a durable and maintenance-free solution that can be used to prevent bird and pest ingress. It uses interlocking caps or units that are clipped or fixed over the edge of roof tiles, providing a secure fixing and protecting the roof space from pests and weathering. The bottom unit of the dry verge system incorporates a plastic 'comb' to prevent bird ingress at the roof eaves level. The teeth of the comb adjust to suit any profile of roof tile. The dry verge system also acts as a physical barrier to wind and rain, preventing damage by wind uplift.
To prevent pest ingress, it is important to block likely access points. At the eaves, for concrete roofs, tile edge metal and tile risers should be installed. For 2-piece tiles, either clay bird stop or mortar should be packed beneath the tile to prevent pest ingress. Along hips and ridge lines, either weather-stop or mortar should be used to close the opening, limiting access beneath the tile and minimizing the risk of water damage. Installing 1/4” wire mesh at openings for roof vents can also reduce the chances of mice and rats entering your attic.
Annual roof checks can help identify the presence of pests and signs of damage or age-related deterioration. Courtesy roof checks can be performed by roofing contractors, who can inspect the roof for signs of pest damage and recommend appropriate solutions.
Other methods to prevent bird ingress include installing plastic birds of prey on the roof, such as a plastic falcon or owl. While these may be effective initially, birds may eventually get used to their presence. Audio deterrents, such as the BirdXPeller PRO, emit high-pitched noises or bird distress calls that can confuse and frighten pest birds. Hanging aluminum foil strips or reflective tape from trees near the roof can also help to scare birds away by creating a disorienting effect and a sharp, metallic clacking sound when the tape flaps in the wind.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic roof tiles are a lightweight alternative to slates that are inexpensive and straightforward to install. They can be installed in temperatures as low as 0°C, but in such conditions, they should only be hand-fastened. They also require no specialist tools or equipment.
The roof surface should be inspected and cleaned to ensure it is flat, smooth, sound, and clear of debris. Sheathing joints should be supported by framing and blocking with metal flashing and any other specialist flashings in place. The substrate should be sloped and anchored to the framing. Interlocking areas should be cleaned to minimise moisture and ice damming.
A dry verge system is a more durable and maintenance-free alternative to the traditional method of sealing the verge (the edge of a pitched roof where the tiles finish over the gable end) with mortar. The dry verge system uses interlocking caps that are clipped over the edge of the roof tiles, providing a secure fixing and protecting the roof space from weathering and pest damage. The caps are fixed to the roof battens, and any mortar covering the ends of the battens should be removed. The dry verge system also prevents bird and pest ingress and staining of the brickwork by discharging rainwater off the verge and away from the gable wall.
