Sofia Martinez
Plastic roof tiles are an excellent roofing option for those seeking the traditional aesthetic of slate tiles but with added practicality and a lower weight. The installation process is simple and affordable, and can be completed by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, without the need for specialist tools or equipment. This guide will take you through the steps to fit plastic roof tiles, from preparing the roof structure to weatherproofing the intersection between ridge and hip tiles.
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Preparing the roof
Preparing your roof for plastic tile installation is a critical step in the process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, ensure that your roof decking material meets the minimum requirements. It should be at least 12mm WPB plywood board, solid wood decking, or oriented strand board (OSB). Inspect your roof sheathing to confirm that the sheathing joints are fully supported by framing, blocking, or metal clips. Make sure that your roof decking is sloped for adequate drainage and securely anchored to sound framing.
Next, clean the roof surface, ensuring it is flat, smooth, and free of debris. Verify that the substrate is sloped and anchored to the framing. Clean the interlocking areas to minimise moisture and ice damming. If you notice any screw heads, cover them with paint compatible with slate roofing or a coloured sealant.
Before installing the tiles, weatherproof the roof by fitting a lead saddle at the intersection of the ridge and hip tiles. This will ensure the durability of your roof. Additionally, install metal or any other specialty flashings prior to tile installation. Flashings should have a minimum length of 229mm and overlap by at least 51mm. To install counter flashing, cut a minimum 25mm deep reglet into the masonry, then bend the flashing to fit.
Finally, locate the centre of the roof area to be covered. From each end, position your starter slates and draw horizontal and vertical lines with chalk to guide your tile placement. Start placing eaves slates on both sides of the vertical chalk line, maintaining the required spacing. By following these steps, you will have a well-prepared roof, ready for plastic tile installation.
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Using flashings
Flashings are essential to prevent leaks and direct water away from vulnerable areas of the roof, such as valleys between slopes, towards the gutter system. They are especially important where the roof meets a wall or chimney. Step flashing is a common type, allowing the roof to abut brickwork, for instance, when a lower-height roof runs into a wall. It is called 'step' flashing due to the pattern created in the lead by a series of cuts that allow the lead to penetrate the courses between the bricks, resembling a staircase. This method keeps the bricks undamaged and is aesthetically pleasing.
There are two types of step flashing: step and cover. This type of flashing can be used on any roof covering with a profile and should be fitted where a conservatory roof meets the house. It is not suitable for small, flat, double-overlapping plain tiles as the high and low peaks needed to render the roof waterproof do not exist. Step and cover flashing is possibly the easiest to fit as the cover folds over the highest point of the roof tile and is dressed into the lowest, making the roof waterproof.
Apron flashing is another type, fitted over the slates and behind siding or counter/cap flashing. It can also be dressed into the brickwork or stonework. To install counter flashing, cut a minimum of a 25mm deep reglet into the masonry material, then bend the flashing to fit into the reglet. Fit the lowest piece first and work upwards, fastening the counter using expandable anchors or masonry screws.
When choosing flashing, it is important to consider the quality. While regular aluminium flashing is an option, it does not hold up as well as tile roofing. EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber) rubber-graded aluminium combination is a good choice as it is resistant to heat, oxidation and weather and will not break down over time. It is also matched to the colour of the roof and will not fade.
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Hip tile fitting
Plastic roof tiles are a great roofing option for those who want the classic look of slate tiles but with added practicality and a lightweight design. The installation process is straightforward and can be carried out by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts without the need for specialist tools or equipment.
To fit hip tiles, you will need to install additional tiling battens. Begin by covering the entire hip with a 600mm underlay, starting from the eave and ending at the ridge. Ensure that the underlay overlaps the standard underlay on both sides of the hip. Once this is done, place a hip tile in position and mark the nailing points at the bottom and top of the hip.
For weatherproofing, fit a lead saddle at the intersection where the ridge tile meets the hip tile. This will ensure that your roof remains protected and can last for up to 40 years with proper care and maintenance.
If you are using Envirotile Hip Caps, a type of synthetic plastic roof tile, the installation process is as follows: the tiles interlock with each other along the hip and are secured by screwing them into the hip batten. These tiles can be easily cut with either a hand saw or a power saw, and they come with slide locks for quick alignment and security.
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Weatherproofing
Firstly, it is important to prepare the roof surface before installing the tiles. Ensure that the area is flat, smooth, clean, and free of any debris or irregularities. This includes inspecting the roof sheathing and confirming that all sheathing joints are adequately supported by framing, blocking, or metal clips. Any specialist flashings, such as metal flashings, should be installed prior to tile installation. Clean interlocking areas to minimise moisture and ice damming.
When installing plastic roof tiles, pay close attention to the intersections between ridge tiles and hip tiles. This area needs to be weatherproofed to prevent water ingress and potential leaks. To weatherproof this intersection, fit a lead saddle over the junction between the ridge and hip tiles. A neat mitred joint should be created for a secure fit.
Additionally, flashing plays a crucial role in weatherproofing your roof. Step flashings should be installed under or over the roof coverings, with a minimum length of 229mm and an overlap of at least 51mm. Apron flashing is another type of flashing that is fitted over the slates and behind siding or counter/cap flashing. It can also be dressed into the brickwork or stonework for added protection. To install counter flashing, create a minimum 25mm deep reglet in the masonry and bend the flashing to fit securely.
Finally, when working with cut tiles, position the cut edge inwards and the manufactured edge on the outside edge of the roof. This technique helps to improve the overall appearance and weather resistance of the roof. By following these weatherproofing instructions, you can enhance the durability and longevity of your plastic roof tile installation.
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Tile cutting
When it comes to cutting plastic roof tiles, there are several methods you can use. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Work Area and Gather the Tools
Before you begin cutting the plastic roof tiles, it is important to prepare your work area. Make sure you have a flat and stable surface to work on, and lay out all the necessary tools and materials, including safety gear such as gloves and eye protection.
Mark the Cutting Line
Using a measuring tape and a straight edge, measure and mark the cutting line on the plastic roof tile. Use a pencil or a marker to clearly indicate the line along which you will be cutting. This will help guide your cut and ensure straight and precise results.
Tape the Tile
Apply insulation tape or duct tape along the marked cutting line. This step is crucial as it helps to prevent chipping and provides a straight edge for your cut. It also adds extra friction, making it easier to cut through the tile with controlled movements.
Cut with a Stanley Knife
Hold the Stanley knife firmly and apply moderate pressure along the taped line. It is important not to press too hard, as it may break the knife or cause an uneven cut. Make two or three passes along the line with steady and controlled movements. This should give you a clean and straight edge.
Alternative Cutting Methods
If you have access to power tools, you can explore other cutting methods. An angle grinder with a tile blade can be used, but be cautious as it may generate a lot of heat. A "wiggly saw" from Screwfix or an electric hot knife are also effective options for cutting through plastic roof tiles.
Finishing Touches
Once you've cut through the tile, remove the tape and use a toothbrush to clean up any debris or leftover residue along the cut edge. Inspect your work and ensure that the cut is smooth and consistent. If there are any sharp edges, you can use sandpaper to gently buff them down, prioritizing safety and a smooth finish.
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Frequently asked questions
The fitting process is straightforward and requires no specialist tools or equipment. You will, however, need a few basic tools, including a lead saddle, fasteners, and a measuring tape.
Before beginning the fitting process, you should ensure that the roof surface is flat, smooth, clean, and clear of all debris. Double-check that sheathing joints are supported by framing and blocking, and any necessary flashings are in place.
First, locate the centre of the roof area to be covered. Position your starter slates and draw horizontal and vertical lines with chalk to guide your placement.
When cutting tiles, ensure that the manufactured edge is installed on the outside edge of the roof for a better appearance. The centre mark on the tile can be used as a guide to keep courses straight and maintain spacing requirements.
To complete the installation, weatherproof the intersection where the ridge tile meets the hip tile by fitting a lead saddle at the intersection.
