Adrian Robledo, Director of Business Development, ICP
There are different methods to adhere clay and concrete tile to rooftops as contractors know. Nail, screw, mortar and wire tie systems all provide advantages; however, adhesives can offer additional benefits to Florida-based roofers and remodelers along with various other concrete and clay tile markets. Chemical bonding solutions can provide superior water and wind resistance compared to mechanical fastening systems.
Where driving rain and harsh winds threaten, roof tile adhesive can outperform other fastening systems in terms of performance, reliability and faster, easier application. When selecting and applying an adhesive, keep these considerations in mind for a great outcome for your next residential or commercial project.
Mechanical fasteners like nails and screws create lasting penetrations into the waterproofing membrane or roof deck that can grow larger with time. Strong winds may induce tile “chattering” where individual tiles are lifted up and down as wind sweeps along the roof, much like a piano player performing a fast slide across the keys. This movement can enlarge mechanical fastener abrasions, giving water droplets a convenient place to divert. Tile adhesives negate this possibility by eliminating penetrations completely.
As Floridians know, wind events can be routine and destructive at times. High wind regions like Florida – even parts of the Florida Panhandle – may experience sustained gale-force winds with gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour in extreme
instances. Adhesives can offer additional wind uplift resistance compared to conventional mechanical fasteners. This extra holding power is provided by one- and two-component polyurethane formulations with optimized adhesive
chemistries for bonding clay and concrete tile to common underlayments.
Many two-component polyurethane adhesives provide greater load-bearing characteristics for the tile. Here, the adhesive A and B chemicals combine to create a cushioned paddy under the tile, much like a pillow. This paddy can improve support strength by as much as 80 percent for individual tiles, making them less likely to break under stress or strain. Extra reinforcement also helps clay and concrete tile stand up to regular pressure washing and crews walking on the roof. Nails, screws and wire ties can also loosen or become dislodged, while two-component adhesives do not rely on a mechanical bond to resist shifting of the tile.
A two-component roof tile adhesive can provide the uplift resistance needed for high wind regions like South Florida, especially for homes and structures built near the coastline. In other parts of Central and North Florida, a one-component adhesive can deliver suitable holding strength for less installed cost. Miami- Dade ordinances and the Florida Building Code govern most of the state; however, variations exist across municipalities. Always consult local wind uplift resistance
requirements and product values before work begins.
Adhesives may seem a simple and straightforward method for adhering roof tile but do not assume an untrained person can do the job. It is important to be trained and qualified to perform the correct application method. Many adhesive manufacturers offer rooftop training to their customers where a qualified specialist provides instruction or shadows crews while they become accustomed to the product and applicator tool.
Many one-component adhesives use a beading method applied to different areas of the tile depending on its profile, while two-component systems produce a paddy under the tile that can vary in size. Bead and paddy placement and volume can significantly impact adhesive performance and durability. Proper training is paramount to avoiding costly mistakes and rework.
Before applying, make sure the temperature of the adhesive you are using is within an acceptable range determined by the manufacturer. Generally, a one-component adhesive should read 65 to 95°F or 70 to 90°F for most two-component adhesives. Extreme high or low temperatures can compromise adhesive performance, so be mindful of weather conditions, keep products correctly stored away until they are needed. Use an infrared sensor to determine the temperature of adhesive cylinders.
Manufacturer safety protocols for adhesives should be strictly followed in all cases. This tends to include the donning of long-sleeved shirts, professional nitrile gloves and safety glasses. Roof tile adhesives are formulated for incredible lasting strength – removing adhesives from the skin or fingernails can be surprisingly difficult compared to common household “super” glues. Crews should only work in outdoor or well ventilated areas and everyone performing work on the job site should be educated about proper storage, handling, application and safety for the adhesive being used.
There are other considerations for contractors to keep in mind when using adhesives to adhere clay and concrete roof tile. Often, it is a methodical approach to detail that determines the success of a project. When looking at the bigger picture, don’t forget these small steps:
■ Always verify that the adhesive manufacturer has evaluated its product for use with the approved underlayment. Assuming a product will give excellent adhesion to the primary roofing surface is risky as material and chemical compositions can vary greatly from job to job.
■ Always clean applicator tools and dispensers immediately after use to prevent nozzles from clogging. Adhesives can harden in minutes, ruining a perfectly good spray tip. Hoses should also be purged every two to three days to prevent adhesives from curing.
■ A simple conversation can save time and money. Adhesive manufacturers constantly strive to help contractors improve their performance, be it a stronger bonding formulation, faster application method or improved bead control. Knowing the latest products and techniques can translate to hours and dollars saved.
In a state where the wind and rain can pick up at any moment, clay and concrete roof tile adhesive gives contractors a way to keep costs and complications down. Even pros who have used adhesives for years may be surprised to learn more about the products that create a chemical bond to lock tiles in place and improve load-bearing characteristics. For Florida roofers, builders and remodelers, there are many benefits to explore.
With nearly 20 years of roof tile and adhesive industry experience, Adrian is dedicated to helping roofing professionals understand the value of proper training and tile installation methods for concrete and clay roof tiles. His passion, commitment, technical knowledge and service to his customers has helped him build a solid reputation as one of the industry leaders in the residential roofing category. Contact him at arobledo@icpgroup.com.
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