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Architects are taking a closer look around and are specifying concrete tiles. Modern technology is making concrete roof tile a very viable roof choice in the 2K's,while costly failures of traditional and newer unproven roofing systems are creating upheavals in the roofing industry.
European tried, tested and proven for over 60 years, concrete tile is making a major comeback. Traditional wood roofs are on the decrease due to high cost and lack of availability of an environmentally sensitive product. Let's face it...two-hundred year-old aged cedar trees are not easy to find any more, and it takes three to four trees to provide an average single-family home roof.
What advantages does tile have over other roofing systems? Admittedly it's a little heavier, but this is insignificant when you consider snow loads. Some advantages for concrete roof tile are:
In summary, most people don't think about their roof until it starts to leak, spoiling the contents of their buildings. The cost of replacing or repairing your roof can be prohibitive; some building owners are forced to sell because they can't afford to replace their roof.
Make the right decision the first time. Be smart - protect yourself and your investment with a Columbia Tile Roof.
Architectural Drawings
Columbia Concrete Products Ltd.
Architectural Design Aid ProgramThis aid program has been formatted in DXF and is compatible to most Architectural Design programs including CAD, the details contained in these files are the most commonly used.
Areas experiencing high wind or extreme cold weather may require further design criteria. Consult your Columbia Representative for details.
It is important to recognize that these details are neither warranties, explicit or implicit, nor representative of the only method by which mechanically fastened tile system should be installed. They try and summarize for you, the Architect/Designer, good roofing details.
Note: Local building codes and weather conditions must always take precedence.
Columbia Concrete Roof Details
Installation Method.STEP 1.
Depending on the type of Architectural Design program you use, you can import each detail as required to view or to incorporate into a set of drawings. The DXF files are supplied in a ".zip" format, and need to be decompressed using "Zip It" (PC) or "Stuffit Expander" (Mac) after downloading.
STEP 2.
Within your software there is an import/export option. Within this option, go to the directory where the DXF files have been copied and pick the file you want to import into the program you are using. The DXF file will be formatted to the program you are importing into.
Columbia Concrete Roof Details Index Click to make selection.
Framing Details
This manual is a general guide for the preparation of roof decks prior to tile roofing. Local building codes must be observed at all times.
There are many variables in a roof design such as style, different pitches, profiles of tiles, etc. Modification of these details may be required and should be discussed with your roofer or the manufacturer prior to commencing work.
First confirm the plans are designed for a tile roof and are engineered to allow for the snow load for the building site and the applicable weight of the roofing materials.
Tile roofs can be installed on 2" x 4" or 2" x 6" walls. Care must be taken that the load points are correctly aligned and that cross bracing is installed throughout the roof and structure prior to roof loading. This is very important particularly if the cladding is non structural or has not been installed.
Confirm tile profile, underlayment type and gable end style before commencing work.
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Cost Analysis
RESIDENTIAL ROOFING MATERIALS -1999 Survey
by Kathleen D. Kompauer, P. Eng.
In December 1999 and January 2000 my firm, KDR Engineering Consultants Ltd., conducted a survey to analyze the cost of roofing a typical single-family home in the Vancouver area. The purpose of this study is to provide designers, builders and home buyers with as recent information on trends in roofing and pricing as possible. This survey updates the one conducted in 1992 by Mark Stewart, P. Eng.
During the last seven years, the cost of building materials, including roofing, have increased at a rate much greater than the consumer price index and the selling price of housing. The trend in single-family housing in the Vancouver area has moved away from the large "top end" houses to the more moderate-sized or even small-sized homes. In the past most people considered metal tile, concrete tile or cedar shake and shingle roofs for the "top end" market and considered asphalt shingles for the median to lower end housing, just based on the initial cost of these roofing systems.
THE COST COMPARISON - You may be surprised!
Prior to getting prices, we first went to Tynan Home Designs, Select Home Designs and Jenish House Design Ltd. and obtained from each of them one of their most popular house plans. These homes had roof areas ranging from 2278 square feet to 3104 square feet, for an average roof area of approximately 2600 square feet. Eight types of roofing materials were priced by five local roofing contractors.
As with anything else, a price comparison is very dependent on the size and complexity of the project. The pitch and shape of the roof has a direct influence on the cost per square foot. The roofs on the selected plans were not simple plain sloped roofs. They had the typical varied profiles that are common to the new housing being built today. Another factor that affects the cost is the competitiveness of the construction industry so confirming prices can vary widely from contractor to contractor. For this reason the contractors were asked to provide prices for several materials and at least two to three prices were used for each material in the comparison.
The roofing contractors provided prices for the supply and installation of the roofing materials. This included worker protection during installation as required by WCB Regulations. In addition, costs were included for the ancillary items. For example, concrete tile requires strapping and upgraded roof trusses. Cedar and metal roofs also require strapping but use standard trusses. Asphalt shingles are installed over plywood or other sheathing material on the standard trusses. An additional labour component by the framer is required to install this sheathing which is not included in the roofing contractor's price. Metal and concrete tile contractors provide the labour for the strapping in their price, but not the cost of the strapping itself. These ancillary costs have been factored into the prices provided by the contractors for installation of the roofing materials to determine a total cost per square (100 square feet) for each roofing system. In this way we could compare the complete roofing systems from the trusses up, not just roofing materials. For the concrete tile system, we have included the cost difference between standard trusses and the heavier upgraded trusses required for concrete tile in the ancillary costs. The systems evaluated were: metal tile & standing seam metal; treated cedar shingle, taper sawn shake and hand split shake; 25 year & 30 year asphalt shingles; and concrete tile. In order to simplify the data in Table 1, we will only show the comparisons for metal tile, tapersawn cedar shakes, 30 year asphalt shingles and concrete tile. Dollar values have also been rounded off.
Table 1
1999 Building Costs of Various Roofs
Roof
Tile
Treated Cedar
Shingle
TileRoof Material for
2609 square feetAdditional Cost:
truss upgrade, strapping, plywood, labourTotal Cost of
Roof SystemInitial Cost
per Square*Approximate
Life of RoofApproximate Reroof
Cost at 25 YearsTotal Cost over
50 Year Life
* 1 square = 100 square feet of roof
# using simple interest rate of 1.69% (CPI)If the Buyer looks only at the installed cost of the roofing material, asphalt shingles are the least expensive. However, when the ancillary costs are added in, concrete tile can compete on a first cost basis with asphalt shingles. This is a dramatic change from previous years where concrete tile was always more expensive and assumed to be a product for "top end" housing. What Happened Since 1992? According to Statistics Canada, 1992 became the new base year for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and was set at 100. The CPI for Vancouver in 1999 was 111.8, an increase of 11.8%, or roughly 1.69% per year over seven years. At the same time, CMHC indicated that the median cost of a single-family home in the Lower Mainland rose from $325,000 to $365,000, a 12.3% increase in that same time frame. However, increases in roofing material costs have far exceeded these percentages. Table 2 shows the cost comparison between the 1992 survey and our 1999 survey. The percentage increase for metal, cedar and asphalt systems have gone up more than double that for concrete tile.
Table 2
1992 vs.1999 Building Costs
Cost/Square
Tile
Cedar
Shingle
Tile
Increase / Year
COMPARING APPLES & ORANGES
In order to compare roofing systems on an equal basis, both initial cost and life expectancy should be considered. Treated cedar and asphalt roof systems have about a 25 year life expectancy, while metal and concrete systems last greater than 50 years. (Untreated cedar has about a 15 year life and was not considered in this study.) In order to compare all of the systems at an equal age, the cedar and asphalt shingle roofs would need to be replaced at about 25 years and this additional cost needs to be factored in. However, at 25 years, only the roof material itself would be removed and replaced since the trusses, and the strapping or plywood would remain from the original roof construction. The old roofing material would then need to be taken to a disposal center.
In looking at the total cost of all the roofs over a 50 year life in Table 1, we used just the CPI rate of 1.69%/year rather than the 14.7% to 19.0%/year average cost increase to determine the cost for the cedar and asphalt roof replacement at 25 years. Current waste disposal costs were also factored in. Using the CPI rate makes this cost comparison at 50 years exceedingly conservative.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The results of this survey are significantly different than the 1992 survey. For instance, concrete tile now competes with mid and upper-range asphalt shingles on a first cost basis. Cedar tapersawn shakes are less costly than metal systems on first cost but are more expensive than asphalt or concrete systems. They are the most expensive option when looked at in life cycle costing. A roof with a 50 year life is a value-added feature to future purchasers and enhances resale value. Concrete tile provides this with no premium during initial construction, compared to a metal system which is more than double the cost.
Material selection is important when looking at financing and mortgaging needs for all new single-family homes. Lower range shingles are cheaper but they only last about 15 years, and would require replacement at least twice during a 50 year life cycle. For only a modest increase in cost during construction, it would be a wise investment to install a roof material with at least a 25 year life. If a home buyer can get a 50 year concrete tile roof at the same price as a 25 year asphalt shingle roof, with no additional financing or mortgaging required, this would be an even better investment. Plus, knowing that the roof will last for 50 years, means a buyer will not have to look at a loan or remortgaging in 25 years or less to pay for a new roof.
In conclusion, for the best return on investment the selection of all materials, especially roofing, should be coordinated during the design stage prior to the start of construction. Concrete roof tile systems would be the best choice based on both initial and life cycle cost but the decision needs to be made early, since concrete tile requires upgraded trusses.
Kathleen D. Kompauer P. Eng. is the President of KDR Engineering Consultants Ltd., Surrey, BC.
The following organizations provided data used in the preparation of this study:
Alliance Roofing Systems Ltd.
Apexmaster Roof Systems Ltd.
CJI Roofing Systems
Jenish House Design Ltd.
Select Home Designs
Statistics Canada
Tynan Home Designs
Westmarr Roofing Ltd.
CMHC P & R Disposal Ltd.
Samra Bros. Roofing & Insulation Ltd.
Transwest Roofing (1994) Ltd.
Valley Truss Ltd.
RESIDENTIAL ROOFING MATERIALS - 1992 SURVEY
By Mark Stewart, P.Eng.Following our survey of roofing costs in 1986 a more detailed and updated study has recently been completed. This survey has evaluated the cost of residential roofs in the Lower Mainland and is based upon 1992 prices using a variety of roofing materials. As with our previous study the purpose of this survey was to provide architects, builders, and home owners with some reliable information with respect to cost and life expectancy of various roofing materials.
During the past five years a number of trends have emerged which influence the popularity of roofing alternatives. The greater proportion of money invested in residential construction has been predominantly at the "top end" of the market: relatively large and expensive homes where the builder or home owner is prepared to spend more if it results in a more attractive home with better re-sale value. This trend has tended to favour concrete tiles rather than asphalt shingles in new home construction. Similarly, treated wood shakes have become more popular than untreated in recent years - although it is clear that all wood shakes have been adversely affected by increases in cedar prices in recent times.
HOW DID WE GET THESE COSTS?
To obtain prices we first selected house plans for three different homes from "JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LIMITED". These designs represent typical homes being built today in British Columbia with roof areas varying from 2200 square feet to 3000 square feet. "S" types of roofing were then priced by contacting actual roofing contractors. An average of three prices was used for each product and the companies providing the prices were not aware that this was part of a cost survey. the prices shown, therefore, should accurately reflect the cost of a roof to someone building a house today.
In any study such as this the problem always arises of comparing apples and oranges. Each roofing system has ancillary costs for items such as strapping, plywood, underlayment, roof trusses, and the associated labour. Asphalt shingles for example, require a plywood base and with the associated labour this can add $1,000 or more to the cost of the new roof. Similarly, concrete tiles require a sturdier roof truss and usually a larger fascia board. These costs have been taken into account and are included in the prices shown in the table. All figures shown represent 1992 prices without considering inflation or interest rates.
Using the methods described, prices were obtained for each of the three home designs. Naturally the design of the roof (pitch, shape, etc.) had a direct influence on the cost per square foot. Having collected the prices for each house, the average prices were then calculated for each type of material (the average area for the three roofs were 2,700 sq. ft.) and these prices are summarized in the following table:
1992 BUILDING COSTS OF VARIOUS ROOFS
Type of Roof: Asphalt Shingles
(15 years)Asphalt Shingles
(25 years)Concrete Tiles Untreated Cedar
ShakesPreserved Cedar
ShakesMineral Coated
Galvanized MetalCost of basic roof of 2700 square feet $1,939 $2,369 $6,162 $6,419 $6,939 $9,804 Additional cost of savings due to variations in trussed, plywood, strapping and labour. + $1,315 + $1,315 - $217 NIL NIL + $1,315 Total cost of roofing system $3,253 $3,684 $5,945 $6,419 $6,939 $11,119 Initial cost per 100 square feet of roof $120 $136 $220 $238 $257 $412 Approximate life of roof 15 years 25 years 50+ years 15 years 30 years 50+ years This survey has considered the life of a house to be 50 years. Those systems which guarantee a minimum of 50 years service life are considered to never need re-rooflng. Other systems with a shorter life expectancy have been judged upon the guarantees given as well as their typical proven performance. Asphalt shingles for example with a 15 year warranty have been considered to last 15 years and so would require re-roofing after 15 years and 30 years (re-roofing at age 45 years has been ignored in this study for both asphalt and untreated cedar shakes as it would probably not be done in practice). We have also assumed that the old shingles would only be removed for the second re-roofing. The roofing costs over the life of the building are summarized in the next table.
LIFE CYCLE COSTS OF VARIOUS ROOFS
Type of Roof: Asphalt Shingles
(15 years)Asphalt Shingles
(25 years)Concrete Tiles Untreated Cedar
ShakesPreserved Cedar
ShakesMineral Coated
Galvanized MetalInitial average cost of roof (incl. trusses, plywood etc.) $3,253 $3,684 $5,945 $6,419 $6,939 $11,119 Life expectancy. 15 years 25 years 50+ years 15 years 30 years 50+ years Number of roofs needed over 50 years. 3 2 1 3 2 1 Total cost of all roofs over 50 year life. $7,731 $6,653 $5,945 $20,076 $14,328 $11,119 BUYER BEWARE
There are a number of pit-falls awaiting the unwary in the business of roofing. Whether you are building thirty houses or just one for yourself it may be tempting to go for an irresistibly low price. Unfortunately it takes more than a pick-up truck and a ladder to be a good roofer - and part of what the customer is paying for is the expertise of people who really know what they are doing.
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of small, independent roofing contractors who, in some cases, do not even have a trades licence. Such companies probably do not contribute to W.C.13. and this could result in the owner of the building having some liability in the event of an accident.
Warranties on roofing materials should also be examined carefully. The warranty given for asphalt shingles may be 15 years, 25 years or 40 years but this is generally limited to the cost of materials only and is also pro-rated. In other words if a roof with a 25 year warranty needs replacing after twenty years the owner can expect to receive about 20% discount off the cost of the new shingles (not including any labour costs). This is quite reasonable - but people should be aware that a "25 year warranty" does not mean that you get a new roof if it fails to last that long.
Similar caution should be exercised with preserved wood shakes. While a 30 year warranty is fairly standard today this guarantee is provided by the companies treating the shakes and it is the treating process which is warranted. If the shakes begin to rot prematurely this should be covered, but other defects such as leaks due to warping or splits which may be attributed to the wood shakes themselves or to poor workmanship may be excluded from the warranty. Again, it is up to the owner to check on the limit of coverage.
The best advise for the builder or home owner is to read the small print on the warranty, buy materials from reputable companies, and to use roofing contractors who have a good reputation.
CEDAR SHAKES HIT BY LUMBER PRICES
Sharp increases in the price of lumber are believed to be the main cause of dropping sales of cedar shakes. The one significant change between our 1986 survey and the present one is the increase in prices which have been experienced in the wood shake industry. For a roof of the same area our survey found that the price of a shake roof has increased (on first cost) by approximately 42%, while the cost of treated shake roofs has increased by 34%. Continuing uncertainty regarding lumber prices as well as the influence of the free trade agreement make it difficult to predict future trends in the price of cedar shakes
SO WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE?
As one would expect, the results of this study were fairly similar to those of the 1986 survey. On first cost asphalt shingles are still the least expensive roofing system available and that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
Concrete tiles are the closest in price, followed by untreated shakes and then treated (preserved) shakes. As in 1986, galvanized steel continues to be substantially more expensive than any other system where first cost is considered.
Over the life of the building a similar picture emerges as that in the 1986 survey: concrete tiles are the least expensive roofing system over a fifty year period. Although the lighter weight asphalt shingles are more expensive over the life of the building this survey indicates that the heavier duty shingles, while still more expensive than concrete tile in the long -term, come closest to the price of tile and is more economical than "15 year" shingles.
With the extraordinary increase in Vancouver house prices since our last survey in 1986, expectations of home buyers have also increased. For the large financial investment associated with today's homes it is anticipated that an increasing number of home buyers would prefer to be spared both the cost and inconvenience of having to replace their roof at some point in the future. Both galvanized metal and concrete tile roofs satisfy this demand in the market place. Our survey shows however, that for the two systems offering life time warranties, concrete tiles are almost half the cost of mineral coated, galvanized metal.
Mark Stewart is the senior materials engineer with Terra Engineering Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C.
The co-operation of the following organizations in the preparation of this article is gratefully acknowledged:
Jenish House Design Ltd. New Westminster, B.C.
B.C. Clean Wood Preservers Ltd., Surrey, B.C.
Samra Bros. Roofing and Insulation Ltd., Surrey, B.C.
The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, Bellevue, Washington, U.S.A.
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Freeze/Thaw Data
Over No. of Years Snow cm. Snow in. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Highest 1 Year Cycles Key A B C D D D D D D D D D D D D E F G Lower Mainland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vancouver Airport . 28 50 19.7 22 17 19 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 14 18 100 70 11 S.F.U. Burnaby . 28 103 40.5 21 17 16 7 1 0 0 0 0 3 16 20 101 65 3 Caribou Dam-Coq. . 8 45 17.7 23 20 18 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 17 26 118 107 7 Langley . 20 65 25.6 24 18 16 8 1 0 0 0 1 5 16 21 110 91 12 Abbotsford . 28 73 28.7 25 22 18 12 2 0 0 0 2 7 15 23 126 90 19 Chilliwack . 22 105 41.3 24 18 13 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 13 18 94 72 7 North Vancouver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Squamish . 10 93 36.6 24 18 19 6 1 0 0 0 0 9 18 25 120 78 6 Whistler Village . 16 401 157.9 26 25 30 25 9 2 0 0 9 16 24 21 187 135 every Williams Lake . 28 191 75.2 20 23 29 25 13 2 1 2 13 20 21 17 186 146 every Vancouver Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Campbell River . 27 118 46.5 27 25 28 23 6 1 0 0 4 16 26 26 182 145 every Nanaimo . 28 91 35.8 25 24 26 12 2 0 0 0 2 11 17 27 146 117 every Interior & Okanagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merritt . 24 82 32.3 25 26 29 19 11 1 0 1 8 24 24 25 193 137 every Penticton . 28 69 27.2 22 22 29 18 5 0 0 0 5 14 19 22 156 119 every Kelowna . 24 102 40.2 26 27 28 26 7 2 0 0 10 26 27 26 205 159 every Vernon . 28 116 45.7 27 28 29 20 6 0 0 0 5 19 29 26 189 130 every Salmon Arm . 10 163 64.2 21 28 25 18 7 1 0 0 6 17 22 23 168 120 every Kamloops . 28 83 32.7 21 25 30 15 6 0 0 0 4 21 24 27 173 121 every Heffley Creek . 25 117 46.1 20 27 31 26 11 2 1 1 11 22 26 23 201 154 every Revelstoke . 23 429 168.9 20 26 30 27 3 0 0 0 5 18 26 18 168 131 every Key Information
(A) Number of years data recorded. (B) Normal snowfall in centimeters. (C) Normal snowfall in inches (all exceed 15"). (D) Highest recorded data for each calendar month when in one day the minimum temperature fell below 0 degrees celsius and rose above 0 degrees celsius giving a freeze/thaw cycle. (E) Accumulated amount of freeze/thaw cycles for highest months of any year. (F) Highest recorded freeze/thaw cycles in a single ca lender year. (G) Number of years when 50 cycles were exceeded. Return to Top of Page
Snow Loads
Are Concrete Roof Tiles Heavy? Not Really!
Contact your local building department to obtain the snow load data for your building site. Make sure that your architectural drawings and engineering structural calculations are designed for the snow load at your building site.
Local snow loads are 30-40lbs. per square foot. Concrete roof tiles weigh about 6 pounds more than wet cedar shakes. Any small increase in roof truss cost is offset by savings in roof strapping. See independent cost study showing competitive cost of concrete roof tile versus other roofing systems.
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Underlayment Selection
Environment Canada periodically reviews geographical weather condition data including snow loads and degree days below 18 degrees celsius, which is contained in the Supplement to the National building code of Canada. This data affects areas designated by C.S.A. A220.1 - M91. (National Standard of Canada for the Installation of Concrete Roof Tiles) where certain types of underlayments are permitted or restricted.
Considerations of high winds, wind driven rain, wind driven powder snow, precipitation and degree days below 18 degrees celsius are used to produce the attached table. It should be noted that B.C. Building Inspection Departments, can demand that a roof be removed if the incorrect underlayment is installed. If you are in doubt please ask.
Occasionally concrete roof tile installation companies install roofs in areas that they are not familiar with. This table will clarify the selection of underlayment permitted for that area. It is advisable to check the table and local Building Department prior to quoting or installing to avoid problems.
The requirements listed below are based upon CAN/C.S.A. A220.1-M91, "Installation of Concrete Roof Tiles", and climactic information from the Supplement to the National Building Code of Canada 1990.
| Location 100 Mile House Abbotsford Agassiz Alberni Ashcroft Beatton River Burns Lake Cache Creek Campbell River Carmi Castlegar Chetwynd Chilliwack Comox Courtenay Cranbrook Crescent Valley Crofton Dawson Creek Dog Creek Duncan Elko
| | ...... | Location Fernie Fort Nelson Fort St. John Glacier Golden Grand Forks Greenwood Hope Kamloops Kaslo Kelowna Kimberley Kitimat Lilloet Lytton Mackenzie Masset McBride McLeod Lake merritt Mission City Montrose
| | ...... | Location Naksup Nanaimo Nelson Ocean Falls Osoyoos Penticton Port Alberni Port Hardy Port McNeil Powell River Prince George Prince Rupert Princeton Qualicum Beach Quesnel Revelstoke Salmon Arm Sandspit Sidney Smith River Squamish Stewart
| | ...... | Location Taylor Terrace Tofino Uclulet Burnaby (S.F.U.) Cloverdale Haney Ladner Langley New Westminster North Vancouver Richmond Surrey (88th & 156th) Vancouver Van. (Granville / 41st) West Vancouver Vernon Victoria (Gonzales Hts.) Victoria (Mt. Tolme) Victoria City Williams Lake Youbou
|
|
KEY:
A - Minimum: roll underlayment (Insulament III Foil) allowed, based on less than 3500 degree days below 18 degrees Celsius.B - Roll underlayment allowed as above, but rigid underlayment recommended for sites exposed to high wind conditions such as bluffs and waterfront areas.
C - Minimum: rigid underlayment (Thermo-ply) recommended by tile manufacturer, based on industry experience with local wind conditions at this location.
D - Minimum: rigid underlayment (Thermo-ply) required, based on more than 3500 degree days below 18 degrees celsius.
E - Solid sheathing (plywood) with felt required, based on ground snow load over 5 kpa (104 psi.) or manufacturers recommendation. May also be used for any of the other categories.
NOTES:
1. More detailed local climatic data from building officials may supercede that in the Supplement, and may be used to refine underlayment requirements based on the limits indicated above.2. Underlayments must meet the physical requirements of C.S.A. A220.1, Section 4.5.2 and Table 4.2.
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Non-combustible Systems
For non-combustible roofing system details, contact Columbia Roof Tile.
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Fixing in High Wind Areas
For building sites subject to high-wind conditions, such as waterfront properties, bluffs and sides of steep hills, install Columbia Hurricane Clips to all perimeter tiles and fittings and 30% of the field tile area.
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Sample Specifications
SECTION 07321
ARCHITECUTRAL SPECIFICATION FOR INTERLOCKING CONCRETE TILE PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 Section Includes:
.1 All labour, materials, equipment and services required to fabricate, supply and install interlocking concrete roof tiles to roofs as noted on the drawings.
Lumber components: strapping, hip and ridge nailers and counter battens to be provided by general contractor or others.
.2 The work shall also include, but not necessarily be limited to:
- concrete tile accessories
- underlayment, valley and eave protection
- adjacent sheet metal and flashing
- roof ventilators
.3 This Section along with the drawings forms part of the Contract and is to be read, interpreted and coordinated with all other parts.
1.2 Reference Standards
CAN/CSA-A220.0-M91, ....... Performance of Concrete Roof Tiles. CAN/CSA-A220.1-M91, Installation of Concrete Roof Tiles. CAN/CSA-A220.2-M91, Plant Certification for Manufacturers of Concrete Roof Tiles. CAN/CSA-A23.1-94, Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction. CAN/CSA-A23.2-94, Methods of Test for Concrete. ASTM C260-94, Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete. ASTM C494-90, Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete. ASTM C979, Specification for Pigments for Integrally Coloured Concrete. ASTM C1017-90, Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Use in Producing Flowing Concrete. CAN/CSA A179-M1976, Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry. B.C. Building Code, latest edition.
1.3 Quality Assurance
.1 Concrete roof tiles and installation shall conform to the requirements of CAN/CSA A220 Series-M91.
.2 Conform to appropriate B.C. Building Code roofing classification requirements as specified herein or as required by local authorities having jurisdiction.
.3 Installation of concrete roof tile to be performed by a roofing contractor familiar to the tile manufacturer using skilled and competent forces and best trades practices with familiarity and expertise in the same type of job of equal size.
1.4 Submittals
.1 Submit technical literature for concrete tiles and underlayment, coloured samples and guarantee information to the Consultant for selection and review.
.2 When requested, provide a minimum of six (6) concrete tiles of profile and colour selected showing colour variation to the Consultant for review and acceptance.
.3 On completion of work, provide roof tile maintenance guide for Owner's later use.
1.5 Product Delivery Handling and Storage
.1 Deliver and store concrete tiles shrink wrapped on pallets and other materials in original containers and with manufacturers labels and seals intact and in strict accordance with manufacturers written instructions.
.2 Store and protect materials on site and/or on the roof in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. Store concrete tiles materials elevated from contact with the ground and moisture to protect from the elements and corrosive materials.
.3 When loading products on the roof, avoid concentration of weight on one area which could cause excessive deflection on roof structure or damage to substrates. Ensure internal structural cross bracing is in place, especially if cladding is non structural.
.4 Store roofing felt on end, one pallet high and not in a leaning position.
.5 Exercise care in storing, handling and placing concrete tiles to prevent damage likely to impair the adequacy or appearance of the tiles in final location.
.6 Damaged material shall be replaced to the approval of the Consultant at no additional cost to the Owner.
1.6 Guarantee
.1 Provide the concrete tile manufacturer's written fifty (50) year material warranty
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 Materials
.1 Cement to CAN/CSA-A5. Blended cement to CAN/CSA-A362. Supplementary cementing material to CAN/CSA-A23.5.
.2 Aggregates to CAN/CSA-A23.1, or above, grades as required.
.3 Water to CAN/CSA-A23.1
.4 Admixtures to CSA CAN3-A266.1, CAN3-266.2, CAN3-A266.6 or ASTM C494-90 AND ASTM C1017-90, as selected by the manufacturer.
.5 Colour Pigments Admixtures shall met requirements of ASTM Standard C979, Appendix XI (carbon black shall not be used).
2.2 Components. Concrete Tile Products
.1 All materials shall be acceptable to concrete tile manufacturer for installation as well as to local authorities having jurisdiction.
.2 Concrete tiles to CAN/C5A A220.0-M91, interlocking, high pressure extruded to standard weight (minimum 40 kg./m2 (8.2 pounds /sq. ft.) concrete roof tiles and accessories (starter, hip, rake, ridge) with integral colour as selected by the Consultant from manufacturer's standard range.
Manufacturer shall be:
Columbia Concrete Products Ltd.
13066 - 88 Avenue
Surrey, B.C. V3W 3K3
Type:_____________(profile)
Colour:____________(or colour blends)
2.3 Underlayments
.1 Underlayments usage and installation requirements shall comply to CAN/CSA-A220.1-M91 Section 4,5,6, and 7 for underlayment systems. Climate and location restrictions apply. Contact manufacturer for designation.
.2a) RIDGED UNDERLAYMENT AND EAVE PROTECTION on rafters maximum 24" O.C. under spaced sheathing to B.C. Building Code minimum standards, minimum 48" wide x 96" long laminated sheet material of chemically treated wood fibre core with bonded facings of reflective aluminum foil facing on one side and white polyethylene facing on the other. Underlayment to have a class A fire resistant rating when tested in accordance with UL790 or A5EM E108.
- Thermo-ply insulative sheathing by Simplex Products.
Or.2b) REINFORCED DRAPE TYPE UNDERLAYMENT AND EAVE protection on open rafters maximum 24" OC under spaced sheathing. Materials to conform to ASTM C979-82 (R1986) and TAPP Standard T8030m-88. Installation and restrictions as per CAN/CSA A220,1-M91.
- Insulayment rolled underlayment by Simplex Products, U.S.A.
Or.2c) ROLLED UNDERLAYMENT AND EAVE PROTECTION OVER SOLID SHEATHING to B.C. Building Code minimum standards, minimum 36" wide roll type No. 30 unperforated organic felt to CAN/CSA A123.3-M1979.
.3 Flashing material including valleys to be prepainted to CGSB93-GP-3M and ASTM A446, Grade A requirements minimum 28 gauge unless otherwise stated. Valley minimum 24" wide with 4" center open gutter and adjacent 3/4" continuous upstand. Materials to minimum B.C. Code requirements and CAN/GSA A220.1-M91.
.4 Lead sheet for flexible connections - to ASTM 0370-77, minimum 1.25 mm thick with minimum mass of 14.6 kg/m2 (3 Ib/ft2).
.5 Flashing and sheet metal - minimum 28 gauge galvanized steel or 0.0216", 16 oz copper in accordance with RCABC and Section 07600 requirements.
.6 Batten/strapping and ridge boards - minimum 1" x 4" Hem-Fir to NLGA, grade to suit, S4S, properly seasoned, air dried with maximum moisture content of 19%, with lengths and sizes to suit installation requirements.
.7 Nails - to conform to CSA Standard B111 corrosion resistant hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails of sufficient length to penetrate into but not through battens below tile. Nails will be of size and length to meet good roofing practices and meet CAN/CSA-A220,1M91
.8 Mortar - for bedding, jointing, and bonding tile and accessories, consisting of 1 part Portland cement, 1 part masonry cement, and 6 parts aggregate mixed in accordance with CSA A-179 requirements. Mortar to be bedded into 1" dia. x 8" wide galvanized chicken wire in continuous lengths for retaining on all hips and ridges.
.9 Plastic cement - CAN/CGSB-37.5-M89, cutback asphalt. Heavy fibrated winter or summer grade, whichever is applicable.
.10 Caulking and sealants - to requirements of Section 07900 of type as recommended by tile manufacturer, as required.
.11 Ventilators - to CAN3-A93-M82, low profile, pre-finished metal or exterior plastic natural air flow ventilator, prohibiting moisture, dirt and insect penetration, sized to suit free air in accordance with applicable Building Code requirements. Style and colour as pre-approved by the Consultant. (Plastic vents must be caulked with compatible sealant.)
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 Installation.
.1 Installation to conform with CAN/CSA-A220.1M91 unless otherwise specified by local authorities. Ensure supporting structure and plywood roof deck, if installed, conforms to minimum B.C. Building Code requirements. Deck to be fastened to supports and smooth and even. Ensure adequate cross bracing is installed throughout the roof and structure prior to loading. Note it may be required to raise fascias 1 1/2" to compensate for tile and batten thickness.
Rigid Underlayments
.2a) A vertical row of underlayment shall be installed in valleys before commencing. Extend underlayment 3/4" to 1" outside the facie board and secure with large head roofing nails at 12" 0C. Install rigid underlayment over rafters with foil face toward the attic. The long side laid perpendicular to slope of roof. Joints to be lapped 4" vertically and 2" horizontally. Hip and ridges shall be lapped at 6" in alternate direction giving a 12" overlap. Underlayment will be extended 6" up all vertical surfaces such as abutment, skylight and chimneys. Prior to loading holes and tears to be repaired, plastic and cold vent pipes to be sealed to upper vinyl surface of underlayment with self adhesive membrane, ice and water shield, such as:
- W.R. Grace Ice and Water Shield
Reinforced Drape Type Underlayments
.2b) Ensure anti-ponding board and valley sheathing for underlayment support is in place. Initially, install a vertical run in valleys and secure and lap as in 3.2a). Again, overlap fascia. Underlayment to be installed horizontal to gutter, foil as per manufacturers recommendations with specified surface down. Valleys and hips in close proximity can be covered in one strip where practical with minimum 12" lap. Drape underlayment between rafters and allow 3/4" to 1" sag. Penetrations, vertical laps and repairs as 3.2a). Do not leave underlayment exposed to the elements for a period longer than 6 weeks.Rolled Underlayment and Eave Protection over Solid Sheathing.
.2c) Install a continuous width of eave protection to roof deck a minimum of 4" behind roof eaves through and extend from edge of roof minimum 36" up roof slope to a line not less than 12" above the inner face of the exterior wall as in accordance with building code and RCABC requirements. Install eave protection over unheated garages, carports, porches and a continuous length in valleys. Apply 36" wide unperforated felt as per BC Building Code minimum standard RCABC requirements over plywood deck surface. Felt to be lapped in valleys and over hips and ridges and nailed or stapled to deck. Protuberances and repairs to be sealed as in 3.2a). Install counter batten, minimum 1/" x 1 1/2" x 48" long, vertically above line of rafter or trusses as required..3 1" x4" tile battens (longest lengths) to be installed horizontal to the gutter and double nailed into each rafter. Battens to be spaced to allow minimum 3" tile headlap with equal spacing between the rows, maximum 14" 0 C. Nails to be non-corrosive, hot dipped, galvanized and of equal length sufficient to penetrate the rafter.
.4 Allow for 1" space between top batten and ridge nailers. Ridge and hip nailers to be of sufficient height to allow tile caps to clear field tiles by 1/8" minimum to 3/8" maximum.
.5 Install concrete tiles starting at the bottom right corner with first row overhanging gutter and in the same plane as subsequent courses. Finish laying tile and fittings as per manufacturers instructions and CAN/CSA A220.1 M91 with good trade practices.
.6 Install metal flashing and ventilators to meet Building Code requirements.
.7 At completion of work remove excess materials, rubbish and equipment from roof, gutters and work site.
.8 Leave an agreed upon amount of extra field tiles and fittings for building owners.
PERIODIC INSPECTIONS Columbia Roof Tiles are warranted for fifty years. However, your roof should be inspected periodically by a skilled roofer to prevent costly repairs caused by airborne debris or building settlement.
Valleys and gutters should be cleaned at least once per year and flashings checked for separation caused by building movement. At this time your roofer can also check for broken or cracked tiles which require replacing.
ADDENDUM
Consult with manufacturer for:
- Alpine conditions
- Hurricane zone areas
- Metal rafter and deck non-combustible installations
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Seismic Zones
The National Building Code (NBC) Seismic Zones reflect horizontal velocity as a percentage of gravity force. They take into account historical earthquake intensities and frequency of occurrence. The Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake (1:475 years) is not reflected in the NBC maps, and it could result in Zone 6 velocities being exceeded on Southern Vancouver Island.
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Maintenance
Periodic Inspections
Columbia Concrete roof tiles are warranted for 50 years. However, your roof should be inspected periodically by a skilled roofer to prevent costly repairs caused by airborne debris or building settlement.
Valleys and gutters should be cleaned at least once per year and flashing checked for separation caused by building movement. At this time your roofer can also check for broken or cracked tiles which require replacing.
Keep Your Roof Fresh
Your roof is exposed to harsh elements. Dirt, lichens and other spores can spoil the appearance of your new roof. Just as you would clean your driveway, your roof requires periodic cleaning to remove needles, leaves and other debris.An occasional light coat of an inexpensive acrylic sealer with a UV inhibitor can brighten up your roof and keep it fresh. This may be done every 3 to 5 years. If your building is located in an area that is subject to moss growth, simply spray on a water-based moss killer such as "Silver Liner". These products are available at your local home and garden store and are easily applied.
If you intend to work on your roof you should always wear a safety harness, non-slip footwear and take extreme care. Stay off the roof when it is wet or slippery. Walk only on the bottom center of the tiles. Never step on ridges nor in or near the valleys. Working on roofs is dangerous, call an experienced tile roofer.
Tiles harden with age. Stay off your roof for at least the first year.
For additional information on products,installation methods or tile roofers in your area, contact
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