Can anyone tell me the best way to lay-out a tile roof? I have followed the manufacturers instructions. Be it still is not coming out right. My battens drift on me. Should I just put a line across and follow that. So far I put the first row on (going up to the ridge) and used a straight edge or 5 foot level as a straight edge. And lay them horizontal. Or could I be reading to much in this. All the tile roofs around here seem like the don’t out a lot of time in putting down the battens. Thanks Hat
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Hat,
Though I've never installed a tiled roof, from what I know about the subject, the battens must be precise if the tile you are installing is the type that has a lug that "hangs" off the batten. If this is the case, the batten spacing defines the tile spacing...and if your battens are wavy, your tiles will be installed wavy...all sorts of trouble brewing.
I believe you need to measure back from the bottom (eave) of your roof the required distance ( as listed in your instructions) where the first tile will be positioned...this indicates where the top edge of your bottom batten strip will be nailed. Then you need to measure down from your ridge the distance ( per instructions) where you want the last full courses of tile to end at before installing the capping. This distance is where your top batten is to be nailed. Then measure the distance between these 2 battens and divide by an arbitrary number to figure out how many full courses you will need for the "field."
After figuring out this layout on paper, go back and physically lay it out on the roof using chalkline marks. After layout is complete, align the top edge of your batten strips to these chalkline marks and nail them off. (Don't know if your instructions call for it, but I believe most roofers first nail down roof lath (running vertically) to which then the battens are nailed to. This lath allows air circulation to wisk away any moisture penetration...do check your instructions).
If your roof area is large, it's best to mark off your chalklines by first making "tick marks" along both ends and marks up the middle of the roof. For aligning your marks up the middle, you can use the 3-4-5 method to make sure your line is running straight up the middle, or have one person align a framing square with the bottom edge of the roof ( tongue is held parrallel and flush with roof edge) while you strectch your string-line up the roof. (string-line should be in alignment with and just faintly touching the blade side of framing square).
When marking chalklines across a large area, have one person hold down the line at the midpoint, while you and another person have the string strecthed from end to end. While holding at mid point, you and your partner each snap the line on your respective ends...this "3 person" method keeps the chalk line from sagging in the middle...hence preventing a wavy chalk line.
Another possibility as to why your battens may look wavy could be because your roof is maybe slightly out of square. You need to measure the same distance at each end before striking your line so that the line is parrallel with your existing roof line. If your lines are parrallel, then everything will be in the same plane and it should not look wavy.
Just my 2 cents worth on the subject. Hopefully a pro who does this type of roofing for a living can give you much better insight than my meager offerings.
LOL.
Davo