How to Install Tiles on a Prefabricated House Roof
Installing tiles on a prefabricated house roof requires selecting construction methods based on the roof structure type, with common structures including concrete pitched roofs and metal structure roofs. The specific construction points are as follows:
Concrete Pitched Roof Construction
- Base Layer Treatment: Thoroughly clean the base layer surface to ensure there are no debris, dust, or loose particles. Then, lay a waterproof layer with a thickness of no less than 1.5 millimeters, using materials such as SBS membrane, cement-based, or polypropylene fiber waterproof layers. If the waterproof layer is susceptible to external force damage, an additional cement mortar protective layer (approximately 2-3 centimeters thick) should be added to extend the service life of the waterproof layer.
- Tile Installation Methods:
- Wet Laying Method: Prepare mortar using cement and medium-coarse sand in a ratio of no less than 1:3, and mix it as needed to avoid hardening. Start laying from the bottom of the eaves and progress row by row upwards, ensuring the tiles are tightly adhered to the base layer. This method offers good waterproofing but requires regular inspection for cracks in the mortar layer, which should be promptly repaired if found.
- Dry Hanging Method: Install metal or wooden joists (such as treated wooden strips) on the concrete pitched roof, using the joists to create a slope and form the installation base, then hang the tiles on the joists. This method has a similar cost to wet laying but offers slightly poorer thermal insulation, requiring additional insulation layers (such as polystyrene boards or rock wool boards) to enhance thermal performance.
Metal Structure Roof Construction
Directly weld steel or wooden beams on the flat roof to form a sloped frame, with the frame slope meeting design requirements (typically 20°-45°). Then, lay hanging tile strips (spacing adjusted according to tile size), and finally nail on metal tiles. Metal tiles are lightweight, quick to install, and can adapt to complex shapes, but require attention to rust prevention: steel beams should be galvanized or coated with anti-corrosion coatings, and wooden beams should be painted with waterproof paint to prevent decay.
General Construction Details
- Laying Sequence: Start from the bottom of the eaves and progress upwards, with tiles overlapping (e.g., the second row of tiles overlapping half the width of the first row) to make the roof more secure and drainage more effective.
- Fixing Methods:
- Glazed tiles should be fixed to the hanging tile strips with clips and screws, with 5 to 8 millimeters of expansion joints reserved to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes;
- Traditional small blue tiles should be laid with the concave side facing up, using the 'one-over-three' method (each tile covering one-third of the three tiles below it), with the eaves raised by 3 to 5 centimeters to form a drainage slope and prevent water accumulation.
- Final Inspection: After fixing all the tiles, check the uniformity of the gaps, scrape off excess cement, and smooth it out with a trowel to ensure the tiles are tightly adhered to the roof without any hollow or warped areas.
Safety Precautions: Wear a safety helmet and protective gloves during construction to avoid injury from falling objects or slipping tiles. Keep the construction site clean and promptly clean up broken tiles and debris to prevent tripping or stabbing injuries.
