Container House with Cement Tile Roof

Container houses can be covered with cement tiles, but conditions such as structural load-bearing capacity, roof slope, and connection and fixation must be met. Construction should be designed by combining the characteristics of cement tiles with those of container structures.

1. Roof Slope Requirements

Cement tiles need to be installed on pitched roofs, with the slope controlled between 17.5° and 60°. This range ensures rapid drainage of rainwater and prevents water accumulation and leakage. If the top of the container is flat, a pitched roof structure (such as a light steel keel frame) must be built first before laying cement tiles. If the container itself has a sloped roof, the existing slope must be measured to ensure it meets the requirements; if not, adjustments or additional support structures must be made.

2. Structural Load-Bearing Capacity and Base Strength

1. Load Calculation: Cement tiles are relatively heavy (approximately 50-60 kg/㎡), so the load-bearing capacity of the container's top structure must be calculated. If the original design did not account for additional roof loads, the top frame must be reinforced (e.g., by adding crossbeams or support columns), or lightweight cement tiles can be used to reduce the load.
2. Base Treatment: The top of the container is made of metal, so a waterproof layer and leveling layer (such as OSB board or cement fiberboard) must be laid to ensure the base is flat and sturdy, preventing cracking or detachment of the cement tiles due to base deformation.

3. Connection and Fixation Methods

Special design is required for connecting the metal material of the container with the cement tiles:

1. Installation of Tile Battens: Fix galvanized steel tile battens (spaced 300-345 mm apart) on the base layer, securing them to the container's top steel plate with self-tapping screws to ensure a firm connection between the battens and the base.
2. Tile Fixation: Cement tiles must be fixed to the tile battens with stainless steel tile nails, with at least two fixation points per tile; additional fixation points are required at edges such as ridges and eaves to prevent strong winds from lifting the tiles.
3. Waterproofing Treatment: Apply waterproof sealant around tile overlaps and fixation points to prevent rainwater from infiltrating the container's top structure.

4. Recommended Construction Process

1. Measure the dimensions of the container's top and design a pitched roof structure plan;
2. Reinforce the top frame (if necessary) and lay the waterproof layer and base board;
3. Install the tile battens, adjusting the spacing and levelness;
4. Lay the cement tiles layer by layer from the eaves upward, ensuring tight overlaps;
5. Install accessories such as ridge tiles and ventilation tiles, and complete edge sealing;
6. Inspect the fixation points and waterproofing treatment, and clean the site.

Note: It is recommended to consult a structural engineer before construction to ensure the plan complies with building safety regulations.