AboutBrian Atkins Expertise I can answer any question related to all type of roof repairs (especially tile roof repair and flat roof repair work). I can also answer most new roof or roofing related questions with the exception of questions in regards to single ply roofing (PVC) and standing seam or metal panel roofing. I have little or no experience with those applications.
Experience I was first introduced to roofing by my father who was started his own roofing career in Orange County CA. By the time I was 10 years old I knew what most general roofing materials were and had some idea of their purpose. At the age of thirteen I started working during the summer for my Fathers roofing company Atkins Certified Custom Home Roofing. After graduating from La Quinta High School in 1988 I immediately began working full time as a journeyman roofer doing roof repair work and complete new roofs. My area of specialty and interests has always been on the roof repair side of the business. My Dad did an excellent job at teaching me the basics of roof repair. He showed me some of the techniques that were taught to him from old time roofers that took him under their belt when he was an apprentice. In 1992 my Dad signed for my first license and formed a partnership with me and I started my first roofing company in Irvine CA. This is where started to make my own niche in roofing by specializing in roof repair, dry rot repair, termite damage repair, and full roof restorations. In 1997 I took the CSLB testing and qualified for a license on my own and moved my roofing business location to Lake Forest, CA 92630.
While working for myself and for my father’s company I would guess I have personally done more than a thousand repairs and roofed several hundred homes completely here in Orange County.
Currently I own and operate South COunty Roofing company serving the following areas of Orange County Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Aliso Viejo, Buena Park, Brea, Cypress, Capistrano Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona Del Mar, Dana Point, El Toro, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Foothill Ranch, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Lemon Heights, Mission Viejo, Orange, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Silverado Canyon, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Trabuco Canyon, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda
Question First of all I would like to thank you for your last answer to my question. The questions you gave me to ask helped in the decision to ask for a new tile roof. Now, we got two proposals and do not know which way is better to install a tile roof. 1. Tile roof with self adhering membrane (foam adhered tile)2.self adhered membrane (mechanically fastened tile)They both propose to use one layer of polyglass polystick TU plus self-adhered waterproofing membrane install directly to wood decking. Also any thought as to the best tile to use. standard Entegra, eagle, hanson or monierlife tile? Thanks again
Answer Hi Robin,
I would choose the foam adhered tile. This will eliminate the need to put a hole in the roof for every tile installed.
Also, I would consider asking the roofer to install a buffer sheet under the self adhered membrane.
The self adhered membrane does its job a little to well. If you have ever tried to get it off (and I have it as just about impossible and I am not joking). If you ever had a need for any reason to remove some of it you wont be able because it will be permanently stuck to the structure and I do mean permanent.
You contractor could simply install a layer of 15lb felt first to the roof and then go over that. Everything would be exactly the same except for the fact that you would now be able to remove the self adhered underlayment if you had to for some reason.
All of the tile you mentioned is really good tile. Be sure you know the difference between light weight and standard weight. Other than that I would go for what I like.
Don't forget to ask the contractor about ventilation. You need 150 square inches of exhaust ventilation for every foot of attic space. Also, you need to same amount of someone (or intake) vents in order for the exhaust to work properly. Someone needs to measure your attic floor space and the amount of soffit ventilation you have and figure it out.
You should ask the roofer if he will install rubber EPDM collars and change out all of the caps and every pipe collar. Some of the pipe collars are over sized and require a metal storm collar.
Ask what sealant he used for his flashing. The flashing needs to be sealed on the inside and outside of every cut corner. I would ask if he knows of Rainbuster 700. Look it up. It is one of the best sealant you can use for flashings.
I would also make sure he is going to wrap all of the hip and ridge boards with the self adhered membrane and ask him to cover the gap where the tile transitions at a hip of ridge with the self adhered paper as well. This way you will not get any wind blown rain under the tiles.
A roof like that will probably last longer than you will and that's the way it should be.
