Roof tiler
A roof tiler is a craftsperson who's main task is to cover the roof structure with over lapping (and often interlocking tiles), usually a cold roof (but not always). The same term might also be used to describe a roofer who lays slate or shingle roof covering, though traditionally these are referred to as a slater and shingler. Tiler also refers to a a tradesperson whi lays ceramic tile internally to the walls of a bathroom or shower, using tile adhesive and grout.
The roofing timbers may first have a layer of sarking board, installed by the tiler or the roof framer, this may either be simple timber sheets used to improve the racking strength of the roof structure or sheets with some insulation value to also create a warm roof construction. If further insulation is needed this may be laid on top first and then covered with a membrane to create a water tight layer.
Traditionally this was a bituminous felt, though today it is often a breathable membrane but may still be referred to as sarking membrane. The tiller or roofer then lay battens in strips on top of the and finally the heavy weight clay or concrete tiles, laid from the eaves upwards so they over lap to create a water tight covering.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Battens.
- Ceiling tiles.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Domestic roofs.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof defects.
- Metal profile cladding.
- Metal roofing.
- Nails - a brief history.
- Photocatalytic tiles.
- Pitched roof.
- Roof coverings.
- Roof insulation.
- Roof slates.
- Roof tiles
- Roofing defects.
- Shingle roofing.
- Thatch roofing.
- Tiles.
- Tile roofing
- Types of nails.
- Types of roof
- Types of roof.
- Weatherboarding.
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