Clay or concrete tile is becoming more and more popular as a roof covering. But loose tile can become windborne missiles in hurricane force winds if they are not installed properly.

In fact, the South Florida Building Code is more restrictive than any other in the country because of the high rate of roof-tile damage after Hurricane Andrew. Still, the Code contains "minimum requirements" not necessarily as stringent as they should be.

The tile design can be problematic. It is configured with an air space beneath the tile, which makes the tile vulnerable to high winds. Broken or loose tile are even more vulnerable. Once a tile becomes loose or breaks, wind can get underneath and it's only a matter of time before the remaining tiles become airborne.

FLASH® recommends the following steps for installing tile:

• Choose a roofing contractor who specializes in tile installation. Ask for references and then contact these references for their opinions of the contractor's performance. Ask for projects that were installed at least three to five years ago. They will have more likely been exposed to adverse weather conditions.
  
  
• Use copper nails and flashing to avoid corrosion. This will prevent premature roof failure.
  
  
• Install tile with two nails (or screws) per tile rather than one.
  
  
• Set ridge, hip, and rake tiles in foam adhesive rather than mastic or mortar.
  
  
• Instead of 90-pound underlayment use modified bitumen cap sheet to extend the life of the underlayment to match that of tile.
  
  
• Check for roof to wall connections. If needed they can be installed when the existing roof is removed.

Maintenance to eliminate missing or broken tile is important to preserve the integrity of your roof. However, tile is easily broken so avoid any foot traffic on your roof by anyone other than a professional trained to walk on tile.