Sometimes the roof framing may need reinforcement in order to withstand the added weight of concrete tile shingles; a truss or a rafter may be cracked or broken and may need another member nailed to one side. This type of reinforcement is common and inexpensive, and about 40 percent of roofs observed require this type of reinforcement. Another reinforcement issue involves 1 or more trusses and or rafters that are overstressed with too great of a span between supports and represent about 25 percent of roofs inspected. The truss top chords or rafters will need a matching 2x installed on the side, secured with 16d nails @ 6″ O.C. For trusses, this is usually (2) 10′-14′ 2×4’s installed on each truss for 6-20 trusses. The third reinforcement issue is the rare few that simply cannot safely support a concrete tile roof. These represent 6 percent of roofs inspected and these instances require a lot more time and attention to bring up to code. However, these too can be reinforced in order to support a new concrete tile roof. The roof is usually an older structure framed with rafters that span too far to support concrete tile shingles. When encountering this situation the homeowners are informed. Should they wish to continue, the engineer will need to accompany the roof inspector on a separate visit that often takes several hours to catalog and map out the roof framing for analysis. As this takes more time, the price is naturally more than the normal inspection fee and is usually performed on an hourly basis. The good news is that these are a rare occurrence. Since engineering firms are separate from the roofing companies and contractors, they cannot tell you the cost of the reinforcements. A Structural Engineer is there to specify what needs to be done to make the roof framing adequate to support new concrete tile shingles.

Here is an example of basic specifications and the associated costs with getting a Structural Engineers Report.

• A clear path is needed to all attic access holes.
• The average inspection requires between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 45 minutes
• The fee is $500 (unless it requires engineering for a complete reframing of the roof.)
• Upon initial inspection, the $500 is collected. Save copies of signed contracts or invoices, as Monier LifeTile and Westile are reimbursing all or part of the fee.
• Within 2 weeks the homeowner will receive 4 copies of a signed and stamped engineers report. One copy of the report needs to remain with the homeowner and the other three go to the roofer in order for them to obtain a building permit for the roof work.
• If reinforcement is required, check with your building department first, as a permit may be required. Then it is required that you have the engineer inspect the repairs so that they can provide a letter stating compliance with the report. Any re-inspects or additional visits for access issues are $300.

Mark Benjamin is a structural engineer for Crown Jade Design and Engineering (CJDE) and has been providing inspections for the last 9 years, after a lifetime of construction experience. Mr. Benjamin is registered in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania Wyoming…and other states as needed. For more information, please contact Crown Jade Design and Engineering at (303) 358- 2452 or (970) 472-2394 or direct emails to jademail@crownjade.com.

To view additional information, please click on a link below:

• Q&A for Roof Inspections (pdf format)
• Will Your Roof Support Concrete Tiles? (pdf format)
• Solar Panels and Your Roof (pdf format)