Roof tiles can be fragile at the best of times; extreme weather conditions and aging can degrade them and sometimes make them fall off a roof.
Because of the potential damage tiled roofs can incur, you must use roof clips. Without these, you won’t have a durable and safe house.
Continue reading for an overview of why you should use roof tile clips. We will detail how they help, the different types, how to install them, and more.
What Are Roof Tile Clips, and What Do You Use Them for?
Roof tile clips are a small but essential piece of roofing equipment. You secure them onto the side of your tiles, and they help to keep them on the roof.
You use them on individual shingles or tiles, preventing them from moving in any direction; you can fasten the tile securely to the roof with a roof tile clip.
Because they need to stay as secure as possible, they usually consist of sturdy materials like metal or plastic.
They also work on multiple roof tile types, including:
- Concrete tiles
- Slate tiles
- Metal tiles
- Asphalt shingles
- Composite roof tiles
- And more
Before committing to the purchase, check the product page to see if it is compatible with your roof tile type.
How Do Roof Tile Clips Contribute to a Stable Roof?
Aside from securing the roof tile to the roof, roof clips also have multiple other benefits regarding roofing.
Here’s how roof tile clips contribute to a stable roof.
- They are resistant to heavy winds, so you won’t find missing tiles or tile cuts when you check them. The worst high-wind events can destroy your roof if you don’t protect it, so using clips is essential.
- Roof tile clips assist in preventing water from slipping past the tiles and hitting the house ceiling because the tiles have a very tight seal that prevents any water from getting through.
- They can help a house become more energy-efficient because keeping the tiles close together insulates the home more because less heat escapes through the roof tile gaps.
- Because clips help to prevent damage to tiles and keep them secure, you don’t need to maintain or repair them as much, which saves you money on maintenance costs.
What Are the Different Roof Tile Clip Types?
Here are some of the most popular roof clip types:
- Short course clips – These are useful for installing short courses underneath Dutch gables and wallers over the top of secret gutters. These also enable maximum gauging on any tiled roof.
- Batten clips – These attach directly onto roofing battens across the roof; this secures the tiles across the roof horizontally.
- Interlocking clips – These clips link together to create a solid structure that keeps all the tiles in place.
- Hip and ridge clips – These connect to the ridge or hip lines on a roof (this is where two roof slopes meet). They are excellent for securing shingles to a roof.
- Tile-to-deck clips – You fasten these clips directly onto the roof deck. While this is more time-consuming than other options, you secure the tiles tightly onto your roof.
- Snow guard clips – These have a specific use: to secure a snow retention system to your roof. They help to stop snow and ice from falling off the roof and hitting someone.
- Roof tile valley clips – these secure roof tiles in the roof valley (where the slopes meet); this is essential for preventing water leakage.
- Custom clips – Although these are more expensive, they are also a high-performing option because you can create a perfect specification for your roof.
The roof tile clip you choose depends on your roof’s structure, so ensure that you check what you need before you buy clips.
How Do You Install Roof Tile Clips onto Roof Tiles?
Once you have the roof tile clip types you want, you can install them onto your roof.
Before you can begin the installation process, you need to ensure you have all the necessary equipment, including:
- Your chosen roof tile clips.
- Screws and nails for roofing. The manufacturer will specify the nails and screws you need.
- A screwdriver or hammer, depending on what the clips require.
- If needed, safety equipment like gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat.
- A roof ladder.
Here are the steps to install roof tile clips onto your roof:
- Ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment before starting the installation process. Wear a helmet and safety glasses to keep your head safe.
- Use a pencil to mark where you will position the clips; this will depend on the clip type and any building codes for your house.
- Clean the roof by removing any dirt, black mould and debris; it must be clear before you add the clips.
- Place the clips where you want them on the roof; ensure they are secure to the tiles. You must also double-check that you spaced them apart to ensure there are no gaps between the tiles.
- After installing the clips, inspect your roof to ensure all the clips and tiles are in the correct place.
- The final step is to clean up any debris you created during the process and remove any equipment and materials.
How Do You Maintain Roof Tile Clips?
Once you have the roof clips installed, the good news is that they won’t require much maintenance or repair. However, when you do need to maintain them, it’s crucial to understand the process.
Maintaining is essential if you want your tiles to stay on the roof and continue protecting and insulating your home. You may also need to repair roof tile clips after adverse weather.
To maintain roof tile clips, you must regularly inspect them despite their durability, especially after extreme weather conditions. You need to check each tile and roof tile clip individually to see if they need repairs.
You may also need to realign the tiles by resecuring them to the clips; while doing this, check the clip fasteners to ensure they are still tight. If any clips are beyond repair, replace them immediately.
You also need to clear the roof of debris regularly and unblock the drainage.
Are There Any Common Misconceptions About Roof Tile Clips?
If you are still unsure about buying roof clips, you may have heard some specific negative things about them. These are likely misconceptions; here are some of the biggest misconceptions about clips:
- “They are optional.” – this can often be incorrect. Your roof is safer with them on it, and in some States, local building codes may need you to install clips as a legal requirement.
- “Any tile clip size will fit any tile.” – Your roofing material may have unique attributes and requirements that mean you need a particular type of tile clip. Research your roof clip tiles on Bunnings or another retailer before purchasing clips.
- “You only need clips in a windy location.” – Although tile clips are helpful in a windy location, it is not their only use. For example, they can align your tiles and prevent water from leaking through the roof.
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Use Roof Tile Clips
In summary, roof tile clips are a beneficial addition to any roof because they keep the tiles in place and help to prevent wind damage and water leakage.
If you want your roof to last for as long as possible, these clips are an essential purchase.
If you want to find roof clips or other helpful accessories for roofing, head to RoofStuff!