What does Orchid Island Roofing do differently to give you a longer lasting tile roof?

1.) Underlayment choice, and the way it is utilized is the key to a long-lasting tile roof. OIR uses Kirsch Building Products, SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® self-adhering, peel & stick underlayment.

SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® is a “state of the art” high temp rated peel and stick roof underlayment developed in 2006. By combining the heavy Sharkskin Ultra® substrate with an aggressive adhesive coating technology, Kirsch Research and Development created an “All Weather Barrier” that is easier to install in both cold and hot temperatures. Engineered as ‘secondary water barrier” to protect residential property and commercial buildings from water leaks due to high wind events such as hurricanes, tornadoes and hail. This product is Green and supports LEEDS, contains no asphalt or VOC’s. SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® severe weather underlayment has the following:

  • High tensile strength- for durable secondary moisture protection in High Velocity Wind Zones

  • Safe walking surface – even when wet. Always use caution and fall protective gear especially in wet weather and windy conditions.

  • 12 months UV resistance

  • ICC-ES, Miami Dade and Florida Building Code approved

  • All temperature performance -40˚F to 280˚F

  • Light grey surface is cooler for installers to work with and over. Doesn’t expand or contract

  • 50-year warranty

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2.) The installation method of this product on a tile re-roof is as important as the product itself.

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OIR removes all the existing roofing materials down to the plywood. All flashings are removed, and where needed, stucco is removed to access these flashings. The first layer of SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® is installed starting at the bottom of the roof and proceeding up the roof slope. Each course has a 4” overlap, and every sidelap does as well. SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® sticks to itself so no additional materials are needed to seal these laps. Any place that the roof abuts a wall, the SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® is installed up the wall surface 4” as the first line of defense at this intersection.

Once the roof is “dried-in” OIR installs the 16 oz. copper drip edge, valleys, and all wall flashings, and counter flashings. The next step is to install our second layer of SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® under any headwall flashings, and over any sidewall, valley, or drip edge, always allowing for positive water flow. There is no need for any primer, as SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® sticks directly to the copper flashings. There is no need for any sealant/modified bitumen to seal the connection between the SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® and the flashings as all flashings are installed for positive water flow.

At the bottom of any valley, or cricket, that terminates on another roof plane, a “lead splash” is installed. This is a 30” X 30” lead sheet that will direct the water back onto the top of the tile below, rather than allow it to run under the tiles below the valley termination.

Anywhere stucco was removed for flashing install, the area is prepped to install new stucco. The mesh reinforcing is exposed, the waterproof barrier is exposed, and our waterproofing is tucked behind the existing. A bonding agent is applied, then a scratch coat of stucco, then a finish coat to match the existing finish. When sufficiently cured this will be primed with a hot stucco primer, then painted to match as close as possible.

Lines are snapped on the SHARKSKIN ULTRA SA® to ensure the tile are installed in straight rows, and the roof is ready to load the tile. The tile is loaded throughout the roof where it is needed, and then installed.

All tiles have two holes pre-drilled where the tiles are fastened with two 316 (marine grade) stainless steel screws. All smaller/cut pieces are fastened with Stormbond, Touch & Seal adhesive.

 Anywhere the roof abuts the wall a custom-made copper step flashing is installed. This also keeps water from the underlayment and onto the tiles to keep the wear and tear of the underlayment to a minimum. Anywhere the roof intersects with a headwall, a flashing is installed over the tile to once again keep as much water as possible on the tiles and off the underlayment promoting longer life. Any skylights, vents, or any other roof penetration will be flashed in the same manner, keeping as much water off the underlayment as possible.

The valleys are best installed in an “open valley” method. This is where the tiles are kept out of the center of the copper valley. This allows for water to flow freely in the valley and the tiles do not obstruct the travel of the water. “Closed valleys” can trap tree debris and backup water under the tiles.

Hip and ridge tiles are fastened to a metal channel which is nailed to the roof with Stainless steel roofing nails. Tiles are fastened with Stormbond, Touch & Seal roof tile adhesive, and a 316 (marine grade) stainless steel screw. Mortar is then installed to fill the gap between the tiles, and the hip and ridge tiles. Depending on tile color, this can have a coloring agent “oxide” mixed into better match with the color of the tiles.

Once complete, the roof is cleaned and swept free of debris and one can now enjoy a brand-new roof with a 10-year labor and materials, no leak warranty.