How do I choose the right roofing material?
Not all roofing materials are created equal. Roofing materials have a wide range of features and benefits which affect your roof's appearance and performance, so consider these factors before you buy.

• Durability: Be sure to investigate how well each roofing material stands up to weather and maintenance. In Some areas, hail resistance is critically important.
• Life Expectancy and Warranty: Ask to see the manufacturer's written warranty for materials and the contractor's warranty for labour before you make a commitment.
• Life Cycle Cost and Value: Look at more than the initial cost. Consider the cost of the roof over the entire period of the warranty.
• Appearance and Color Options: Since the roof is one of the most visible parts of your home, select a roof that enhances your home and gives you a wide choice of colours.
• Weight of the Roofing Materials: If you decide to change roofing materials when you re-roof your home, contact an engineer to evaluate your home's Structural strength. A list of structural engineers is available from Gambale.
• "Curb Appeal": Consider curb appeal and longevity for future resale value, with a Gambale roof people will view the home from top to bottom.

Are Gambale roof tiles suitable in Australia harsh climate?
Gambales’ strict quality control production ensures the construction of a quality roof tile that can withstand the harsh Australian climate. In fact the Coppo Portoghese has been approved for Florida, USA, homes, which experience some of the most severe weather in the world, including hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, heat-waves, and torrential rain. We even have a complete ventilation system that will even save you money on your air conditioning bills. Additionally we have special roof tiles such as our TV aerial tile, PVC or Cement Chimney, Snow Gater tile, raceway tiles and aeration tiles.

How long will a Gambale tiled roof really last?
Gambale warrantees its tiles for 50 years. However we have seen practical examples in Germany where quality concrete roof tiles have protected structures for over 150 years.

What style is the Coppo Portoghese tile? Can it be used for all types of houses?
The traditional "round and red" type of roof tiles derives from the ancient Roman architecture which used overlapping clay tiles cemented in place. Gambale developed the Coppo Portoghese style to recall that ancient style but making the roof both stronger and lighter. It’s Italian design, durability to extreme weather, ease of installation and the colour range has allowed that style of roof tile to be the preferred choice throughout Europe as well as the United States. Gambale currently only offers its Coppo Portoghese roof tile profile in Australia. The colour range of the Coppo Portoghese offers the choice of a distinctive and elegant modern look or charismatic traditional feel on your home. The styling and colour range makes it a unique tile that will suit any home, it’s a tile that will result in people viewing your home from top to bottom, as it should be

Concrete roof tiles colour fades quickly or comes off?
The colour should not come off, so if it does then there was a problem in manufacturing and is covered under the warranty. Fading is an issue that affects all building materials or other painted products when subjected to years of weather and UV rays. Gambale is very confident that the colour will remain consistent within 3 delta units of the original installed color for the life of the product.

What colours are available?
Gambale tiles are available in colours that complement or enhance other exterior colours of the home. The way tiles are manufactured allows various colour pigments to be either applied to the surface of the tile or made as an integral part of the tile. These colours can vary from cool blues and warm reds to earthy browns and neutral greys. Moreover, Gambale has a special process to “antique” its tiles in a random pattern that makes a brand new roof look like an ancient Tuscany one. Once again the overall colour theme of the exterior combines with the distinct and unique character of the Coppo Portoghese tile to communicate a permanent statement about the home. We have over one hundred colours available, so contact Gambale for a colour consultation for your unique needs.

How does the profile of a tile affect a roof?
The profile of a tile affects the appearance as well as the function of a roof. The appearance of a roof will be very different if a tile is flat or curved. The function of a roof is mainly affected by the tile’s effectiveness in drainage and ventilation. The Coppo Portoghese high barrel features gives a distinctive look to the home whilst simultaneously offering an efficient drainage system.

What is the difference between colour through and slurry products? Is colour thru important?
The Coppo Portoghese tiles, except the Dream range are colour through. This is the colour oxide is mixed with the cement in the manufacturing process to colour the tile inside and out, that is the colour is through the product. The Dream range has a cementitious slurry applied after extrusion and is of a different density to the base material of the tile. Slurry products have a shiny high gloss appearance and the color through products have a matte appearance. However the slurry coated tiles are not recommended in areas of heavy freeze/thaw cycles.

How long will a slurry coating last?
The well formulated, cementitous slurry that includes silica will last for the full term of Gambale’s warranty, 50 years.

What are the benefits of a ventilated roof?
At Gambale, we have invested much time in the research and development of the ventilation aspect of a complete Coppo Portoghese roof. The resulting roof system allows for air to flow efficiently through the whole structure. This process keeps the attic, thus your home, cool in hot weather. In cold weather, a ventilated roof helps channel excessive cold away from the attic and will help prevent ice damming of valleys. Another benefit is that ventilation prevents year-round moisture buildup that could lead to mold and mildew growth of the underlying structure.

Is a ventilated concrete roof really energy efficient?
There are a number of factors that contribute to a product's energy efficiency. One factor is the resistance to the migration of heat or cold through the system. Concrete roof tiles are poor conductors of heat and cold so the temperature has a natural tendency to remain in the tile. Over the course of the day, the roof tiles absorb heat from the sun. Without ventilation, this heat would eventually be transferred directly to the attic. Ventilation, on the other hand, circulates heat from the cooler bottom of the roof up to the ridge. Gambale roof tile have a strong 3 dimensional profile, a lot of air is able to flow between the underside of the tile and the roof deck. This creates an opportunity for excessive heat or cold to be redirected away from the attic. Another factor in the product's energy efficiency is how much heat is reflected away before it gets into the attic space (see LRV below). A white tile roof will be much more energy efficient than a black one. The Florida Soar Energy Center has been conducting a multiple year study on the benefits of roof tile compared to other roofing materials. They found “the vented tile roof reduced ceiling (heat) flux by 48% compared to the black shingle roof, while the direct-nail installation returned a flux reduction of 39%. It appears that the tile thermal mass and interstitial ventilation around each tile are the predominant phenomena reducing the cooling load in such roofs." The FSEC also noted that even red tile roofs significantly reduced attic temperatures. The results of this study can be seen online at http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/.

How does the ventilated roof work?
The three key components of the ventilated roof system are: (1) the Coppo Portoghese tile with its notable shape allows for strong air flow; (2) the ventilated ridge system allows for the air to circulate all the way up and through the ridge. (3) The specially designed aeration tiles will improve air flow in larger roof spans.

Is a ventilated roof installed the same way as a normal tile roof?
No. Although most of the installation is the same, a ventilated roof is installed differently in the ridge. See the section on ventilated roofs on this website and review the ridge pictures. A ventilated roof requires air to pass through the ridge. Traditional ridge installation uses mortar to bind the ridge tiles to the ridge, this let no air through. Gambale’s preferred ridge installation involves a wooden beam at the top of the ridge, a roll of self adhering aluminium foil and mesh and special hooks. The process is quicker and cleaner than the traditional mortar method. But it is not used in high wind areas so check your local code before installing a ventilated ridge.

With the ventilated roof system, will I have problems with birds or possums entering the roof?
No. Gambale provides metallic bird guards that fit under the lip of the tiles at the edge of the roof to prevent the entry of unwanted guests. Gambale also has guards to cover tile cavities in valleys and ridges.

What are the tiles made of?
Gambale concrete roof tile are made of a dense mixture of Portland cement, fine washed sand, water and oxide pigment for colour. Gambale use 2:1 sand: cement ratio in the production of their roof tiles, whilst many of the concrete roof tiles available in Australia have 3:1 sand: cement ratio.

Are all concrete roof tiles the same?
No. There are many different shapes and colours of roof tiles. Just like there are many different levels of quality among tiles.

What makes a good quality concrete tile?
A good quality tile should have a smooth, dense finish. It should not be porous or granular. Good tiles should be both strong and light. You should be able to stand on one without breaking it. Look at the underside of the tile: a good tile is branded, it is coloured through, and it has strengthening ribs and flanges for easy installation. It has a lateral joint beading free of concrete debris for easy overlap with adjoining tiles.

How are tiles made?
The raw materials are precisely mixed to ensure consistency, extruded through a high pressure section onto shaped aluminium molds, which are then stamped with nail holes. The tiles are cured in a rotary curing chamber with a carefully monitored combination of heat and humidity. The tiles are then removed from the shaped molds which are then returned to the production line. The tiles are then packaged and stacked onto pallets. The tiles remain in the yard for 28 days prior to shipping to allow the concrete to cure to 98% of their full strength. (It will take 30 years for the tiles to reach 100% hardness). Gambale’s production system is highly automated with people overseeing the quality of the tiles through each stage of production.

How many types of tiles does Gambale supply?
Although Gambale has many different profiles in its factory in Italy, we currently only offer the “Coppo Portoghese” profile in Australia because of its unique design and character. Please feel free to visit our Italian site www.gambaleteogle.com to see our range. We welcome any feedback.

What is the minimum slope of a tile roof?
The minimum effective slope of a roof is 17°. At less than a 17° slope, the tiles are decorative only and lose their effectiveness as a waterproof seal over the building because rain water can be driven under the tiles by wind. They must therefore be installed over a sealed roof deck with provisions for drainage under the tiles.

Can I walk on my tile roof?
Yes, the Coppo Portoghese tiles are especially strong with their reinforced ribs so you can walk on them. But be careful. Any sloped surface can be dangerous to walk on and may be slippery. If you are going be on your roof to wash windows or hang holiday lights, stay on the lower third of each tile where your weight is transferred straight onto the roof deck. Avoid stepping on the cut tiles on the hips or valleys and the thin area where the tiles interlock side to side. Most professionals know that if they are doing to spend a lot of time on a tile roof when repainting the house or cleaning the chimney, they will put down sheets of plywood to spread their weight and movements over a large section of roof tiles.

How do roof tiles get broken?
Most commonly when a branch crashes down, during a storm.

If I see broken tiles on my roof, am I going to get a leak during the next rain?
Not normally, since there should be an underlayment (“sarking”) that provides a secondary barrier to the weather. Those broken tiles should be replaced a quickly as possible to keep the rain on top of the tiles and to prevent the sun from cooking the flexibility out of the sarking.

How does a tiled roof perform in high winds?
The weight of the individual tiles, their interlocking and overlap, plus the single standard fastener will keep the tiles in place in areas with wind speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (128 km/hr). In areas of higher winds, there are alternative and especially strong fastening methods that can withstand up to 140 miles per hour (225 km/hr) wind speeds. The Gambale roof system was tested in such a special configuration at speeds up to 170 miles per hour (273 km/hr) and it passed the Miami-Dade test in Florida which is considered to be the most rigorous tests for roofing against hurricanes in the world.

How are tiles fastened in high wind areas?
Unfortunately that is one of those "that depends" questions. It depends on a number of factors, such as the mean height of the roof, the maximum expected wind speed, what part of the country the building is in, what section of the roof (field, perimeter or ridge) is addressed and what the local building officials require. The additional fastening criteria can be as little a wind clip at the nose to as much as 2 screws and a clip per tile. If you have questions with specific details, please e-mail me and I will get you an exact answer.

How do roof tiles perform in cold weather conditions?
The density and durability of concrete make Gambale a natural choice in cold or high freeze thaw cycling areas. The tile is not susceptible to moisture freezing within the body of the tile. We have special “snow gaiter tiles” that manage the snow blanket that may accumulate on the roof to prevent the snow from turning into a block of ice and sliding off the roof in large sheets. Our tile has a large, naturally occurring air pocket between the underside of the tile and the roof sheathing, so that when installed and ventilated correctly it minimize ice damming as well as tile expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature.

Does moss or mildew grow on a tile roof?
The natural alkalinity of cement based products will not prevent moss or mildew from growing on roof tiles. The mildew or algae does not grow directly on the tile, rather it grows on the accumulation of dust and other organic materials that settle on the tile. When enough heat, moisture and light are present, the mildew and algae spores start to grow. There are also many environmental variables such as the location of the house, the direction the house in relation to the sun, the frequency and strength of wind, the quantity of shade provided by trees or the proximity of rivers, canals and lakes which provide the moisture that help mildew growth. To reduce moss and mildew chose a smooth tile finish that will reduce accumulation of dust and organic materials on the roof.

How can I clean moss or mildew off the tile roof?
Mildew and algae can be removed or treated without compromising the integrity of the roof tile. In most cases a light solution of household bleach (less than 1%) through a pressure washer will remove the moss or mildew. However if conditions are right, mildew growth and alga spores will return and the roof will have to be cleaned again. We recommended that all work be handled by a professional, experienced in this type of work due to the dangers associated with walking a wet, sloped, roof surface.

How often do I clean my roof?
It depends on how fast the moss or mildew return. In most cases, it will take at least two years for the moss to return in large quantities to a well-treated roof.

How much pressure should be used when cleaning roof tile?
A maximum 1200-psi system with the nozzle kept at least 12 inches away from the tile surface will prevent unnecessary wear to the tile.

What is the best solution to use for cleaning roof tile?
Common household bleach at no more than 1% strength should kill most of the algae spores. However if you have sensitive plants or foliage where the run off may go make sure that the plants are covered and that the water is diverted from the roots.

What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the naturally occurring chemical reaction where the free lime in concrete reacts with the atmosphere and water to produce Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). This is a temporary surface discoloration common to all concrete products. It is in no way detrimental to the overall quality or function of the roof tile. Gambale produces a specially dense tile to avoid efflorescence occurrences.

How long will the efflorescence process take?
It is difficult to predict how long the effects of efflorescence will last. It depends on the type and amount of deposit as well as the local weather conditions. The action of carbon dioxide (CO2) and rainwater will in most cases gradually remove the deposit, leaving the original color of the roof tile intact without further efflorescence occurring.

Do pine needles or leaves on my tiles cause my roof to leak?
Extreme accumulations of leaves or pine needles in the valleys or interlocks can force water under the tiles and onto the underlayment. If the underlayment is installed as the secondary weather barrier then there should be no problems, however since water is underneath the primary weather barrier, any tears or punctures in the underlayment can allow water into the structure.

How big do valleys or pan flashings have to be?
This is another of "it depends" questions. The standard valley starts as a 24-inch wide sheet metal that then has ribs and channels bent into it. This generally provides an effective channel 1⁄2 inch deep and 20 inches wide under the tile. If the valley is exceptionally long, or another roof drains into the lower valley then a valley should be designed to accommodate the additional volume. There are a number of designs incorporating ribs that support the overlaying tile and allow for clear channels under the tile.

What is LRV?
Light Reflectance Value is how much light is bounced back from the profile and color. Many roof tile colors have low LRV ratings for those communities that require buildings to blend into their surroundings, however in some markets the owner's preference is toward our series of bright, high gloss cementitous colored slurry finishes such as the white tiles of Gambale. Surfaces low in reflectance value are generally very dark and can get very hot (such as the black leather seats in a car). On the other hand, white has a reflectance value of nearly 100 and keeps a building light and cool. All colours fit between these two extremes. A colour with a reflectance value of 60 (which means it reflects 60% of the light that falls on it) will reflect more light than a colour with a reflectance value of 30 (which means it reflects 30% of the light that falls on it).

How important is sarking?
The underlayment or sarking is a secondary weather barrier which is recommended for an integral roof system as some water or moisture may get past the roof tiles under certain circumstances. Since the Gambale concrete roof tile is a 50-year roof system, you would want to choose an underlayment that will perform under the same climatic conditions for 50 years.

What type of fasteners should be used on the Underlayments?
The fasteners for the underlayment should be: Corrosion Resistant, with a head size to prevent the underlayment to tear through when the roof is loaded only, of a length sufficient to firmly embed into the substrate. Tin tags or capped nails should be corrosion resistant as well. The potential for wind damage to sarking is generally fairly low since the roof is usually either loaded or battened shortly after installation.

Has any testing been done on Tile Roofs in Seismic Zones?
A University of Southern California study was commission by the National Tile Roofing Manufacturers Association (NTRMA) to study the performance of clay and concrete roof tiles in seismic areas. All tiles were attached to the experimental roof decks in accordance with Tables 15-D-1 and 15-D-2 of the Uniform Building Code. Both clay and concrete tile were installed at roof slopes of 5:12, 12:12 and 24:12 and tested at forces in excess of 1.4g (gravity acceleration) in both parallel and perpendicular direction. Results of the tests proved that current fastening requirements are adequate to resist tile displacement for forces twice as strong as required by the Uniform Building Code. For concrete tiles installed on battens, only perimeter tiles require fastening on slopes below 5:12, while on slopes between 5:12 and 12:12 perimeter and alternate courses are required to be fastened. Above 12:12, all tiles must be fastened.
Gambale was the tile of choice of a research program funded in 2006 by the USA National Science Foundation (NSF) under its Network for Earthquake Simulation (NEES) program during which a 2 floor building was built on two shake tables (earthquake simulators) and tested for its performance under severe earthquakes. The project was undertaken by various USA universities, namely, Colorado State University, Cornell University school of engineering, University of Buffalo, Texas A&M and Rensselaer.
More information is available at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~jwv/research_projects/NEESWood/NEESwood.htm

My roofing contractor installs my roof slightly differently than your recommendations, how does this affect my warranty?
The written recommendations from Gambale are only that: recommendations. The local building official determines the minimum requirements to secure and weatherproof the roofing system. There are a number of ways to correctly install a tile roof based on the climatic conditions. Your roofing contractor may include upgrades in his installation that are outside of Gambale’s recommendations simply because we do not have enough experience with the roofer's technique or choice of accessory products. However, in all cases the local building official has the final jurisdiction on the installation requirements and quality of the materials used. It is important to recognize that Gambale’s recommendations are not warranties on the performance of the installed system. Gambale’s warranty is that the roof tiles will last 50 years. When your roof is applied you should have two warranties one for the roof tile from Gambale and one for the installation from the roofing contractor.

How do I install a TV antenna on a tiled roof?
Gambale supplies special TV antenna tiles as well as anchor tiles and a tile to transfer the TV wires into the attic. The anchor tiles need to be fastened to the underlying structure by the roofer. These specialty tiles enable you to install your TV antenna at any desired location within your roof.

How does "foam applied" installation work?
In Florida and other extreme wind areas, the use of expanding foam adhesive has been approved by the local building officials to be used in place of concrete mortar paddies. These systems originated out of the desire to eliminate nail penetrations through the underlayment. The low slope roof system includes a fully sealed and adhered underlayment system to which the pre-measured foam is applied and the roof tile is embedded in the foam. There is a longer, more detailed article in the Florida Forum roofing magazine on the foam applied system: http://www.floridaroof.com/ffmag.htm.

Can my roofer use Orientated Strand Board (OSB) as a roof deck under a tile roof?
In 2000 a major study was undertaken by the Engineered Wood Products Association (APA) to determine the structural integrity equivalency to similar thicknesses of plywood. In most building department jurisdictions outside of Florida, the structural performance characteristics allow OSB to be used in place plywood. Due to Florida's extreme climatic conditions different building departments do not allow OSB due to the fastener withdrawal values, so please check with your local building department for their requirements or the APA at http://www.apawood.org.

How big do crickets need to be?
Roof crickets are the roof design element to slow down and redirect water coming down the roof above a large roof protrusion (chimney, skylight or wall). If this is not done, then water can splash over the back saddle flashing and cause a leak. The minimum requirement is that a cricket or diverter be in place on all protrusions wider than 30 inches. However, there are a number of variables including the total surface area that will drain directly behind the protrusion that may change the size of the cricket. In Florida there exists a very common roof design where a roof slope drains into a horizontal wall. The cricket should be installed to enhance the flow of water away from the roof to wall intersection. If there is some doubt as to the size or configuration of the cricket, please consult an engineer for the proper design based on roof slope, expected maximum rainfall and drainage area.

Can I repaint my roof, and if so, how do I do it?
Gambale supplies tiles that will last a life time in their original color. They are not painted and most homeowners prefer to keep them that way. But if you want to change the color of your roof, you can indeed paint it. There are a number of professional services that specialize in changing the color of your roof tile. They have special formulated paints and concrete dyes that work well on roof tile. As most good painters will tell you that preparation is the most important step in making sure the project turns out the way you intended, so cleaning the roof of moss, mildew, dirt and debris is crucial. These roof painters are also very knowledgeable regarding walking on steep, slippery roofs and how to walk on roof tile to prevent unnecessary damage.

When must chipped tile be replaced?
When the structural or weather proofing performance of the tile is compromised. Some of the factors that determine the integrity of the tile are:
-- Complete horizontal or vertical breaks.
-- Broken corners above the 3-inch overlap.
In all cases, if the missing chip affects the weather integrity of the roof it should be replaced.

Can I drink the water off the tile roof?
The roof tile is as inert as common concrete sidewalks or driveways. Beside dust and normal airborne debris, the rainwater from a tile roof can go into a cistern without any problems.

Can I install standard weight tile on my existing home or do I have to use lightweight?
That would depend on many factors. The biggest concerns are the unsupported span of the rafters and the size of the window and door headers. In many areas where snow load or wind load have already been designed into the structure the additional weight between standard and lightweight roof tile is within the tolerances built into the house. Gambale roof tiles are both strong and light and will be suitable to most re-roofing projects. However, prior to finalizing your tile selection, you should always make sure the weight per square meter of the tiles can be supported by the underlying structure.

How do venting outlets and chimneys fit onto a concrete roof?
All bathrooms require venting onto the roof and this is usually in the form of a black or white PVC pipe that protrudes out of the roof in the middle of a piece of aluminium foil used for flashing. This is unsightly and often leads to leaks. Gambale has special tiles that will accommodate a venting pipe as an integral part of the roof in an elegant PVC or concrete chimney.

Where can I buy it?
At qualified Gambale distributors around Australia, or you may contact us at info@gambale.com.au.

If you have a question that is not included in these FAQs please email me and I'll be happy to find the answer for you.