ᐅ Replacing the roof covering, roof tiles not possible

Created on: 20 Jun 2020 14:12
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rennschnecke
Hello,

We have a single-family house with a Berlin wave tile roof. The roof is now about 30 years old and urgently needs to be replaced, as the structure is no longer sufficient.

Unfortunately, due to weight restrictions, traditional roof tiles cannot be installed. The maximum weight allowed is around 15kg/m² (3.1 lbs/ft²).

Of course, there are alternatives to roof tiles, but I am not familiar with them. Does anyone have experience with any kind of lightweight roofing? It is especially important to me that the roof is not too noisy inside the house during rain, which might be an issue with metal roofs.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Best regards

Edit: As an example, we found something from Prefa that fits the weight requirement. However, I would appreciate it if someone has experience with these or other manufacturers.
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caspar.1
14 Feb 2021 09:51
There are red fiber cement corrugated sheets, Eternit Berliner wave profile 5 classic red – 920 mm (36 inches) wide, costing around 26.00 Euro per square meter (approximately 2.4 square feet).

Alternatively, you can remove everything and install a 24 mm (1 inch) wooden boarding with two layers of roofing felt. This option with felt and boarding is somewhat more expensive, about 35.00 Euro per square meter.

There are also metal pan tiles that look like roof tiles.
The pan tile sheet PS47/1060RT made of steel has a height of 47 mm (35 mm (1.4 inches) profile height + 12 mm (0.5 inches) elevation of the next tile), a useful width of 1060 mm (42 inches), a thickness of 0.50 mm (0.02 inches), and weighs around 5.30 kg/m² (1.09 lb/sq ft). These pan-profile sheets are produced to measure up to 7.10 m (23 feet). Price approximately 20.00 Euro per square meter.

Call a roofer or carpenter; they can give you suggestions and quotes.

P.S. Some people offer roof coatings on the old fiber cement roof, but I don’t recommend that. Old fiber cement sheets are brittle and have many small cracks. There is no miracle treatment that can make old fiber cement sheets or roof tiles watertight and durable for years.

Most companies provide cost estimates free of charge 😉
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pagoni2020
14 Feb 2021 11:41
caspar.1 schrieb:

Old fiber cement boards are brittle and have many small cracks. There is no miracle solution to make old fiber cement boards or roof tiles watertight and durable for years.

Yes, of course, it always depends on the overall condition, as well as the family's future plans and the intended use, among other factors. Several affordable options have already been mentioned here. The problem is that just looking at material costs can give a misleading impression, since dismantling and reinstallation incur significant additional expenses.

I would definitely not repair an overall dilapidated condition unless it concerns just a few manageable spots that can be properly sealed. For such repairs, no miracle solutions are needed, which is why I advised against a simple so-called "coating" without a clear guarantee of watertightness. I would only consider that if the roofer or a certified specialist company guarantees the repair of those few spots with a warranty.
As far as I understand, the original poster has already contacted several roofing companies. On top of that, the parents might not be able to afford a new roof or may want to avoid the effort and disruption, so they might accept a solution that a typical homeowner would not consider. Therefore, the technical **and** personal circumstances are crucial in making a decision.
rennschnecke schrieb:

In that case, you could almost sell the house (valued at about 250,000–280,000 euros) and build a new bungalow instead (somewhat smaller, since here about 30–40 m² (320–430 sq ft) are lost to hallways), meaning around 130–140 m² (1,400–1,500 sq ft), newly built.
Land prices per square meter are around 50–70 euros/m² (5–7.50 USD/sq ft).

Is that something your parents say, or is it just an idea in your head? If so, you should seriously consider it... if it really is "that easy" for your parents as well.
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rennschnecke
14 Feb 2021 12:11
caspar.1 schrieb:

There are red fiber cement corrugated sheets, Eternit Berliner Wave Profile 5 classic red – 920 mm (36 inches) wide, costing about 26.00 Euro per square meter.
Alternatively, you could remove everything and install a 24 mm (1 inch) wooden boarding with two layers of roofing felt on top. This option with felt and boarding is a bit more expensive, around 35.00 Euro per square meter.
There are also tile sheet metals that look like roof tiles.
The tile sheet PS47/1060RT made of steel has a height of 47 mm (1.85 inches) (35 mm profile height + 12 mm (0.5 inches) elevation of the next tile), a useful width of 1060 mm (42 inches), a thickness of 0.50 mm (0.02 inches), and weighs about 5.30 kg/m² (1.09 lbs/sq ft). These tile-profile sheets are produced to measure up to 7.10 m (23 feet). Price is about 20.00 Euro per square meter.
Call a roofer or carpenter, they can give you suggestions and offers.

P.S. Some people apply a roof coating on the old fiber cement roof, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Old fiber cement sheets become brittle and develop many small cracks. There is no miracle solution to make old fiber cement sheets or roof tiles watertight and durable for years again.

Most companies provide free cost estimates 😉


Well, what can I say. I also found the prices for Berliner Wave and was surprised when they wanted 33,000 Euro for about 260-270 square meters. Of course, this includes all related work (scaffolding for the bungalow, demolition work, plumbing work (roof pipe, downpipe, etc.), roof covering (including underlay membrane, counter battens, battens)).
My parents set a price limit of 25,000 Euro. Let’s see if we can still find a roofer for that.
pagoni2020 schrieb:

Are your parents saying/thinking this, or is it just in your head? If yes, then consider it more seriously... if it really is that "simple" for your parents as well.

It is basically possible. But they are very selective when choosing the plot of land. That’s why it won’t be so easy to find a suitable one. For this reason, renovating would be preferable at first.
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pagoni2020
14 Feb 2021 12:49
rennschnecke schrieb:

My parents set a budget limit of 25,000 Euro.
rennschnecke schrieb:

However, they are very selective when choosing the plot of land.

Of course, these are understandable preferences... but the question is whether they can be realistically met...?
rennschnecke schrieb:

That’s why finding a suitable one won’t be easy.

In the end, you have to be careful not to end up with compromises that leave you dissatisfied.
Looking forward to seeing how it turns out...