Tile roofing. Look beneath the surface.

Number the roof areas, valleys, walls and penetrations before describing findings. For each photograph, include enough location context to connect it to the plan. A close-up of a damaged tile becomes more useful when the record shows its position relative to a valley, wall or previous repair. Note access limitations rather than describing unviewed areas as satisfactory.

If an opening is proposed, agree on its location, extent, authorization and temporary protection before tiles are moved. Explain what question the opening is meant to answer. A limited observation should not be presented as proof of conditions across the whole roof. Use the findings to refine the next assessment or scope decision, and retain both the initial observations and the later revision.

Record the existing tile’s shape and identifying information that can reasonably be found. Keep a sample or clear identification photographs when available. A similar color in a catalog does not establish that two tiles interlock or weather the same way. Ask the supplier or appropriate technical resource to confirm the proposed replacement product rather than judging compatibility from a distant roof photograph.

For the proposal, separate tiles expected to be reused from replacement supply and any unresolved matching issue. Discuss the process for breakage found during handling and who approves additional material. If a uniform appearance cannot be confirmed, make that a decision before broad work begins. Keep accepted samples and product identification with the project record so later additions are compared against the agreed selection.

The tile covering sheds water, while underlying layers and flashings address water at the assembly’s interruptions and beneath the covering. Valleys collect flow; walls and penetrations interrupt it; the eave is a discharge interface. Those locations therefore need more than a statement that new underlayment is included. Mark them on the plan and identify concealed interfaces behind adjacent construction. Leaving a wall connection outside the scope can leave an unanswered water-path question.

Request the relevant detail references for the selected assembly and climate conditions, with responsibility for any project-specific design question. Identify whether adjacent siding, masonry or equipment must be disturbed to complete the detail. The TRI manual distinguishes many of these locations; the useful project document is the schedule showing which detail applies at each one, plus any work that another trade must perform.

Tile handling is a separate planning item from choosing a color. Ask how the crew will gain access, protect adjacent roofs and landscape areas, and move reusable material without blocking the work. If material is to be staged on the structure, identify who reviews the arrangement and any building-specific loading concern. Do not infer allowable staging loads from a roof-area measurement or an example drawing.

For an occupied property, note doors, walkways, patios and equipment beneath the work zones. Define the area affected each day and the process for communicating access changes. The scope should also identify where roof traffic or temporary protection could interact with an existing fragile component. Keep those boundaries available to the field team, not only in an estimate email.

A finished tile photograph cannot show every condition beneath the covering. Agree on which stages will be documented while visible, such as the assessed support, underlayment and key transition locations. Keep the location labels consistent from investigation through closeout. If a finding changes the scope, connect its photograph to the accepted change and the resulting work area.

At completion, distinguish observed repairs from existing areas left outside the contract. Retain any authority inspection records that apply and the actual product and workmanship documents offered. Ask how future service personnel should access the roof and whom to contact before another trade disturbs it. This record is useful for maintenance and later proposals without pretending that a limited repair renews every part of an older roof.