What wind uplift pressure do barrel tiles need to resist in Broward County?
Under ASCE 7-22 adopted by Florida with FBC 8th Edition (December 2023), barrel tiles in Broward County's 170 MPH design wind speed zone must resist uplift pressures ranging from -45 psf in roof field areas (Zone 1) to -90 psf or higher in roof corner zones (Zone 3). The exact pressure depends on building height, exposure category, and roof slope. Per ASCE 7-22 Section 30.4, component and cladding pressures for roof tiles use specific GCp values based on effective wind area, typically taken as the individual tile area for conservative calculations.
Is mortar-set barrel tile installation still allowed in Broward County high wind zones?
Mortar-set installation has significant limitations in Broward County. Per FBC Section 1507.3.7 and TRI/FRSA guidelines, mortar-only attachment typically provides 20-35 psf uplift resistance, which falls far short of the 45-90+ psf required in Broward's 170 MPH zone. Modern installations require mechanical fastening with clips or screws meeting the calculated uplift requirements. Some hybrid systems use mortar cushion with mechanical clips, but the mechanical component must carry the full design load. Mortar alone cannot be relied upon for wind resistance.
What is the difference between clay and concrete barrel tile wind performance?
Both clay and concrete barrel tiles have similar wind resistance when properly attached, but they differ in weight and attachment methods. Concrete tiles weigh 9-12 lbs/sf while clay tiles weigh 7-9 lbs/sf. The heavier concrete tiles provide slightly more dead load to resist uplift but require stronger structural support. For ASCE 7-22 calculations, tile weight contributes to net uplift (wind pressure minus dead load), but mechanical attachment must still resist the full component and cladding pressure. Clip selection may differ between clay and concrete due to tile profile variations.
How do I calculate barrel tile attachment spacing for Broward County wind loads?
Tile attachment spacing is determined by dividing the attachment capacity by the required uplift pressure. For example, if roof corner Zone 3 requires -75 psf uplift resistance and each tile clip provides 35 lbs capacity, with tiles covering 1.1 sf each: clips needed = (75 psf x 1.1 sf) / 35 lbs = 2.4 clips per tile. This means every tile in Zone 3 needs 3 clips minimum. Field zones with lower pressures (Zone 1 at -45 psf) may allow fewer clips per tile. Always verify calculations with a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer.
What tile underlayment is required for barrel tiles in Broward County?
Broward County requires a secondary water barrier beneath barrel tiles per FBC Section 1507.3.3.2. Options include: self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen with 4-inch overlaps, two layers of underlayment with the first layer mechanically fastened, or foam adhesive applied underlayment systems with product approvals. The underlayment must be rated for direct tile contact and installed per manufacturer specifications. In wind-borne debris regions, underlayment also serves as backup protection if tiles are lost during storms, preventing water intrusion.
Do barrel tile roofs require hurricane clips at the eaves in Broward County?
Yes. FBC Section 1507.3.9 requires perimeter tiles within 3 feet of roof edges, hips, and ridges to be mechanically fastened regardless of the attachment method used in field areas. This perimeter zone experiences the highest wind pressures per ASCE 7-22 Zone 2 and Zone 3 calculations. Eave tiles require both nose clips (to prevent lifting at the tile front) and back clips (to secure the tile tail). Anti-bird/anti-lift closure strips are also required at eaves to prevent wind and pest intrusion under the tile courses.