How to Install Spanish Style Roof Tiles

Install underlayment across your roof. A wide selection of underlayment is available, but 30-lb. felt is most commonly used. Research local building codes to find the proper underlayment. Follow manufacturer instructions during installation.

Install corrosion-resistant metal flashing. Metal flashing is used for skylights, valleys, chimneys and the roof's edge.

Nail a 2-inch cant strip to the eave or edge of the roof. Make sure it's flush with the edge. The first set of tiles will slant every 4 feet, to allow a 1-inch gap to drain water across the roof. The strip, which is thicker than the battens, allows the first set of tiles to be even with the rest.

Connect a tape measure to the eave and measure the length of tile needed. Mark the underlayment. Spanish tiles will have a 1-inch overhang at the edge. Subtract 1 inch from the first mark on the underlayment and make a new mark. Repeat this procedure at both ends of the roof and create a line with chalk. For instance, if the tile is 18 inches, the mark will be made 17 inches up from the eave.

Nail the batten below and flush with the chalk line. For the rest of the battens, subtract 3 inches from the length of the tile used and create chalk lines with this length across the roof. For example, if the tile is 18 inches, the marks will be placed every 15 inches.

Place the Spanish tiles down from left to right, because of the tiles' vertical design. Remove any foreign debris from the tiles to ensure the interlocking joints fit properly. Rest the head lug (rear of tile) behind each row of battens. The number of tiles needed depends on the roof slope and wind velocity during the installation process.