Indy Total Construction

If several tiles are damaged over a relatively small area of the roof, it is probably just as easy to re-tile that area than attempt to replace tiles individually. Buy enough tiles to do the job with a few spares in case you break any.

Always stack the tiles out of the way, since they are easily broken and always carry them on edge rather than flat on top of each other — that way they are less likely to break under the weight.

As with renewing an area of slates, you must recreate the original overlapping pattern of the tiles to ensure that the roof retains its strength and is also waterproof.

Unlike slates, you cannot cut tiles to size, so you must make sure you get the right number of special tiles for finishing off courses at gable ends and for making up the eaves course. You will also need a supply of 11/4in copper, zinc or aluminum roofing nails for fixing the tiles to the battens. If the tiles are of the interlocking type held to the battens by clips and nails, you must buy sufficient clips as well.

Wooden wedges, as described opposite, will be needed for lifting the tiles surrounding the repair so that the old tiles can be lifted from underneath them and the new ones hooked in place.

Begin at the top of the damaged area, working downwards and removing tiles as described opposite. Once you have removed a few from the upper courses, you will expose those below so that you can simply lift them off. If they are nailed down, cut off the nail heads with pincers.

The tiles will be heavy and brittle, so handle them with care and lower them to the ground with a bucket and rope. Keep perfectly good tiles for re-use.

Once the tiles have been removed you can inspect the roof structure below. This will comprise the tile battens and, in most cases, below them a layer of roofing felt. Brush off any dirt and dust and pull any remaining nails from the battens with pincers.

Begin fitting the new tiles along the bottom of the repair area, working your way up the roof. Hook the nibs of the tiles over the battens and nail every third or fourth course down for extra security.

As you work, use the wooden wedges to lift the surrounding tiles so that those below can be lifted into place. Make sure any interlocking types are properly linked together and if these are normally held to the battens with clips and nails, fit these to every course.

Continue to the last tile, fitting it in the same way as described opposite. If retaining clips are used on the tiles you will not be able to fit a clip to the last tile, but the weight of its neighbours will hold it down.

Gaps between the overlapping tiles at the edges of the roof should be pointed with mortar. First coat the edges of the tiles with a bonding agent and then mix some more into the mortar before you use it.

Build Your Own Tiki Bar

If you are planning a luau or a tiki party, the best option would be to build your own tiki bar and transform a part of your home into a paradise. To follow the following techniques on creating a tiki bar, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t built anything in your life before. All you need to do is tag along these tips for adding a feel to your home atmosphere.

The first thing you need is a table, that is, the bar itself. Any old or sturdy table would do. Cover it with an external design such as a counter top or something. If you wish to build your own table, you can go ahead. You will find most of the requirements for this at your own place. However, always remember that the cost of the home-made table is determined by its size. So larger the size of the table, the more expensive it is.

A table cloth having an attractive design is appropriate for the counter top. If your house is located in a tropical location, then using disposable table cloth can be a good idea. One of the most striking techniques is using the table cloth and party items according to the theme of your party.

There are various ways you can work on the roof part. Bamboos for the roof structure of your tiki bar are best to suit your party theme. However, if you don’t find good ones, you can also go for wooden posts. To add a touch of authenticity to your tiki bar, you can purchase well-designed, well-carved, and well-shaped tiki moldings.

Simplest method is by using straws. Many home depots as well as plant places have the straw you require for the tiki bar roof. You can also go for large palm fronds or large leaves, if you find it easier to get hold of them. Have them attached to a light piece of plywood. Another option is purchasing thatched glass panels.

It is best to fix your tiki bar all together after getting your tiki hut roof joint on the ground. Once you are done with fixing your tiki hut structure, you can start decorating it with frangipani candles, straw mats stuck on sand, spooky god statues, and other several ideas offered by your imagination.

Certain important points to remember while working on your tiki bar project:

The toughest part in building your own tiki bar is finding decent roof material. However, this is not much of a problem if you stay near a coast or in a large city. If ever there’s any such problem, you can turn to transaction sites for inexpensive and attractive roof materials.

It is not compulsory to have a countertop. Using cheap table clothes can also do, provided, they go well with the party theme.

The cost of constructing a tiki bar increases with its size.

A profitable and fun-based business is building tiki bars and then, selling them at large amounts. Ready made tiki bars usually range from $800 to thousands of dollars. There are many who have the building and selling of their tiki bars as their main source of income.