When installing clay tile roofing in California seismic zones, what additional fastening requirement must be met beyond standard installation?
Correct Answer
A) Tiles on slopes over 5:12 must have nose fasteners or clips
CRC Section R905.3.8 requires that in seismic design categories D0, D1, and D2 (most of California), clay tiles on slopes exceeding 5:12 must have additional nose fasteners or approved clips to prevent displacement during seismic events, beyond standard attachment methods.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CRC Section R905.3.8 requires that in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2 — which cover most of California — clay or concrete tiles on roof slopes exceeding 5:12 must be secured with nose fasteners (nails through the nose hole) or approved clips at each tile. This prevents tiles from sliding or becoming airborne during seismic events.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Every third tile in each row must be mechanically fastened
Fastening every third tile is not a recognized code requirement. Partial-row fastening patterns do not appear in CRC R905.3.8 and would leave too many tiles unsecured.
Option C: Only perimeter tiles require mechanical fastening
Limiting mechanical fastening to perimeter tiles only is insufficient for seismic zones. Field tiles on steep slopes can also displace during earthquakes; code requires nose fasteners or clips across the field, not just at perimeters.
Option D: Every tile must be nailed regardless of slope
Nailing every tile regardless of slope is more stringent than the code actually requires. The trigger for the seismic requirement is the 5:12 slope threshold — below that slope, standard attachment methods are acceptable.
Memory Technique
Steeper than 5:12 in California = Seismic clips required. Picture tiles sliding down a steep hill during a quake — the nose clip keeps them anchored.
More trade-general-building Questions
When installing engineered lumber joists (I-joists) in California residential construction, what is the primary code requirement for web stiffeners?
What is the required attic ventilation ratio when a vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling according to the California Residential Code?
In California's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, which underlayment requirement applies to Class A fire-rated roof assemblies?
In California, when installing a tankless water heater in a seismic zone, what additional requirement must be met beyond standard installation practices?
According to the California Building Code (CBC), what is the minimum lap splice length for #4 rebar in a concrete foundation wall in normal weight concrete with f'c = 3000 psi?
According to CBC requirements for retaining walls in California, what additional design consideration must be addressed for retaining walls over 4 feet in height located in seismic design categories D, E, and F?
When constructing retaining walls in California that exceed 4 feet in height, which CBC requirement must be met regarding drainage?
Under California regulations, when is a reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention assembly required for a residential water service connection?
Under California Title 24, what is the minimum electrical service size required for new single-family residential construction?
According to the California Building Code, buildings located in Seismic Design Category D must comply with which specific seismic design requirements?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
In California wood frame construction, what is the maximum spacing allowed for anchor bolts connecting the sill plate to the foundation?
Next Question
For a single-family residence in California with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, what is the minimum required water service pipe size according to the California Plumbing Code?