The Tile Man's Tile Tattler: Pack Stack & Ship Clay Tile and Slate Roofing

By
Lori Kittle
VP Operations, The Tile Man, Inc.

Whether you are re-roofing, storing or shipping Clay Tile or Slate, this is the way to stack the pieces in order to minimize breakage.

SLATE OR SLAB SHINGLE TILE

Note nail-holes on right

INTERLOCKING TILE
(Face to Face & Reverse One)

SPANISH AND STRAIGHT BARREL MISSION TILE
(Nail Holes Up)

All tiles and slate can be stacked and/or stored several layers high when they are stacked tightly together with protection between the layers. Cardboard or felting is excellent for this purpose.

When storing (or shipping) trim pieces, treat hip and Ridge the same as Spanish. All terminals need special, individual handling particularly "high bumps" or rare pieces such as Leaf Hip Starters.

Tile or slate to be shipped via trucking has to be palletized. Below are the directions on how to make a simple pallet, primarily utilizing scrap materials.

WE RECYCLE!

MATERIALS USED TO BUILD PALLETE
Pallet Base 48" X 40" X 5"
2" X 4" Lumber
Poly Strapping Tape or
Stretch Wrap, (requires heat)
Saw, Hammer and Nails

STEP 1
Cut 4 corner supports (2" X 4") to contain both the style and the number of pieces being shipped. (see illustrations top next column).

SLAB SHINGLE TILE
Width 6" Each Layer*
Corner Support 17" for 2 Layers

*Measure the width of your tile and/or slate, if it is more than 6" substitute that figure on the illustration for the first and second layers – add the 5" pallet base and you will have the correct length for supports.

FRENCH TILE
Width 9" Each Layer
Corner Supports 23" for 2 Layers (4)

STRAIGHT BARREL MISSION TILE
Corner Support 23"

Note: For Spanish and all Straight Barrel Mission Tiles - measure your tile, if it is more or less than 18" substitute that figure for the length of the tile illustration above. Then add 5" for the Pallet Base and you have the correct length for corner supports.

STEP 2: NAIL CORNER TO 48" PALLET SIDES

STEP 3: 48" HORIZONTAL SUPPORTS
(2" X 4")
Use 2 supports for one layer and 3 supports for 2 layers (except SBM or Spanish – see below). Nail these boards inside the corner posts.

FRENCH TILE: 1 Layer, use 2 Supports on Each Side

SLAB SHINGLE TILE OR SLATE:
2 layers, use 3 Supports on Each Side

SPANISH OR
STRAIGHT BARREL MISSION TILE:
1 layer, use 3 Supports on Each Side

STEP 4: 40" HORIZONTAL SUPPORTS
Use the same number of 2" X 4" pieces as you did in Step 3. Cut them long enough to fasten to the outside of the pallet.

STEP 5: HOW TO PACK A PALLET
Place the tiles into the pallet in rows, stacking them on the edges shown in Step 1. Make sure there are no empty spaces. Use folded cardboard, shims or other firm material to fill all spaces. The pallet should be a solid cube!

Try to shake the pallet when you are done packing. If you can hear tile or slate shifting or moving, add more packing filler. Don’t forget to insert a "cushion" between all of the layers.

STEP 6: LABELS
Use 2 or 3 large labels to specify: A – The return address (yours), B – Our Name and Address and C – How to Handle the Pallet during shipping (see below).

Below: regular Shipping Label showing return and destination addresses, safety warnings

STEP 7: HOW TO PACK AND SHIP SMALLER ORDERS
Select or build a strong box in which to place the tile or tiles. Pack the tiles using fill material until you have a solid cube. Palletize the box using a pallet and strapping tape (see illustrations below). Option – you can build a small box and secure it to the pallet with a wooden frame.

GOOD LUCK!

We'll Be Waiting for That Tile!