Roofing materials: get an old-world look with clay roof tiles
The selected ancient roofing materials remain a modern ideal for authentic Buffalo city home styles.
Authentic clay roof tiles aren’t cheap, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Of
course, concrete roof tiles offer a similar look for less money, but colored cement mixtures will
fade over time. Concrete is also the material used for sidewalks and curbs that divert rainwater.
Authentic clay tiles are the venerable roofing material of choice dating back to ancient times and
are available in a variety of soft, rich earthy colors. It’s a look that colored concrete can’t faithfully
replicate. Instead of fading over time, the clay tiles take on a green-blue color and bloom
spectacularly. For some architectural styles, a clay roof is an ideal choice if costs are controllable.
Ingredient
Clay is a natural material first used for roofing in China, historians say, when clay tile roofs were
installed in the Neolithic period about 12,000 years ago.
Unlike the cheap thatched roofs of the time, the fire-retardant properties of the clay were obviously
the decisive reason for its widespread adoption in the early days. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks,
and Romans all used clay roof tiles.
Today’s manufacturing process is similar to that of concrete roof tiles. Tiles are extruded before
being coated. However, clay tiles are fired at much higher temperatures than concrete tiles. The
resulting tiles are less porous and discolor faster than concrete alternatives.
Expense
Clay tile is an advanced roofing material. The fabrication and installation process are similar to
concrete tile, but authentic clay tile is typically 50% more expensive than concrete tile.
Clay tiles are typically installed by roofers in the $1,400 to $2,000 per square range, making them
one of the most expensive roofing material options. Because a roofer’s square equals a 100 square
foot roof, the cost to install clay roof tiles on a 2,000 square foot roof ranges from $28,000 to
$40,000.
Option
Clay tiles can be flat or semi-cylindrical, match every imaginable old-world style, and come in a
variety of natural clay colors that can be enhanced with kiln-fired coatings. The most common clay
colors are maroon and brown, but there are also natural clay colors in light beige and dark gray
tones.
In the past, concrete mortar was used to lay tile in a waterfall fashion, but today metal fasteners
and horizontal battens are common. In some cases, installation techniques such as mortar boosting
replicate the charm of old-world architecture. In this process, as seen in the results here, a
percentage of the tiles are stacked on top of each other with impressive plaster between them to
recreate the age-old differences found in historic structures.
Here you can see the colorful and varied colors of the reclaimed European clay tiles on the roof of
the Alamo, California. Time is not necessarily the enemy of authentic clay.
Advantages
Appearance. Clay tiles capture the romance of old-world architecture, retain their natural color
and improve aesthetically over time.
Long life. Clay tile can last for generations, but the underlayment needs to be replaced in one
generation.
Very low maintenance. Clay tiles absorb less water than concrete tiles, so they are much more
resistant to stains and rot.
Fireproof.
Disadvantage
Expense. Clay tile is an advanced roofing material. Concrete roof tiles offer a similar look at 65%
the cost of clay tiles.
Intractable. Clay tiles are durable but crack easily when walked on. These cracks can also make
clay tiles a poor choice in very cold climates. Like other roof types, it cannot handle freeze-thaw
cycles.
Romance
While it can be difficult to justify the cost of a clay roof based on its performance, its appeal is
undeniable. These roofs are remarkably old and offer the same dependable integrity that ancient
civilizations valued when the material’s popularity spread around the world.
It is a true roof type from Italian, Mediterranean and Spanish architectural styles, and the clay can
be molded into a variety of shapes based on the specific design criteria of each home style it
complements.
Next. We’ll cover alternative roofing materials and living roofs, including rubber, plastic, and
copper. We will also discuss how to incorporate solar panels and mix roofing materials for aesthetic
effect.
View more roofing material options: slate | metal | asphalt | concrete | wood shingles and shakes
https://kdroofers.com
Nitharsana
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