Essentials of Clay and Concrete Roof Tiles
Essentials of Clay and Concrete Roof Tiles
The service life spans of concrete and clay tile roofs are significantly longer than that of asphalt shingle roofs. Because of their color, texture, and tile profile, they produce handsome-looking roofs. That is why in modern construction, concrete and clay tiles are extensively used in low-rise commercial structures and higher-priced homes and apartment buildings. Tiles come in a large variety of profiles, sizes, and colors, depending on the manufacturer. The clay tile’s color is primarily a function of the chemical composition of the clay from which it is made. If any additional color-modifying agent is used, it is added to the clay before firing. Therefore, the color becomes integral to the tile. With its integral color, clay tile weathers only slightly with time, caused mainly by the pollutants in the air. Glaze coated clay tiles are also available. The glaze is applied to the already-fired tiles, which are then refried to obtain a durable glaze. The color of concrete tiles is a function of the color of the Portland cement, aggregates, and any pigments used. The gradual erosion of the surface of the tile due to running water on the roof exposes the aggregates in a concrete tile, which can create a noticeable change in the tile’s color over time. Initial and periodic sealing of the tiles’ surface helps retain the color longer. Concrete tiles can also be factory painted on their exposed surface. Several manufacturers make concrete tiles with the characteristic (brown) terra-cotta color painted on them to mimic clay tiles. Being an applied finish, the paint tends to fade over time.
Because of the enormous variety in the profiles of concrete and clay tiles, it is impossible to discuss all available profiles. Although some profiles are used only with clay tiles and others only with concrete tiles, most tile profiles are essentially similar. Except for flat tile, all tile profiles provide for water channels that direct
The service life spans of concrete and clay tile roofs are significantly longer than that of asphalt shingle roofs. Because of their color, texture, and tile profile, they produce handsome-looking roofs. That is why in modern construction, concrete and clay tiles are extensively used in low-rise commercial structures and higher-priced homes and apartment buildings. Tiles come in a large variety of profiles, sizes, and colors, depending on the manufacturer. The clay tile’s color is primarily a function of the chemical composition of the clay from which it is made. If any additional color-modifying agent is used, it is added to the clay before firing. Therefore, the color becomes integral to the tile. With its integral color, clay tile weathers only slightly with time, caused mainly by the pollutants in the air. Glaze coated clay tiles are also available. The glaze is applied to the already-fired tiles, which are then refried to obtain a durable glaze. The color of concrete tiles is a function of the color of the Portland cement, aggregates, and any pigments used. The gradual erosion of the surface of the tile due to running water on the roof exposes the aggregates in a concrete tile, which can create a noticeable change in the tile’s color over time. Initial and periodic sealing of the tiles’ surface helps retain the color longer. Concrete tiles can also be factory painted on their exposed surface. Several manufacturers make concrete tiles with the characteristic (brown) terra-cotta color painted on them to mimic clay tiles. Being an applied finish, the paint tends to fade over time.
Because of the enormous variety in the profiles of concrete and clay tiles, it is impossible to discuss all available profiles. Although some profiles are used only with clay tiles and others only with concrete tiles, most tile profiles are essentially similar. Except for flat tile, all tile profiles provide for water channels that direct