Roofing Tiles

Written by No Doubt Marketing

There are a couple of different types of roofing tiles that can be used on roofs for a durable and natural finish.

They are either ceramic tiles made of fired clay, with or without a glazed finish, or a cement concrete tile. Some manufacturers make their tiles lighter weight by adding cellulose fibers into the tile. This also makes the tiles more durable.

The best-known type of roofing tile is the Spanish style red roofing tile, often called a barrel tile, which is made from fired clay. This tile can be made from cement also, although traditionally it would have been made from clay only. Any cement type of Spanish tile will have a coating of some kind to give it the appropriate look. The red color comes from hematite, a common iron oxide material.

There are many advantages to tile roofing. Because they are non-combustible, they are fireproof and often used as a fire safety roof. They are also extremely durable. Many buildings from ancient times sport their original tile roofs, for example.

The tile roof will likely have a better air circulation system than many other roofs, since air is able to circulate around the tiles, both below and above. This allows roofing tiles to rid themselves of solar heat more quickly.

Nonetheless, there are disadvantages to tiles roofs as well. They carry extra weight, and that must be considered in the construction of a building. Also, they are more expensive than the standard, asphalt-shingle roof.

When considering a purchase of roof tiles, it's useful to remember that they are classified according to their profile on the roof.

For example, a hollow roofing tile is one design. It is a tile with a curved drainage section included as a component of the tile, and can be used on roofs up to a 25 percent pitch.

A hollow, interlocking tile is similar in that it has a drainage section, but also includes an interlocking head. It can be used on roofs that have high pitches and roofs with low pitches, but it much have at least a 22 degree pitch, and may require up to 25 degrees on a slope.

Slightly curved roofing tiles that are interlocking have a flat interlocking section and a flat drainage section. There is a nosing on the tile, creating a look on the roof that is slightly undulating. This style can be used on very high roof pitches.

Flat tile with interlocking parts have a ridge in the center to form a slight resistance. It creates a slight undulating effect when the roof is viewed from a distance, and can be used for roof slopes from 20 degrees and up.

Flat interlocking tile is slightly different because it has interlockings and a flat portion for drainage. The tiles, then, look completely flat. They should be used on roofs with at least a 24 to 25 degree slope.

Flat tiles are generally installed in broken bond, with only a third of the tile showing because they overlap a great deal. Roofs using this type of tile make the entire roof look flat.