Before using roofing tiles for your project, you should become familiar with the two types when comparing them, such as clay vs. terracotta. You will learn more about these two categories of tiles in this article. A solid block of clay, shale, or both is formed into any shape—typically rectangular planar shapes—while still in a plastic state and fired in a kiln to create clay roof tiles. "Clay roof tile classification" According to ASTM specifications, the durability and appearance of clay roof tiles are graded. Clay roof tile grades Grade 1: Offering protection against intense frost action. Grade 2: Providing moderate frost action resistance. Grade 3: Offering hardly any protection against frost action. As specified in Table 1, grades are related to weather exposure. Clay roof tile types according to appearance High-profile tiles of Type I are those with a rise-to-width ratio greater than. Low-profile Type II tiles have a rise-to-width ratio of 1:5 or less. All other tiles, including flat, are of Type III. Clay roof tiles' physical attributes The tiles must be devoid of flaws, deficiencies, or bloating that would hinder proper tile placement, roof performance, or compliance with this specification. When damaged, tiles must have a dark, steely section that is clearly separated from the rest of the tile's usual hue. The terms "black heart" or "black core" refer to this shadowy region. When seen from a distance of 12 m under lighting of at least 50 FC (538 lm/m), the visible tile surface must be free of chips or other flaws that distract from the appearance of an observer with normal eyes. The tile must not shatter, produce cracks larger than the specimen's minimum dimension, or lose more than 0.5 percent of its dry weight after 50 cycles of the freezing-and-thawing test. The requirements listed in Table 2 must be followed when determining the transverse breaking strength of tiles, as described for the flexure test. Tolerances for Weight and Dimensions Dimension. The total deviation from the manufacturer's nominal dimension in each tile's dimensions must not be greater than 65%. The nominal dimensions cannot be smaller than the average dimensions.
- Weight The total weight variation of individual tiles from the nominal weight specified by the supplier shall not exceed 6–10%. No more than 6 to 10% of the nominal weight may be the average weight.
The Benefits of Using Clay Roof Tiles
- a lengthy lifespan
Clay roof tiles have a lifespan of roughly 150 years. The most extreme weather conditions and the passage of time do not affect the durability of clay roof tiles.
- Capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions
Clay roof tiles can withstand even the worst conditions. Clay roof tiles may withstand subzero temperatures because of the way their pores are constructed. The pores do not become clogged up with precipitation like snow or rain.
- Reliable Maintenance
The availability of clay tiles in conventional forms and their remarkably easy installation process are the main reasons for their ease of maintenance.
- Suitable for Curved and Sloping Roofs
Clay roof tiles are really simple to install and available in a number of useful sizes and colors.They can now be utilized to restore any curved or sloped roof or facade. They have even been specially designed to complement the roof's sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Clay roof tiles being put on a sloped roof
- Handling and environmental friendliness
Clay roof tiles also have the benefit of being lightweight and convenient to handle. Unquestionably an important instrument in the installation of our roofs. Additionally, the shipment of our roof tiles is much less expensive as a consequence of this. This reduces carbon monoxide emissions, which is unquestionably good for the environment.
- Not completely windproof
Although clay tiles are more wind resistant than other roofing materials, they are not windproof and can still move or fall off the roof during strong gusts.
- Weight Despite being significantly lighter than concrete tiles, they could place a heavy load on the roof. They may need roof reinforcing prior to installation and are thus inappropriate for unstable constructions.
- Sensible
When it's chilly outside, clay tiles might become brittle. This is because their strength is diminished by repeated freezing and thawing. Brittle tiles are more likely to shatter when under strain. Clay tiles are delicate and readily broken, even in warmer areas. A solid block of clay, shale or both is shaped into any shape—typically rectangular planar shapes—while still in a pliable condition and burnt in a kiln to create clay roof tiles. What characteristics do clay roof tiles have?
- The tiles must be devoid of flaws, deficiencies, or bloating that would hinder proper tile placement, roof performance, or compliance with this specification.
- When fractured, tiles must have a dark, steely section that is clearly separated from the rest of the tile's usual hue. The term "black heart" or "black core" refers to this shadowy region.
- The visible tile surface must be free of chips or other flaws that would detract from its look when seen from a distance of 12 m by a person with normal eyesight and lighting of at least 50 FC (538 lm/m).
- The tile must not shatter, develop cracks larger than the specimen's minimum dimension, or lose more than 0.5 percent of its dry weight after 50 cycles of the freezing-and-thawing test.
- The conditions must be met, and the transverse breaking strength of tiles must be calculated as indicated for the flexure test.
What benefits can clay roof tiles offer? The following is a list of the benefits of clay roof tiles.
- A lengthy lifespan
- Capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions
- Reliable Maintenance
- Suitable for Curved and Sloping Roofs
- Handling and environmental friendliness
Tile manufacturers have used terra cotta clay for hundreds of years to create tiles noted for their distinctive red hue. Terra cotta clay tiles' distinctive design, color, and toughness offer a touch of opulent, old-world grandeur to a house or structure. They improve a building's curb appeal and satisfy the architectural requirements of many households and commercial structures. Terra cotta clay tiles may not be the best option for your house or structure, however, due to a number of factors. Terra cotta tiles that need a lot of upkeep may break if tripped on or struck by debris. Additionally, they are not resistant to wet or freezing temperatures; after 20 years, an underlayment replacement is necessary. terracotta roofing tiles How long will my terracotta roofing tiles endure is a crucial question to address if you have a terracotta roof or are thinking about having one built or repaired. One of the greatest benefits of terracotta roofing is the length of time they last. After investing thousands on a roof, no one wants to have to repair it just a few decades later. Your roof could be the part of your house that works the hardest at protecting you and your family from the elements on a daily basis. Why not go with a durable roof? To find out why terracotta roof tiles last so long and what you can do to make the life of your roof even longer, keep reading. Define Terracotta, Please. You may be familiar with the brownish-orange color of terracotta roof tiles and sculptures, but you may not know much about the material or why it is so popular in Australia. Ceramic terracotta is formed from clay. The crimson hue comes from the iron particles in the clay reacting with oxygen at temperatures of about 1000 °C. The Italian phrase for "baked soil" is "terracotta," thus the name. Terracotta offers a great roofing material because of its insulating qualities and long life expectancy of terracotta roof tiles, even if it is more often employed as a decorative material due to its inexpensive cost in contrast to other materials like stone or metal. Because of its high thermal mass, terracotta roofing is well-suited to the conditions of the Australian continent. Longevity of a Terracotta Roof Tile Anyone who has paid for a new roof knows how expensive it can be. There's a reason that homeowner's don't skimp when it comes to roofing. It would be foolish to do so. Consider picking a strong material for your roofing to optimize the return on your investment. That explains why many individuals choose for terracotta roofs. In the right conditions, terracotta roof tiles may last for up to 75 years. Terracotta roofs have a minimum lifespan of about 50 years. The average person never leaves their house in their lifetime. Some of the reasons why terracotta has such a long lifespan as a roofing material for homes are discussed below. Saves Energy A well-made roof can help you save money on your monthly energy costs. For this purpose, terracotta roofing tiles are ideal because they retain heat during the day and then disperse it at night. Roofs made of terracotta may be coated so that they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, making them ideal for use in warmer climates. Durable When compared to the common perception that a clay statue would break upon impact, terracotta proves to be remarkably sturdy. Terracotta roof tiles have a much longer lifespan than metal or shingle roofs because they are so resistant to common environmental threats, despite being more vulnerable to impact. Protection from the Elements and Flame Since terracotta is impervious to water, it provides excellent protection against the most common roofing problem: leaks. In the event of a fire in the neighborhood, a home protected by a terracotta roof will fare much better than one without. Of course, the fact that your clay tiles can withstand a lot of heat makes them an ideal choice for Australia. Heavy The heavy nature of terracotta contributes to its long lifespan as a roofing material, so even though the installation process may be difficult due to the roof's weight, it is still recommended that you hire a professional roofer. If it is heavier than asphalt shingles or other lighter materials, it will be less likely to be blown off by high winds. Duration of Other Roofing Materials vs. Terracotta The durability of terracotta may have you wondering. To help you evaluate other roofing materials against terracotta's 75-year lifespan, we've provided a rough breakdown of their respective lifespans below. For a roof, the average lifespan of a terracotta tile is 75 years. Fifty years is the average lifespan of a roof tile made of concrete. Although asphalt roofs can last for up to 30 years, they are extremely uncommon in Melbourne. Roofing made from Colorbond can be expected to last for 25-50 years. Metal roofing Can easily last up to 30 years but is rarely seen on brand new construction.