Roof Tiles and Roof Tiling

Whenever we speak of tiles, we immediately think about floors tiles in the house, walls or bathroom because those are usually where tiles are installed and placed. However, tiles may not only be placed on those areas. As a matter of fact, tiles are so versatile that they can also be used as roofing materials. It's quite amazing watching roof tilers working their way steadily across the roof of someone's home, laying down each tile neatly side by side. If you have seen a house whose roof is made from tiles, I’m sure that you have found them quite appealing.

Tiling the roof is not a modern day invention. In fact, roof tiles have already been used by the ancient Greeks on the roofs of their homes. These days, many homeowners are realizing the good benefits provided for by roof tiles aside from the distinct and appealing look they give the house structure. With many shapes to choose from such as tegula, tower, barrel, pantile, roman and flat, you can surely pick one that suits your taste. Not only do roof tiles differ in shape but also in designs and colors. They can all be placed in parallel rows, overlapped or interlocked with each other. If you are contemplating on having your roof be built with tiles, you may consider the following benefits of roof tiles.

• The roof tiles serve as the utmost layer of sheathing that protects the house from the severe weather effects. During summer, roof tiles can cast off solar heat and can insulate heat during winter.

• Since roof tiles have distinct structures, they can drain water quite well compared to other roof materials.

• With roof tiles, you are provided with fire safety as they are non-combustible aside from being durable.

• Roof tiles too can promote better air circulation.

Various materials are used in manufacturing roof tiles. There are roof tiles made from natural products like clay and other stones. Such roof tiles are strong and durable. Clay used in tile making are gathered from reserves or natural resources and then baked at very high temperatures in kilns. Roof tiles made from clay are multipurpose with different textures, sizes and shapes. The color of clay tiles remains vivid even after many years. If you want to achieve a historic appeal for your home or if you are refurbishing an old home, clay roof tiles are best to use.

Sometimes you also find tilers using tiles that are made from concrete, which are popularly used worldwide. This is probably because concrete-made roof tiles are cheaper, easy to manufacture and are readily available.

Slate is also used in making roof tiles. There are three types of slate tiles. First is the standard slate tile with uniform thickness, size and shape. Standard slate riles are laid on the roof in horizontal lines. Second is the textural slate tile which has a rough surface. Textural slate tiles come in different thickness, sizes and color shades. Third is the graduate slate tile which is similar to textural tiles but with additional variations in its thickness and size. Installation of graduate slate tiles involves utilizing longer and thicker tiles for the eaves. The thickness and size of graduate slate tiles used is decreased as installation reaches the ridge.