Clay roof tiles have been in use for thousands of years and are one of the oldest materials known to modern society. Remains of their use have been found since 3000 BC, making them one of the earliest building materials we know about.
Clay roof tiles are a great solution for homeowners looking to make the most of their roof space. Clay roof tiles are often praised for their aesthetics and durability. They are non-toxic and weather-resistant, making them a good option for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This article discusses why you should use clay tiles, their sizes, costs, and the different types of clay roof tile you can use today.
Contents
Why should I go with Clay roof tiles?
The terracotta color is an important part of tile design, with many tiles being sold in this shade. However, the color can also be found in other shades, including white, orange, brown, and pink. Manufacturers are confident enough about the durability of colors to offer a 50-year warranty.
- Clay roof tiles can withstand normal weather conditions like heat, rain, sleet, wind, and extreme weather.
- Since these tiles are made from minerals found on earth, they are eco-friendly and recyclable.
- As the tiles reflect solar radiant heat, it helps to keep your house cool, saving up some money from the electricity.
- Colors won’t fade or peel off even under extreme weather conditions.
Clay roof tiles weight
Using clay tiles can save a lot of time and money. They always weigh less than concrete, providing huge cost savings while allowing you to avoid heavy lifting.
Clay tiles normally weigh between 30 – 65kg per m². However, the weight depends on the brand you choose. For 100 square feet, clay weighs around 600 to 650 pounds.
Rainwater retention is a key factor, especially if your roof has a moderate slope. However, the weight is also an important point to remember when assessing a roof – the heavier it gets, the more it will weigh on your sheds or other structures you have nearby. Clay tiles normally have 6% of the water absorption rate.
How many tiles do I need for my roof?
Before calculating the number of tiles for your roof, you should measure a few things beforehand.
Roof pitch
Roof pitch is in regards to the roof structure of your home. The pitch of a roof is the steepness of the roof expressed as a ratio of inch rise per square foot or as the angle in degrees its surface deviates from the horizontal. The pitch is commonly measured in inches and can be found by dividing the height, including eaves and gutters, by 12.
Roof pitch is important to ensure the roof remains watertight by determining the lowest possible angle at which it can be laid, whether from a flat roof or pitched roof. A flat roof has a pitch of zero.
The minimum pitch of a clay tile is 35 degrees or 90 degrees if hanging vertically. However, the Sandtoft 20/20 clay tiles, a plain interlocking tile, have a pitch of 15 degrees.
Measuring the roof
You will need to measure them;
- Roof width
- Roof slope height
Roof width (m) x roof slope height (m) = half roof area (m²)
Take the roof width and multiply it by the slope height. This calculation gives you half the roof area. Therefore multiply it by 2 to provide you with the area of both sides. Now you have the area of your roof in square meters.
Calculating the number of roof tiles
First of all, select a brand and design you like. The manufacturer’s specification includes how many tiles you need per square meter.
To calculate the number of tiles;
Roof area (in square meters) x tiles per square meter = quantity of tiles.
Assume that your roof area is 60m2, and the manufacturer recommends 16 tiles per square meter. So the calculation is,
60m2 × 16 = 719
The quantity of roof tiles needed per square meter varies and can range from less than 10 to more than 60. Standard roof tiles are 265mm x 165mm, with a minimum headlap of 65mm and a maximum batten gauge of 100mm, and a covering capacity of 60 tiles per meter squared.
Factors such as the tiles’ shape, style, structure, roof pitch, whether they are interlocking, headlap, and batten gauge effect may change the number of roof tiles required.
You can also use this website as an online calculator or visit this website to have a clear idea of measuring your roof.
Calculating the cost
Buying clay tiles that add value to the building design is always important. You want to do your homework on settling on the right type of tile so you can invest properly and make it last. Clay tile roofs have become more and more popular in recent years due to their beauty, durability, and ease of installation. Cost vise clay tiles will always be more expensive, but there are ways to reduce the price difference.
Depending on the tile you choose, you can expect $12 to $25 cost per square foot for a clay roof tile installed. Upfront costs can vary depending on the type of clay tile used, but generally, the higher-end tiles cost up to $3,000, while normal tiles cost around $700 to $100. Although the numbers don’t include any costs associated with maintaining a roof, it does not change that it’s consistently a large expense.
However, there are several ways to reduce the cost. The machine-made clay tiles are usually not on the expensive side. Handcrafted tiles are more costly than machine-made tiles because they apply a hand finish to them to give a more authentic look.
Handmade tiles are the most expensive tiles of all the tiles. People still buy handmade tiles due to their natural rustic look and aesthetic appeal. If your budget can afford high-end tiles, go for it as it gives your house a unique look.
If you look at the big picture, you are saving a lot of money because of the low maintenance of clay rood tiles and a tile lasting for at least 50 years without any noticeable discoloration. The rounded and interlocking design allows for water to drain easily and prevents any leakage. The durable material also allows for continued use without worry.
