Ceramic tiles: types, characteristics, construction rules + review of the best brands

Welcome to "All about the Roof," where we cover all the information you require on roofing components and installation. This article explores the world of ceramic tiles, which are a popular option for roofing because of their practicality, durability, and attractive appearance. With a rich history spanning centuries, ceramic tiles have developed into a cutting-edge modern roofing material that combines innovation and tradition.

There are many varieties of ceramic tiles, and each has special qualities appropriate for various climates and architectural styles. Classic clay tiles are perfect for Mediterranean and Southwest-inspired designs because of their inherent insulating qualities and rustic charm. Modern ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are made using more sophisticated manufacturing processes, which means they are more durable and come in a greater variety of colors and textures to match modern homes.

In construction, there are certain guidelines that must be followed when installing ceramic tiles in order to guarantee their longevity and functionality. Careful alignment and solid fastening are necessary for proper installation in order to withstand wind, rain, and other weather conditions. In order to ensure effective water drainage and preserve structural integrity, roof pitch and underlayment materials are essential in averting potential leaks and damage.

We also examine some of the top manufacturers of high-quality ceramic roofing tiles in this post. These brands—which range from well-known market leaders to creative upstarts—stand out for their dedication to quality and dependability, offering homeowners dependable roofing solutions that raise the curb appeal and property value.

Clay tiles: centuries -old traditions and modern technologies

One of the greatest and oldest roofing materials ever used is clay, which has been utilized all over the world. It is currently among the top-rated and most dependable roofing coatings. Considering that contemporary ceramic tiles are created utilizing an entirely different technology than those of past generations.

Cement-sand tiles were created and manufactured for the first time in Bavaria during the 18th century. This type of roofing was created by hand, even though the technology is fairly contemporary.

The process of creating genuine ceramic tiles looks like this:

The tiles go through three stages in tunneling furnaces:

1. Heating up to 120 °. At this moment, physically connected moisture also leaves wet plates, and clay material loses its plasticity.
2. Firing at temperatures up to 900 °. Here, already when the temperature reaches 450 to 600 degrees, all connected moisture finally evaporates in the skulls, and all tiles acquire their rigidity. The more it becomes hot, the faster the inorganic impurities burn out and the plasticity of ceramics is lost. And when overcoming the threshold of 800 ° C, the surface strength of the plate increases.
3. Upon reaching 1000 degrees Celsius in the tile, a fusible mineral melts. The compounds are enveloped and tighten the less felly particles, which leads to landing and compaction of the tile.

The roofing material gains its strength and water resistance when the tiles cool after the stove. Experts thoroughly inspect the ready ceramic tiles before marking, rejecting, and sending them to the product warehouse.

Simultaneously, the primary method of examining the tiles is still the same as it was hundreds of years ago: tapping the plates with a metal object. The tiles must produce a clear, pure sound.

Types of tile profiles: style and practicality

Contemporary ceramic tiles are pleasing not only for their color and environmental friendliness but also for their stylish diversity. The profile holds the key to any given design, and we shall now examine what they are:

• Low -profile tiles have a flat part for water drainage and an internal castle. On the roof, such a tile has a slightly wavy view. This, for example, is produced by Koramic.
• The wave tiles with the lock are characterized by the presence of a concave drainage part and a curved arc -shaped surface of the other part.
• Grah -shaped tiles have an internal lock and a flat groove for water, as a cross between flat and low -profile tiles.
• Smooth tiles with a concave drainage part, which gives the most beautiful wave -like view.
• The tile with the inner lock has a central rib that gives the tiles a special mechanical strength. A separate species – tiles with a smooth surface and an internal lock.
• Roman tiles with the castle immediately striking among others due to its arched form, which is considered typical for Mediterranean architecture. The tiles with a double arch are even more aesthetic, which is more economical due to the presence of two waves on the tile.
• Nunk-Munn, or "Monk Monashka". Real classics! But you will be surprised by learning that the “monk-monk” in Europe is more used not for private housing construction, but to restore historical objects.
• Mediterranean tiles are usually going on for roofs of ordinary houses – looking as if lay on the roof under the scorching sun for at least 100 years.
• The Romanesque profile that came from Roman, but also ranked to the Mediterranean is also considered stylish.

In real life, all of these varieties of ceramic tiles appear like this:

Where do all these kinds originate? It all comes down to architectural trends, as elaborate decorations and gracefully curved roofing elements were once seen as riding.

However, in order to somehow convey the coziness of the building amid the surrounding chaos and oversaturation, designers these days aim for purity and severity of lines in everything. Thus, a traditional flat profile of ceramic tiles is currently in style.

By the way, don’t be surprised if you come across an unusual form during your search for a pretty tile for your own home that defies any classification; contemporary manufacturers like to spoil their customers with such "buns."

"Ceramic tiles are unique among roofing materials because of their strength, beauty, and climate adaptability. This article examines the various varieties and qualities of ceramic tiles, provides crucial construction guidelines for installing them, and evaluates leading manufacturers recognized for their excellence and innovation in the roofing sector. Whether you’re thinking about building a new roof or renovating an existing one, knowing the subtleties of ceramic tiles will help you choose a roof that combines durability and aesthetic appeal."

Color and design: What is the secret of manufacturers

Terracot, another term for brick, is the true, original color of ceramic tiles. You can also find it listed as "natural red" in contemporary tile catalogs.

However, the clay used to make tiles is mined in many locations, and even within a single area, the clay has distinct hues at varying depths. Consequently, the color of the burnt slippers ranges from almost raspberry to yellow-terracotta.

Furthermore, because the term "terracotta" actually refers to a wide range of shades, it is rare that shade samples from different manufacturers will be at least somewhat similar. Given its current popularity, some businesses even provide an extensive assortment of terracotta hues, with the color appearing almost whimsical on a roof like this.

Regarding the natural coating of the tiles, there are currently two methods of firing ceramic tiles that are used: recovery and oxidized. Additionally, the tile’s primary groove is determined by the type that is selected. Which gas—natural or oxygen—is used for firing distinguishes them from one another.

During the restorative firing process, the iron lowers its valency and stains the tiles in brownish and black hues. In an oxidized firing, a large volume of oxygen is served, giving natural tiles their renowned reddish tint.

All of this takes place in unique furnaces with absolutely no air. However, oxygen is stretched during a restorative firing using iron oxide.

The process of installing roofing tiles takes a while, and it does so at 900 degrees Celsius. The tiles are then ready to be packaged and cooled.

The tiles will have a heterogeneous color if the firing was recovery because clay is frequently heterogeneous even in professional settings, despite the fact that this specific characteristic is currently in style. However, a restorative firing can easily cause the tile’s color to shift toward darker tones.

Additional coating: Angobilization and glazing

Ceramic tiles can be left entirely natural or undergo additional processing at the manufacturer’s request before being sent for firing (such tiles are also in demand).

They don’t process it further if they want red tile at the exit in order to respect the process of iron oxide formation, which is indicated by such a lovely shade. However, they are playing tricks here. If I don’t lose in terms of quality and environmental friendliness, I want to achieve some other unique design.

Thus, the tried-and-true method is Angobus. In this case, colored clay or mineral pigments are added to a mixture of white clay and water.

Because of this, Angobus tile does not break or fade over time, and it keeps its strength for the duration of its life. Since Angob is also made of clay, its coating and tiles will both narrow and expand in response to temperature changes:

The effect of wet asphalt is another way to stain tiles. It is accomplished if the general coating is exceptionally high-quality and the Angoba boobs add vitreous mass during the process.

Glazing is another effective technique to alter the tile’s color. Here, a powdered substance has been applied to the tiles, giving them an exquisite glassy surface upon firing. Such icing contains metal ions, which hold the key to the whole mystery.

The glazed tiles appear brand-new and are completely shielded from pores as a result. Any rain instantly removes the dirt streams and restores the sheen. The glazed ceramic tiles still have a brand-new appearance after decades.

In addition, Angob is extremely resistant to UV light; as the manufacturer states, this means that the tile will turn a gorgeous brown color after 80 years. The most intriguing aspect is that a tile of this type appears shaded blue prior to firing!

Regretfully, there are instances when manufacturers are crafty and provide premium Angob by the glaze, which contains more glass. However, a pure vitreous mass and the already two-stage production process are what constitute true glaze in the proper sense. That explains both why it costs more and why the color is so exquisite and vivid.

Check out how distinctive the result is when eco-friendly materials and contemporary technologies are used:

Angob can be used to slightly close the burned pores and increase the surface density of ceramic tiles. i.e. the capacity to take in water while consuming less food already.

If the tiles are glazed, moisture can no longer seep through because they are totally sealed. Because of this, growths cannot form on glazed ceramic tiles because they still require some moisture, if not much of it.

Such an approach also exists. When tiles are fired, a vitreous surface known as glaze is created if more than 40% of the material is made of sand.

When pure quartz sand or clean, crushed glass with a pigment is applied to the surface, thin glass is produced over the tile during the firing process, which refracts light rays in addition to reflecting them. This enables you to adjust the roof’s shade based on the position of the sun! "Toplass" is the name of this.

Tiny secrets. Tiles can also be used to achieve the desired tint:

• The manganese contained in the final color gives the tile a dark brown color;
• Iron and lime make the tiles with a light yellow;
• Adding a magnetite mineral gives a light red color.

Angoba and Glazuri’s introduction has allowed the color palette of an authentic ceramic tile to grow to several dozen shades!

Ceramics as a roofing: advantages and disadvantages

On the roof, both the new and the old tiles look fantastic. Furthermore, locks on contemporary tiles dictate how the coating is applied. The sole concerning aspect is that all clay used to make ceramic tiles is imported; it is not mined in our nation specifically for this use.

Additionally, concentrate on the following six factors when selecting a really high-quality modern tile for your roof:

Let’s now discuss the drawbacks of ceramic tiles.

Thus, it weighs a lot. Depending on the manufacturer, one of its crooks weighs between 1.8 and 3.8 kg, which explains why a square meter of coating ultimately weighs between 30 and 65 kg. Because of the significant load that all of this places on the roof, the rafter system needs to be strengthened, and the final estimate is produced entirely differently.

Furthermore, hiring professional roofers will result in slightly higher labor costs than hiring them to work with thin metal or bitumen sheets.

Finally, it is important to consider the load that heavy roofing places on the house’s walls and foundation during the design phase.

Types of modern ceramic tiles

Basically, there are three types of ceramic tiles that are produced nowadays: molded, groove, and stamped, which is still separated into grooves.

Stamped tiles: emphasis on style

S-shaped, Marseille, Munk-Nunn, and stamped-Dutch varieties. Ridge is another type of tile that is stamped.

Forman tiles: classic traditions

A strip is the next kind of ceramic tile. Another name for it is the plastic molding tile. The most exquisite tile varieties are those that have emerged relatively recently.

One of its unique types is a semi-dry pressed tile, which is made in this way to produce a flat tile with a "beaver tail" profile.

Groove tile: for special roofs

The groove tile has a more intricately profiled shape and a greater surface area. The presence of the bins that make up the castle will help you identify it. In turn, he makes it easier to combine the tiles during installation and tightens up the roof as a whole.

Mediterranean tile is yet another exquisite tile type. These are produced in the southern countries; they always have a big wave and appear to have been on the roof for a long time.

Problems frequently occur even before laying when the length of the tile does not match the spacing between the bars of the crate that has already been put in place. Then, plates of this kind that permit a shift along the length come in handy, resulting in trouble-free styling:

By the way, a true revolution in roofing materials occurred when such locks appeared on the tile! After all, locks serve the additional purpose of facilitating water drainage in addition to providing improved installation and sealing of the entire roofing system.

Consequently, you can install this kind of tile using a different procedure as a mobile designer:

The fact that this type of tile can be "shifted" vertically to cut the upper or lower scums is just amazing!

Special tiles: for the visual effect

Finally, let’s examine the various tile varieties that are still in production, with the exception of an ordinary tile that is exclusively meant for slopes:

• Skate tiles, As the name implies, fits on the skate. It is also released decorative, with figures of a rooster.
• Side end or pediment, Need to arrange front -ton overhang roof overhangs. It is divided into right -sided, and left -sided and universal.
• Supporting tiles needed for installation in chimney bridges and steps, as well as for snow retainers.
• Ventilation tiles provides ventilation inside the slopes. She has the most different shape, but they always lay it where the ventilation gap is interrupted, t.e. Near lukarn or windows. It is also necessary where the roof has a large area, because natural ventilation through the cracks in the skate is usually not enough.
• Tower or double for connecting skates. Need where ribs or skates converge.
• Cross, serves to connect the ribs of the tent roof, where there are no skates at all.
• Final and initial skating tiles, which will help to beautifully decorate the edges. The skating plug is needed in order to completely close the skating tiles on the skate.
• Antenna nozzle Passing tiles are necessary in order to correctly derive the antenna. There is also a separate ventilation nozzle for passing tiles, which is needed for sewer risers and channels.

The amount of private tiles used can vary depending on the complexity of the roof itself, but generally 10 pieces per square meter.

For the purpose of creating natural light beneath the roof, transparent acrylic glass or plexiglass tiles are still available. This type of tile replaces the natural tile.

Because of their many options, durability, and aesthetic appeal, ceramic tiles are a popular choice for roofing. They are appropriate for both residential and commercial buildings because of their reputation for withstanding inclement weather. There are various kinds of ceramic tiles, such as curved and flat ones, and each has its own benefits based on the roof’s functional needs and architectural style.

It’s crucial to consider the qualities of ceramic tiles when thinking about using them for roofing. Because of their reputation for being fire resistant, these tiles increase the safety of any building. They also offer superior thermal insulation, which over time helps to lower energy expenses and control interior temperature. In order to guarantee durability and structural integrity, the installation guidelines for ceramic tile place a strong emphasis on using the right underlayment and fastening methods.

There are a few well-known brands that stick out in the ceramic roofing tile industry. Businesses with a reputation for excellence and innovation include ABC Roofing Supplies and XYZ Tiles. To accommodate different architectural styles and tastes, they provide a variety of colors, textures, and profiles. Selecting a reliable brand guarantees better product performance as well as access to customer service and warranties, which can prove to be extremely beneficial during a roof’s lifespan.

To sum up, ceramic tiles are a robust and adaptable roofing material that can be used for a variety of purposes. Comprehending the various kinds, traits, and building regulations facilitates educated choices for both homeowners and builders. It is possible to achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing roof with ceramic tiles by carefully weighing these factors and choosing premium brands.

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