Roof Tiling

Variations in modern roofing date back to British history. The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed the city's thatched roofs, leading to the widespread use of clay tiles. The Romans originally made and used baked clay roofing in this country; however, the craft's revival came in the Middle Ages as it provided a strong and fire-resistant alternative to straw.

Clay tiles are a beautiful and unpretentious legacy of the past that continues to reflect the skill of generations of craftsmen in creating rich and colorful roofs from ordinary clay. Future generations will also be able to enjoy the aesthetic beauty of clay.

However, the shortage of clay charcoal bricks after World War I led to increased use of concrete bricks as they became very popular in the rehabilitation of buildings after the London Blitz where they were used to restore over a million damaged properties.

For postwar architects and engineers in the 20th century, concrete provided the flexibility, strength, and economic benefits needed when homes began to be rebuilt and expanded in England.

Concrete tiles are still used today because they are easy to install and an inexpensive option for tiles; However, we are seeing an increase in homeowners looking to restore the natural features of their properties and we are finding that natural clay and slate tile options are becoming increasingly popular and promising.

The lifespan of clay bricks and concrete is comparable; Manufacturers typically provide a 30-year guarantee, although in most cases clay and concrete tiles last twice as long. However, the lifespan of a tile depends on how well the roof is maintained throughout its life and the general weather conditions to which the tile is exposed.

While cement tiles have been shown to absorb water more quickly, neither clay nor concrete is high-maintenance material.