Roofing tiles play a crucial role in covering pitched roofs. Unlike bricks, they are thin and require careful handling throughout the manufacturing process. These tiles must possess qualities like strength, durability, and absolute leak resistance. Below, we’ll delve into the various types of roofing tiles that serve distinct purposes.
Flat Tiles:
Flat tiles come in various rectangular dimensions and are installed using cement or lime mortar. Let’s take a closer look at the different variations:
Burnt Clay Flat Terracing Tiles : These tiles are meticulously shaped, ensuring uniformity in size, absence of distortions, such as twists or cracks, etc. Their water absorption should not surpass twenty percent by weight. They are available in dimensions of 60 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm and 50 cm × 20 cm × 10.
Slat Tiles : Slat tiles are reasonably straight, displaying consistent color and texture without veins, cracks, or patches. They should possess a compressive strength of no less than 7.5 N/mm2.
Pot Tiles or Country Tiles or Locking Tiles :
These tiles, also known as locking tiles or pantiles, are half-round and hand-molded. They are first formed into flat tiles, then shaped to the required form on a wooden pattern, and finally kiln-burned after drying.
Allahabad Tiles :
Distinct in shape, Allahabad tiles are typically laid side by side, with joints concealed by half-round tiles. They contribute to aesthetically pleasing roofs. These tiles are fired in a manner that enhances their strength, and special shapes are crafted for the hip, ridge, and valley sections of the roof.
Corrugated Tiles :
These tiles possess corrugations, forming an overlapping pattern of one or two corrugations. When arranged on a roof, they mimic the appearance of corrugated galvanized iron sheets.
Mangalore Tiles :
With their distinctive red hue, Mangalore tiles follow the double-channeled Basel Mission Mangalore pattern. They are flat in design and equipped with a suitable projection for interlocking when positioned. These tiles are extensively produced in South India, particularly in Mangalore, Cochin, and Calcutta. Their lifespan is approximately 25 years, with a yearly replacement rate of around five percent. Based on BIS-654-1962, they are categorized into Class AA and Class A.
Guna Tiles :
Hollow, tapered, and conically shaped, Guna tiles are made from burnt clay. They have a base diameter of 100 mm at the broader end and 75 mm at the narrow end, with a 6 mm annular rise. They can be crafted using a potter’s wheel and can be inserted into one another to form various ring shapes.
Ridge, Valley and Lip Tiles :
These tiles are crafted from high-quality earth and take on specially designed shapes to fulfill specific roofing requirements.
Encaustic Tiles :
Encaustic tiles comprise three layers:
These tiles are employed for decorative purposes.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of roofing tiles is essential for selecting the right material for your roofing needs. If you found this guide informative, please share it with your friends. For any further suggestions or questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
