Juan Fermin Restrepo, CEO Santafé Tile Corp. & Ladrillera Santafé
Selecting a roofing material is something a homeowner usually does not know much about. From the trusses, to plywood, to underlayment and finally the roof covering, there are just too many elements and specifications to consider. But homeowners instinctively – those who are aesthetically driven – pay attention to the beauty a tiled roof brings to their property and how its appearance adds value over time. Savvy consumers research to learn how their investment will reward them when they select the right materials.
Clay roof tiles have a long history of use that has been traced to Asia and Europe, then brought to the Americas by European immigrants. Remnants of clay roof tiles were found in the ruins of the Temple of Hera at Olympia for example, dating nearly a thousand years before Christ. It is therefore easy to deduce that the main benefit of a clay roof tile is its durability. Although the manufacturing process has changed and advanced significantly over time through industrialization, the benefits of this roofing material remains and grows.
One important benefit is that clay roof tiles colors do not fade over time: they maintain the natural or ceramic color that was applied to them during manufacturing and they can be washed as needed without losing their charming color or affecting the product’s stability. Other tile imitations may lose their color in only a few years and can develop mold easily.
Another benefit of clay tiles is low maintenance. Since the water absorption in clay roof tiles is so low, the need for cleaning is infrequent and much lower compared to other roofing tiles like concrete. Clay roof tiles are also fire proof. After all, fire gave them strength during the manufacturing process.
Contrary to popular belief, clay roof tiles are very strong and when properly installed, they can withstand strong winds. Depending on the style, like some Spanish “S” models, they can also be lightweight.
It is important to highlight that not all clay roof tiles are created equally. The main difference is whether the tile is hand-made or machine-made. Hand-made clay roof tiles show characteristic irregularities due to the traditional production method. This method, which has not changed much for centuries, is usually done at small rural manufacturing facilities, by artisan hands and fired in wood kilns, which creates unique hues on each tile. Hand-made tiles can be more porous and with time show some weathered style, giving an extra rustic appeal. The variations in texture, shape and color are common in this tile and make them a unique piece that provides warmth and character to a building.
Machine-made clay roof tiles on the other hand, are made to be consistent in size, shape and color and, therefore, are easier to install. They can be extruded or pressed and are usually baked in kilns at around 2,000ºF. There are several styles and shapes, the most popular being the Spanish “S” (a one-piece tile that simulates the traditional barrel tile), Mission Barrel (traditional two-piece tile), and flat tile. The Spanish “S” tile is usually the most efficient in terms of ease and time of installation.
Just because it is clay doesn’t mean it has to be terracotta color. Thanks to ceramic processes, the tiles can be offered in almost any color through the application of special enamels (red, yellow, gray, black, green, etc.). These colors will not fade or peel, since they are applied before the baking process, bonding the enamel to the tile.
Regardless of the brand or type of clay roof tile that is chosen, they should always comply with the Florida Building Code and the Miami Dade County Notice of Approval (NOA). The Tile Roofing Institute Alliance and FRSA offer a comprehensive manual on tile installation and resources. When properly installed, clay roof tiles can add life to the roof and provide property owners with peace of mind.
With all the benefits of clay, including its aesthetic and lasting value, there is no doubt that choosing clay roof tiles should be the main focus of homeowners and building owners with steep slope roofs. Roofing contractors that offer this product can also take pride in a quality tile installation that will stand out with a beautiful and durable product that will serve as a great reference for new customers.
Juan Fermin Restrepo, CEO Santafé Tile Corp. & Ladrillera Santafé, has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and 15 years of experience in the clay industry worldwide. Juan is a member of the Executive Board Committee of the Industrial Brick Maker Association in Colombia. He has led and managed processes of industrial reconversion, technological implementation, productivity and competitiveness in various brick factories, as well as leading the commercial consolidation in Latin American and Caribbean countries, in the presence of constructive solutions for clay roof tiles.
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