Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic roof tiles (also know as burnt clay tiles, burnt clay shingles) are the
most popular shingling material of the past (means last 5 centuries). Some 50 years ago in the region I come from (Slovakia, Central Europe), still 90% of all non-flat (gable, hipped, etc...) roofs were shingled with ceramic tiles.
Thatīs because the
burnt clay (ceramics) is a solid, reliable building or material, providing - of course - that it is a quality product. In case of quality ceramic roofing tiles, they last some
50 - 70 years, which is enough when compared with another materials, but still there is the GREAT IF (the quality issue). The main negative feature of this material is that itīs surface erodes after some time. You can trust me, I have seen many 5 or 6 years old ceramic roofs leaking here in Slovakia just because the investors bought the cheapest tiles with really unacceptable quality (tiles were spontaneously crumbling piled - even wrapped in plastic - aside the building). It wouldnīt be that bad if there was a cure for it (an equivalent of protective dyes impregnating roofing steel tiles), but there isnīt. The only surface treatment that really works with the ceramic shingles is
the enameling. Sure, you cannot enamel your shingles yourself and therewith save your roofing cost. There is enough ceramic tiles manufacturersrs offering the quality, enameled ceramic tiles but they cost much more than the not enameled ones.
Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic roofs
Advantages of ceramic roofing shingles: - long lasting if quality product; - 100% fire protection; - attractive look. Disadvantages of ceramic roofing shingles: - very massive and heavy roofing material; - better for dry climates as constant changing of weather (wet/dry) causes itīs erosion; - rather expansive material when compared e.g. with asphalt or
rubber shingles. The final conclusion - you either
buy a quality ceramic tile or you should be ready to re-roof each 5 years.
