SIG RoofingCLAY TILES: AN EYE-CATCHINGAND DURABLE SOLUTIONAlan Snowdon, Product Manager – Pitched Roofing at SIG UK Exteriors, takes a closerlook at the clay roof tile market, and explores their growing popularity with architectsand homeowners alike.A long-lasting solutionFirst used in ancient Chinese and MiddleEastern structures more than 10,000 yearsago, clay tiles are one of the universallycommon elements of the built environment – withhistoric examples still to be found on centuriesoldstructures right around the world.Here in the UK, clay tiles remain an evergreenfavourite with both homeowners and architects,with the solution accounting for around a fifth ofall tile types sold each year nationwide.But what is driving this popularity? Among the keybenefits of clay tiles is, of course, their durability.Indeed, the fact that we can still see examples ofclay roof tiles that were first laid hundreds ofyears ago neatly illustrates how long lasting they,as a product and a reliable roof covering, can be.There are a number of factors that should beconsidered when assessing the lifespan of rooftiles. Manufacturers may offer a product warrantyof 30 years, but it would be perfectly reasonableto expect a correctly installed clay tiled roof tolast for as long as 60 years and beyond.When choosing a clay tile roof, it is important toensure that the product chosen complies with theharmonised British & European Standard BS EN1304:2013 for Clay Roofing Tiles and Fittings. TheBS EN 1304:2013 standard measures the claytile product performance against several differenttest criteria that includes amongst others;Durability / Freeze Thaw (BS EN 539-2), FlexuralStrength (BS EN 538) and Water Impermeability(BS EN 539-1).When it comes to roof maintenance, there are anumber of steps homeowners or contractors cantake to keep the roof covering in asgood a condition as possible andmaximise its lifespan. Theseinclude an annual inspectionof the roof, either from theground level or using a secureladder, to look for any broken,cracked or slipped tiles, especiallyafter any access to the roof has beenrequired. If spotted, these tiles should beattended to or replaced quickly, as failure toremedy them could lead to more seriouscomplications or breach of the roof coveringfurther down the line.Kerb appealAlongside their durability, clay tiles are alsopopular with architects and homeowners becauseof the significant aesthetic appeal they can afforda property. Over the past few years we’ve seen areal trend towards new homes with clay roofs,both here in the UK and on mainland Europe, withhomeowners highlighting the eye-catching colourvariations and surface finish clay tiles deliver asa significant driver for opting for them.Indeed, that finish can be dependent on how thetiles are manufactured. Tiles that are handfinished,or even handmade, are completelyindividual; offering a bespoke, textured aestheticand colour for a property. What’s more, some claytiled roofs have also been designed to improvewith age. As it’s a natural product, years out inthe elements can weather the tiles in a way thatis visually appealing from below; softeningcolours and lending a sun-kissed aura to aproperty.From a developer’s perspective, clay is also afantastic material for ensuringproperties blend in with the widervernacular of the region.Particularly in areas such asYorkshire, the Cotswolds, theSouth West, the East Midlandsand some of the Home Counties– each of which have manyproperties of varying ages built in stone orbrick synonymous with the area – so the ability touse a similar or contrasting clay roof tile can be aprimary selling point.SIG’s solutionsWith the popularity of clay roofs showing no signsof abating, there are significant opportunities tobe had for contractors. That’s why, at SIGRoofing, we’ve invested in a wide portfolio of claytile solutions to ensure roofers have access to theright product for their next job.From our own range of Signature Plain Tiles to anextensive collection of different formats, texturesand colours manufactured by industry leadingclay tile producers, we’re committed to helpingroofers take advantage of opportunities in thisarea.With our nationwide network of branches, fleet ofdedicated delivery vehicles and comprehensiveregionally suited stock profiles, we have workedhard to ensure we have all of the necessaryinfrastructure in place for roofers looking toimprove their clay tile offering.Contact SIG Roofing0845 612 4304www.sigroofing.co.uk@SIGRoofing20 TC OCTOBER 2020
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