The term terracotta might take you back to your history or geography lessons at school, or it may remind you of a documentary seen on the Discovery Channel. The term terracotta is old because it is really old and has been a part of human settlements since the dawn of well, settling. If you are in the market for smart raw materials to build your house, then clay materials, especially clay roofs should be at the top of your options. Here’s why.
Why terracotta(clay) roof tile is the best choice for your ideal home?
The term terracotta might take you back to your history or geography lessons at school, or it may remind you of a documentary seen on the Discovery Channel. The term terracotta is old because it is really old and has been a part of human settlements since the dawn of well, settling. If you are in the market for smart raw materials to build your house, then clay materials, especially clay roofs should be at the top of your options. Here’s why.
What is terracotta and how old is it?
The word terracotta is derived from Italian, which means baked-earth. It is a clay based earthenware, fired and it’s body is porous. Terracotta/earthenware was the only type of ceramic produced by Western and pre-Columbian people until the 14th century when European higher fired stoneware began production. Terracotta has been used throughout history for sculpture and pottery as well as for bricks and roof shingles.
What are the functions of a roof?
The obvious function of a roof is to offer shelter, and it rests on the structural walls. However, there is more to roofs than it meets the eye. Since history, human settlements have been scattered around cold, rainy, hot places around the globe. Counteracting extreme weather conditions have always been a challenge for settlers, and it is the same even today. Of course, we have invented insulation, fans, and air conditioners, however, these cost money and make an impact on the environment for 1) the electricity they use to run and also for 2) the raw materials they are made of.
What are the most commonly used materials for the roof?
Even though the usage of clay roof tiles was rampant in ancient times, the advent of concrete and its ease of production and mass distribution have made it the ubiquitous choice the world over. Even when clay roof tiles are more environment and weather friendly and offer reduction in construction and maintenance costs.
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Concrete vs Clay roofs
Who wins at water absorption?
SCORE: CLAY 1 – CONCRETE 0
The water absorption levels of concrete (13%) and clay (6%) make a significant difference. Meaning, the higher the rate of absorption, higher the chances of mildew development and stains on the concrete tiles. The collection of moisture also increases the weight of the concrete tiles, putting added pressure on the structural load of your building. These issues are very minimal in clay tiles due to their low water absorption rate.
Who wins at being the lightest (Weight)?
SCORE: CLAY 2 – CONCRETE 0
Clay tiles are almost 40% lighter than concrete tiles. Concrete tiles weigh between 820 to 1100 pounds per square, whereas clay roofing tiles weigh about 600 to 650 pounds per square. This means the clay roof tiles do not increase the weight of the structural load of your walls, which helps you in cost reduction (fewer reinforcements means less expenditure).
How hard is it to maintain?
SCORE: CLAY 3 – CONCRETE 0
Concrete tiles are immaculately challenging to maintain due to 1) the higher rate of water absorption and 2) formation of mildew when compared to clay roof tiles, which are almost free of maintenance.
Which one has longevity and which one looks better (appearance)?
SCORE: CLAY 4 – CONCRETE 0
Clay is a material naturally sourced, hence clay roof tiles maintain their color for long periods of time, even against extreme weather conditions. The color-thru technology used in concrete tiles is not as effective in maintaining the original bright tile color, and concrete tiles are known to fade over time. Due to its porous nature, concrete tiles are also more prone to stains than clay tiles.
Which is more durable?
SCORE: CLAY 5 – CONCRETE 0
While both concrete and clay tiles outperform most other roofing materials in durability, at the end of the day clay is a more durable material than concrete. Concrete tiles may last between 30 to 50 years, while clay tiles may well last over 100 years. You can still see beautiful clay roofs on many buildings in Europe, which have lasted for centuries and the test of times.
It’s a no brainer and no contest. Clay roof tiles emerge as the clear winner!
Here’s what you should do
We understand that conducting research is among the first steps to investing in building your beautiful home. However, what if you could, say, touch and feel the clay roof tiles? What if you could see it for yourself? Well, you don’t have to worry about roof tile hunting. You can get a sample delivered to your address, click here. And besides, concrete is good to be used in a sentence to say “I have got concrete evidence, that the killer is Kevin Spacey!” or something similar.
Authored by a building expert from Wienerberger India
For more expert advice and tips on other ways to make your home eco-friendly – drop a word at our email id gosmartbricks@gmail.com
