Despite the fact that ceramic tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials, not everyone is familiar with its features, characteristics and varieties. Therefore, further I want to tell you about all the important points related to ceramic tiles.
What is the material
A bit of history
The use of tiles as a roofing material has a long history, which dates back to ancient times. A similar coating, according to many researchers, was used in ancient Rome and ancient Greece.
In Europe, tiles became widespread in the Middle Ages. Moreover, the architectural monuments that have survived to this day testify to the durability of this material.
In Russia, tile roofing became widespread only at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. At the same time, domestic factories for the production of this material also appeared.
However, after the advent of Soviet power, the enterprises were redesigned for the production of bricks. The main roofing material in the Soviet Union was slate. Therefore, the fashion for tiles appeared in the CIS countries only in the early 90s.
Nowadays, tile is an elite material. It not only decorates the building with its appearance, but also gives it a solid appearance, as well as a special status.
General information about the material
The tile is a piece of ceramic material in the form of small curly or flat tiles. The production technology of the material has not changed much throughout its history.
The process of manufacturing tiles includes several stages:
- Raw material preparation. Before use, the clay is aged, then it is stirred in water and plasticizers are added. The latter improve the quality of the product and give it special properties;
- Shaping the shingles. From the finished mixture on special equipment, tiles are formed by a tape method or by pressing;
- Drying. The resulting products are dried to a residual moisture content of a few percent;
- Coating. Dried tiles are covered with glaze or engobe. Sometimes tiles are not treated at all in order to leave them with the natural look of fired clay;
- Burning. Products are heat treated ovens at temperatures over 1000 degrees.
The result is a beautiful, strong and very durable roofing. True, it should be borne in mind that the quality and durability of the product largely depend on the quality of raw materials and the technology (temperature regime) of firing.
Features of ceramic tiles
Performance
Advantages:
- Weather resistance. Ceramics are not afraid of temperature changes, moisture, or sunlight. Due to this, the temperature of application of the material is not limited - the coating is suitable for both northern and southern regions;
- Durability. A properly installed tiled roof can last over 100 years;
- Design. The tile has an attractive appearance. Therefore, recently a lot of roofing materials have appeared that imitate the appearance of natural tiles;
- High heat capacity. Under the sun, the tiles heat up for a long time, and at night they give off heat for a long time;
- Large assortment of colors. Tiles can range in color from light yellow to dark brown and even black;
- Small tiles. This allows roofs of complex shape to be tiled;
- Noise isolation qualities. Clay tiles do not make noise during rainfall;
- Environmental friendliness. The material does not contain any harmful substances.
The tile has a high compressive strength, but at the same time it is quite fragile. Therefore, it requires careful handling during transportation and installation.
I must say that only high-quality material has all these properties. Therefore, it is better to abandon cheap ceramic tiles from unknown manufacturers in favor of its cheaper counterparts from well-known brands. For example, cement-sand tiles can be considered as an alternative.
Flaws:
- Big weight. One tile weighs about four kilograms on average. As a result, the mass per square meter can reach 50-60 kg.
Therefore, the roof must be reinforced rafter system. As a rule, this increases costs by 15–20%; - High price. Ceramic tiles are one of the most expensive roofing materials;
- Difficulty of installation. Installation of tiles should be carried out by experienced craftsmen, since the durability of the roof depends on the quality of laying.
Characteristics
Natural tiles have the following characteristics:
| Characteristics | Options |
| Permissible tilt angle | 22-60 degrees |
| Frost resistance | Over 150 cycles |
| Weight | 40-60 kg |
| Service life of tiles | Over 100 years |
| Guarantee | 30-50 years old |
| Strength | 500 kg per 1 m2 |
Types of tiles
Next, we will take a closer look at the differences in this material.
Coating type
Depending on the type of coating, this roofing material is divided into three types:
- Without cover. It has a natural color of burnt clay, which gives it the look of antiquity.
It must be said that the uncoated natural tile roof is subject to aging, but this only makes it nobler: dark spots appear on the surface, moss can grow, etc.
Such a picturesque view of the roof is especially appreciated in Europe;
- Engobe. This type of coating is nothing more than liquid clay. Thanks to it, the surface becomes smoother. In addition, engobe allows you to give the material a relief pattern;
- Glaze. Forms a glossy glass coating on the surface. Thanks to him, the original appearance of the tile is preserved throughout the entire period of operation.
At the same time, dirt does not linger on the roof, moss does not grow, etc.
Form
Depending on the shape, tiles can be divided into several types:
- Flat tiles. This shape is also called "beaver tail". Outwardly, it resembles a rounded shoulder blade.
This shape is great for roofs with complex shapes. It is desirable to mount the "beaver tail" shingles with a large overlap.Moreover, the laying must be done in a checkerboard pattern so that each tile of the upper row closes the joints of the lower row;
- Wavy. This tile looks very nice. In addition, thanks to the grooves, it hermetically docks with each other.
As a rule, it is used on roofs of simple forms;
- Grooved. Such a tile is also called "monastic". Its peculiarity lies in the curved shape.
This coating is applied in two layers. The first layer is placed with the arc down, and the second layer with the arc up.
Mounting method
According to the method of fastening, the tile is divided into two types:
- Simple. Tiles are connected to each other by one gutter;
- Complex. Tiles are connected by two or three gutters.
A brief overview of shingles from well-known brands
As I said above, it is advisable to purchase ceramic tiles from well-known manufacturers. Therefore, further I will briefly tell you about the products of some well-known brands that have proven themselves well.
Let's take a closer look at the features of each brand.
Braas
Braas is an international company that brings together tile manufacturers from all over the world. In particular, it has production sites in Russia.
The tile of this company has gained great popularity due to careful quality control, which begins even at the stage of clay extraction in a quarry. This is reflected not only in its appearance, but also in durability.
The company offers more than 10 series of tiles, differing in color and shape. At the same time, regardless of the series, the coating from Braas is not afraid of sedimentary loads, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes.
The price of Braas tiles, depending on the series, ranges from 1200-3000 rubles. 1m2.
Creaton
Creaton is a German company that is well known all over the world. It is considered the leader in beaver tail shingles. Of course, it also offers many other series of tiles, of various shapes.
The main feature of Creaton products is that firing takes place at a temperature 50 degrees higher than the standard. Thanks to this, the tiles are less porous. This tile is perfect for the northern regions, as it is not afraid of big frosts and temperature changes.
It must be said that the company provides multi-level quality control, therefore it provides a 50-year warranty on its products. The service life of the material is several times higher.
Terreal
The history of Terreal began in France. Today it is another world leader in the production of tiles, which has factories in many countries.
According to the manufacturer, he managed to achieve the highest quality of products thanks to an innovative approach to each of the stages of production. Another feature of Terreal is its huge selection of roofing designs.
The company offers more than 60 series of coatings, in various geometric and color designs, which allows the buyer to create a unique design for his home.
The cost of this roofing starts from 1500-1700 rubles. for 1 m2.
Laumans
Tiles from the German manufacturer Laumans became famous in the world at the beginning of the last century. In those days, it was acquired only by wealthy owners of private palaces and houses. Over time, thanks to the modernization of production, the company's products became more and more affordable.
Laumans tiles have increased strength, which is achieved by unique surface treatment technologies. In addition, resistance to frost and temperature extremes allows the coating to be used in the most severe northern climate.
The manufacturer guarantees its products for 50 years. At the same time, the cost of tiles starts from 1600–1700 rubles. for 1 m2.
Erlus
Erlus is another world-famous brand whose production is located in Bavaria, in the same place where the clay for its production is mined. Those. This material is made only in Germany.
To control the quality, tiles are subjected to various tests at almost every stage of production. In particular, tiles are tested for moisture permeability, thermoregulatory qualities, etc.
The management of the company considers the introduction of computer technologies a priority in the development of production. Modern computerized lines allow Erlus to produce coatings in various shapes and colors.
Another feature of the tiles of this brand is the coating. The combination of engobe or azure with natural dyes and metal oxides distinguishes it from other similar roofing materials.
It should also be noted that Erlus offers a series of coatings designed specifically for roofs with a small or large slope. The cost of tiles starts from 1000 rubles. per 1 m2, which makes it also the most affordable.
Robin
Tiles from the Polish manufacturer Robin also deserve close attention. Among its main advantages, several points can be distinguished:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Half century guarantee;
- Unprecedented frost resistance.
Due to the high strength characteristics, natural ceramic tiles can be used for roofs with any configuration. True, its weight is more than 60 kg.
It must be said that Robin offers a wide range of engobed tiles. Thanks to various iron oxides and mineral particles used with engobe, the coating acquires unique shades. Moreover, the color is preserved throughout the entire period of operation.
Here, perhaps, is all the information about the tiles that I wanted to share with you.
Conclusion
Now you know what a tile is, what properties it has and which manufacturers deserve attention. Watch the video in this article for more. If you have any questions regarding the tiles, ask them in the comments, and I will answer you as soon as possible.
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