Although clay roof tiles are often associated with the Mediterranean (Mediterranean roof tile is among the most popular), it is likely that the concept of tile shingles made from kiln-fired clay and ceramic actually originated in the region that is now Pakistan some five to six thousand years ago. It is also possible that the ancient Egyptians also developed shingle tiles. Today, clay roof tiles are found on structures all over the planet, and represent one of the most durable kinds of roofing materials available.

Although the Romans originated very little during their heyday two thousand years ago, they were able to refine the ideas of others and disseminate them throughout Europe; ultimately, Mediterranean roof tile found its way to the New World. Today’s Mission roof tiles, commonly found on Mission-style homes in Southern California, are strongly influenced by the Spanish type of clay roof tiles which are direct descendants of the old Roman kind. Clay roofing materials are coveted for their attractiveness as well as their extreme durability.

How To Make Tile Shingles

Although these roofing tiles require many of the same materials and methods that go into the production of fine pottery, making them totally by hand is not an option; specific molds are required. The reason for this is that shingle tiles must be uniform in order to “lock together” during installation. It is also important to have proper grooves, or channels, in order to make certain that water does not pool on the roof.

During the process of pouring the clay into molds, the manufacturer may add different pigments in order to create various colors. In some cases, these tiles may purposely be given a weathered, aged appearance.

When the tiles have dried and become solid, they are taken from their molds and placed in a kiln, where they are exposed to extremely high temperatures. This causes them to become extremely hard. After the firing process, the finished tiles are sprayed with a sealer or specialty glazing that enable them to stand up to the weather for decades.

Be Aware

If you are thinking about using Mediterranean roof tile on your luxury home, keep in mind that clay roof tiles may not be suitable for all types of home construction or climates. These tiles may not hold up to freezing water, which may cause them to crack unless they have been specially treated to stand up to very low temperatures. In addition, clay roof tiles are substantially heavier than composite shingles; it is important that your home’s structure is designed to carry the load.

Although ceramic and clay tiles are usually associated with the Mediterranean countries, shingle roof tiles have long been used in home construction in the colder, wetter regions of England, Germany and France. These highly durable tile shingles are made from kiln-fired clay like their Mediterranean counterparts; they may also be made from concrete.

Roofing materials made from clay and ceramic go far back into history, and appear to have originated in several different places. From Egypt, the practice of manufacturing roofing material from these materials spread throughout the Mediterranean. Tile roofing was also common in the Indus River Valley of present-day Pakistan, and could be found in China and Japan as well.

English Style

English roof tiles are an ancient tradition that goes back as far as Norman times. Since the 1200s, English roof tiles have been found primarily on the lavish homes of nobles and aristocrats. It is possible to find English roof tiles in a range of colors and shapes; these look fine on almost any style of home.

French Shingle Tiles

French houses that are most likely to have tile roof shingles are those located in Provence and other rural areas in the southern region of the country. At least one company in France has been manufacturing shingle roof tiles for over 450 years. Like their English counterparts, French shingle tiles can be made in a number of different shapes, sizes and colors, depending on the pigments used during the manufacturing process.

German Shingle Tiles

While Roman culture was a strong influence in Gaul and Britannia – provinces that eventually became France and England – the Romans were unable to expand their empire much further north than the Rhine River. Therefore, when the concept of tile roof shingles finally arrived in the various Teutonic countries that would eventually unite to become modern Germany in the 1870s, they developed into unique forms that bore little resemblance to Mediterranean roofing tiles.

As a reflection of the culture that gave rise to the Bauhaus school of architecture, these roof tiles are utilitarian in design, geometric in shape and have a minimalist appearance. If you have a contemporary design luxury home rather than a traditional one, German tile shingles may be a better choice than English roof tiles.

One of the biggest problems with roof leaks is the destruction that they do to your roof framing and the rest of your home. If you have water leaking from your ceiling, there’s a good chance that you have a roof leak and if you’re not smart enough to realize that this roof leak can destroy your roof framing over a period of time, I’m here to tell you that you had better think twice about it.

It doesn’t really matter, whether you’re only getting a couple of drips while it’s raining from your roof leak or it’s like a small garden hose turned on full blast. Problems created with roof leaks to roof framing can be detrimental to the health of your house.

Now that you know better and you’re armed with the knowledge of a contractor, you shouldn’t have to think twice about fixing your roof leaks, before they do more damage to the structure of the house.

Once your roof framing becomes damaged, there’s a good chance that these roof rafters won’t be easy to fix. One of the most difficult repairs that an experienced contractor can do to a house would involve replacing damaged roof rafters.

I don’t need to say it anymore, because by now you should have a pretty clear understanding that roof leaks can create big problems with structural roof framing. Please make sure that you fix any water leaks, before more damage is done to your home. I see this problem growing, Home owners just don’t have the money and often let these things go. Don’t let this happen to you.