Clay tiles may be
throwbacks to an earlier era in architecture, but a check of many
houses will give you clues that they still adorn residences. This
should come as no surprise, as these thick tiles are also engineered
to last several decades of changing weather if they are installed
properly. If you are interested in outfitting your roof with clay
tiles, you will want to familiarize yourself with the various
styles to see which will work best.
Barrel or Mission roof
tiles, which are nailed to the roof structure, are one of the most
common styles. As their name implies, they are shaped after
half-barrels. A derivative called the Spanish or Mission style has
the barrel tiles fused in opposing layers, giving them a woven,
flowing appearance.
Flat clay tiles, also
known as the Cambridge style, usually adorn houses that have a
distinctively Old World theme. They are locked together with nails.
However, they can be deceptive in the sense that they can be mistaken
for flat roof shingles. In turn, Oriental tiles are distinctive
because their individual curves curl up, resembling waves. The ridges
in some multi-slope houses with Oriental tiles are Barrel
derivatives.
Clay roofs have a unique
flair that is all their own. Take the time to find the proper style
and colors that will sync with the rest of your house.
