Types of roofing tiles
18/12/2010
Roofing tiles have different names depending on where they come from and these influence the shapes of the tiles.
Below is a list of the tiles characterised by their shape.
- Flat tiles. These are common in Southern Germany. They are flat and are laid on top of each other overlapping in rows.
- Pantiles. These are common in the UK on buildings from the 19th century. They are S shaped tiles which lock together to form an interlock. This gives the roof a ridged pattern.
- Semi-cylindrical or barrel shaped tiles. These are place on the roof alternate ways up to create columns of concave and convex tiles.
- Roman tiles. These were flat in the middle but had two curves at either end (one concave and the other convex) to allow interlocking.
- Tegula tiles. These are an ancient Roman pattern of tiles which allowed for rain channels on a roof.
When travelling, the tiles on a roof give a good clue to the country and culture you are in.
Roofing tiles have traditionally been made of locally sourced clays which explains the variations you see as you travel around Europe.
Roofing tiles are typically supplied by builders merchants. Some of these also supply floor tiles and wall tiles.
