Exploring Terracotta Tile Roofs in More DetailFebruary 7, 2023

Have you thought about the implications of choosing a terracotta tile roof for your house? In this article, we will examine terracotta roof tiles in greater detail and discuss all relevant topics, including their history and varieties.

Terracotta Roof Tiles

Some of the most stunning roofs come to mind are those made with terracotta roof tiles. They are regarded as a premium form of roof tile with high quality and price and come in various shades, shapes, sizes, and colours. They have endured the test of time and added beauty and character to the roofscapes of Europe and Asia. Although you can also use the term to refer to glazed ceramics with a fired body that is porous and red, terracotta is an unglazed ceramic made from clay. You can also use the term to describe the material and the different tones of its natural brownish-orange tint.

Terracotta Roof Tiles Over the Years

Homes built in the late 1800s and today's modern homes have exhibited terracotta tiles as a timeless design element.

• Federation-style homes (1890-1915) - These houses set the bar for architectural luxury with their intricate roof forms as they were the first to embrace making the roof a highlight. The Federation Queen Anne design, one of the most popular throughout the Federation era, is distinguished by steeply pitched terracotta tile roofs with profuse artistic ornamentation.

• California Bungalow-style homes (1915-1940) - They were often freestanding, one-story houses with unstructured lawns and gardens, and American architects influenced them. A low-pitched gable roof emphasising horizontal lines is covered in terracotta tiles, and the veranda posts are massively constructed.

• Old English-style homes (1915-1940) - Old English homes include textures of red or "tapestry" multi-coloured brickwork and dark-stained half timbering put over brickwork. Gothic or Tudor styles sandstone trims are added to important doors and windows, centring or flattening "Tudor" arches, steeply pitched terracotta tiled roofs and diagonally formed chimney stacks with many ribs and complex stepped tops.

• Spanish Mission-style Homes (1925-1939) - The Spanish Mission home trend, a massive global phenomenon, was adopted by Australians. It has a roof covered with genuine terracotta tiles.

• Imitations and cheaper options (1950-) - Rising expenses led to substantial changes in home types. In the 1950s, concrete roof tiles began to appear, reflecting the budgetary constraints, material shortages, and building restrictions that regulated the size and style of the dwellings in the years following World War II. The chimneys and a large portion of the outside décor vanished.

Different Shapes of Terracotta Roof Tiles

The following are some of the most popular varieties, which are available in a wide range of designs and give you many alternatives to match your home:

• Plain - This shows the typical shape of a square or rectangular roof tile. It is found in traditional Mediterranean homes and other antique houses.

• Peg - Although usually merely a plain tile, it has tiny holes for installation convenience. For roofers, fitting it without disturbing other tiles is made simpler by the holes. Peg tiles are useful for jobs involving replacement or repair.

• Ornamental - Have a little ornament on the underside of each tile. Although this addition isn't useful, it improves the roof's aesthetics. These can take on many shapes, such as bullnose tiles with semicircle borders or pointy tips.

• Camber - Before being flamed in furnaces, this terracotta tile is arched. Single or double options are available. While double tiles have two tiny arches, single tiles have one large arch. Viewing from below gives the roof the illusion of having waves. It is well known that double-camber tiles look wavier than singles.

Ajax Gregson Tiles is an authorised roofing specialist with over 15 years of experience in roof tiling. Want to learn more about terracotta roof tiles? Contact us now, and our team will be happy to assist!

Ajax Gregson TIles
PO BOX 79, MOUNT EVELYN VIC 3796 ( Temporary )
Phone:
Glen’s Mobile 0419 546 699
Mel’s Mobile 0403 486 772
Email: ajaxtiles@bigpond.com.au

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