So you've decided to have a terracotta tile roof installed on your home, but have you considered the implications? In this article, we take a closer look at Terracotta Roof Tiles to help you determine if this is the right roofing material for you. Terracotta roof tiles are a long-lasting, environmentally friendly product. Terracotta roof tiles have properties that no other roofing material has, as their colour is sealed into the surface of the natural clay.

What are Terracotta Tiles?

Terracotta tiles are one of the oldest types of ceramic tiles. Terracotta is derived from the Italian word terracotta, which means "baked earth." Terracotta is a natural material that has been utilized for a variety of purposes, including pottery and architecture, throughout history. It's constructed of red-brown clay that's been burned, giving it a rich, natural tone. The tiles can be left unglazed or glazed in a matte or glossy appearance. Terracotta tiles are clay tiles made from porous clay with a high iron concentration, which accounts for their reddish-brown colour.

How Are They Made?

Terra cotta clay tiles are manufactured by extrusion, moulding, and pressing terra cotta clay into tiles. To avoid cracking, the tiles must be completely dry before the fire. Covering the tiles with a special finish before firing boosts their longevity. It also provides a long-lasting, protective finish with a pleasing gloss. The clay tiles are placed in high-temperature kilns once they have dried fully, which bakes in the colour

Advantages of Terracotta Tiles 

There are various advantages to choosing terracotta roof tiles, but there are a few that stand out as the most compelling reasons to use this type of roofing material:

Aesthetics 

They're timeless and ageless, having graced the walls of numerous homes throughout history. Terracotta is a fantastic material to use in your home to create a rustic vibe. Terracotta has a richness and depth of colour that will never fade, ensuring that the beauty, value, and integrity of your property will be retained for decades.

Durability

When built in the correct conditions, a tile roof can survive more than 100 years. Hail, severe winds, and even fire have all been known to cause damage to clay and concrete tile roofs. A tiled roof, unlike wood, will never rot. Terracotta is a sturdy, long-lasting material that is naturally resistant to mould and bacteria. Leaks are nearly unheard of, and tile roofs rarely need repairs or maintenance unless they are damaged by a strong wind. You will never need to install another sort of roofing after you have installed tile. When properly laid, these tiles can last for decades!

Eco-friendly

Terra Cotta is a naturally sustainable material that can reduce the environmental impact of a structure. Clay is a sustainable and easy-to-recycle material because of its natural origins and components. The procedure of extracting clay from the soil has a low environmental impact. Clay is one of the most environmentally beneficial raw materials when combined with environmentally acceptable industrial processes. Architects have returned to terra cotta in recent years because of its flexibility, durability, and energy efficiency.

Energy Efficient

Terracotta has a lower embodied energy, which means it uses less energy in all of the processes that go into making a terracotta tiled roof. Terracotta keeps your home at a constant temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, decreasing your energy expenditures. Because of the thermal properties and natural materials, the home is more breathable, resulting in less moisture and mould.

Added Safety

Terracotta roof tiles are non-combustible. They only absorb and retain heat but won't catch fire. This makes them the best choice of roofing for bush-fire prone areas in Melbourne. They're also great for coastal areas that get a lot of wind, spray, and salt, and they won't corrode or rust over time.

Disadvantages of Terracotta Tiles

Even though Terracotta tiles have loads of benefits, they are not perfect. There are some things that may want you to re-consider using terracotta tiles for your roof. Terracotta tiles do not have even and consistent colouration, which may be unappealing for some. Because terracotta tiles are highly porous and highly absorbent, you have to make sure that the terracotta roof tiles you purchase have already been applied with sealants to make them more durable. When it comes to maintenance, terracotta roof tiles need more love and care than metal roofs, especially in areas where the moisture levels are high. Terracotta tile roof restoration is more challenging and cannot be done by non-professionals. 

Are Terracotta Tiles the Right Choice?

Terracotta tiles are extremely versatile and may be applied almost anywhere. So, if you want a rustic old-school charm inside your home, select terracotta roof tiles; it will create a tough yet subdued ambience that everyone will love. Brennan Roofing in Melbourne offers terracotta roof services at reasonable prices that keeps their clients coming back. Their service locations include Bentleigh, Frankston, Lysterfield, Drouin, Tooradin, Rowville, and more.