Clay Roofing Tiles by Bill Bradley

If you are going through the process of deciding what type of roofing to put on your new house then one of your options will have to be, clay roofing tiles.

If you have already done some research on the subject of roofing materials then you might be inclined to ask "Why should I use a material that is so expensive compared to it's competition?".

Well I will tell you. Clay roofing tiles will outlast ANY OTHER roofing material, and the proof is easy to see.

* On the shores of the Northern Mediterranean sea three thousand years ago, was spawned western civilisation as we know it.

* There are examples in museums of clay roofing tiles that that used to adorn the roofs of ancient Greek temples.

* The Romans brought tile making to a fine art, and their word for them was "Terra Cocta". This Latin word gives us the modern word terracotta or terra cotta used in Europe to describe this brilliant roofing material.

* Not only around this small area but all over the world there are examples of historic sites that are part of our rich cultural heritage.

* Very few of these places today would be still standing but for the fact that their buildings were protected by clay roofing tiles.

Take for example the small Adriatic port city of Dubrovnik in Southern Croatia. This city is inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of World Heritage sites. It is a charming old town with streets and buildings dating back hundreds of years. It is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike.

On the other side of the world there is another town that is also on the UNESCO list. The town of Hoi An in Vietnam is also a port and for centuries it has been a thriving center for trade in this region of South East Asia. The reason that Hoi An is on just about every Vietnam visitor's must see list is the charm of the centuries old buildings.

The buildings in Dubrovnik have survived the weathering of hundreds of years because of the use of Roman style terra cotta tiles. The buildings in old Hoi An are the same, they are protected by almost identical tiles that originated in China and are known as "ying and yang" tiles. They have survived countless hurricanes, or typhoons as they are known along that Asian coast.

Cities that used less durable materials have either changed completely by being rebuilt time and time again or have just simply disappeared.

* So if you want a roofing material that will not need replacing in your lifetime, or your children's lifetime,

* If you want for your roof something that can take anything that extreme weather conditions can throw at it,

* If you want a roofing that can withstand the chemical attacks of industrial pollution,

* If you want a good looking roof type that has been pleasing to the human eye for centuries,

Then choose clay roofing tiles.

Bill has written more about clay roofin tiles here.
http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com/clay-roofing-tiles.html

About The Author

Bill Bradley is a retired builder-general contractor with 50 years experience in the home building industry. Bill his has his own website that he has built to help home owners and the DIY

http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com