Roofing Tiles From Stone Age to Space Age

The earliest roofing tiles, made of clay, werebut on public structures like highway rest stops
thought to have been used in China as early asand park gazebos. The process of manufacturing
ten thousand years ago, and remnants of clayis an exact one which must be adhered to if the
roofing tiles have been recovered from thematerials are to be of acceptable quality.clay tiles
archaeological site at Jamestown, the 1585can be produced in a wide range of attractive
settlement on the banks of the Roanoke River instyles and designs, to appeal to buyers of all
Virginia.tastes. Both kinds of roofing materials can be
The first concrete tiles where made in Bavaria incustomized to satisfy the specific desires of the
1884, but it wasn't until the early part of the 20thhomeowners purchasing them.
century that British and European makers ofSlate and High-Tech Roofing Tiles
roofing materials began adding colored pigmentsSlate tiles are among the most beautiful of all
to their clay-concrete formulas for tiles. Theyroofing materials, but natural slate is both very
eventually began coating and texturing theirheavy and extremely expensive. Sesame roofing
material as well, to create a more finished look.tile manufacturers are now producing clay tiles
Clay tiles have excellent insulation properties andwhich resemble blue slate, and are remarkable for
are ideal for maintaining a home's or building'sthe clarity and uniformity of their coloring. These
interior temperature at a comfortable level. Clayartificial slate materials are also much lighter and
roofing materials are also extremely attractive,cheaper than the real thing.
and are prominent feature of homes in subtropicalThe most technologically advanced of all tiles are
and Mediterranean climates.solar panels disguised as traditional tiles, which can
Concreter Roofing Tilescollect and story solar energy on sunny days. The
Concrete are also popular for both residential andsolar energy can be used to supply some of the
commercial use, and their natural strength andhome's power, reducing the cost of energy bills.
durability has been improved through the recentRoofing companies materials of all kinds have
efforts of their manufacturers. There are twobeen gracing homes and buildings for thousands of
types of concrete roofing materials;years, in almost every country of the world.
fiber-reinforced concrete materials with coir orThey are not only beautiful; they are designed by
sisal fibers; made without fibers.both Mother Nature and humans to withstand
Micro-concrete tiles are both relatively inexpensiveboth the passage of time and the fury of the
and versatile, and can be used not only on houseselements!