Handmade Clay Tiles in Kent
Handmade Clay Tiles
Handmade clay tiles are designed mainly to keep out the rain, and are traditionally made from locally sourced clay materials. Although some modern materials such as concrete and plastic are also used by some companies, we have retained the traditional stance that has been trusted for many years. Some clay tiles have a waterproof glaze.
Shapes of handmade clay tiles
A large number of shapes or profiles of handmade clay tiles have evolved over the years. These include:
- Interlocking roof tiles: These are similar to pantiles with side and top locking to improve protection from water and wind.
- Plain clay tiles: The size of the plain clay tile 10.5"x6.5" or 265mm x 165mm was originally defined by statute in 1477 during the reign of Edward IV. These are double lap tiles made originally from clay but more recently in concrete. They are specified generally for their aesthetic properties. The colour were generated through the control of the kiln atmosphere to generate either red, brown or blue tiles depending on the degree of reduction in the kiln. Dreadnought Tiles still manufacture tiles in this traditional way.
- Roman tiles: These tiles are flat in the middle, with a concave curve at one end and a convex curve at the other, to allow interlocking.
- Monk and Nun tiles: These tiles are also called mission or barrel tiles and they are semi cylindrical tiles laid in alternating columns of convex and concave tiles. Originally they were made by forming clay around a curved surface, often a log or the makers thigh. Today barrel tiles are mass produced from clay, metal, concrete or plastic.
- Antefixes: These tiles are vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of a tiled roof.
- Flat tiles: These tiles have to be the simplest type, which are laid in regular overlapping rows. An example of this is the clay made beaver tail tile, these are quite common in Southern Germany. Flat roof tiles are usually made of clay but also may be made of stone, wood, plastic, concrete, or solar cells.
- Imbrex and tegula: These tiles are taken from an ancient Roman pattern of curved and flat tiles that make rain channels on a roof.
- Pantiles: These are the tiles with an S-shaped profile, allowing adjacent tiles to interlock. These result in a ridged pattern resembling a ploughed field. An example of this is the double Roman tile, dating from the late 19th century in England and the United States of America. Many homes in and around Hertfordshire have these type of handmade clay tiles.
A little information about Kent
When you require new roofing tiles for your Kent property, you may not always want them to look brand new. Gleaming new clay roof tiles on an older property can look somewhat out of place and this is why we have a range of rustic roof tiles that will suit even the oldest and most rural of buildings.
Lovely finishes that actually encourage lichen to gently form to blend in with the aesthetics of your rural Kent property. What more could anyone ask for?
The most overwhelmingly beautiful Kent coastline is an icon for Britain and also represents hope and freedom having been used for defence in both World Wars. Some may argue that it is a tranquil place to visit and enjoy the views, whilst others know it better for its ferry routes. With the port of Dover right on its doorstep, it is Europes busiest international ferry port and the nearest port to France, just 21 miles away. P&O Ferries travel from Dover to Calais and DFDS Seaways offers a service to both Calais and Dunkirk.
Rustic or modern and in a range of styles and colours with some gorgeous textures. The Heritage Clay Tiles Ltd range of clay roof tiles has seen us dominate the tiling industry for many years now. Why not call us and talk to one of our dedicated professionals who are just waiting for your enquiry.
Products available from Heritage Clay Tiles Ltd in Essex
High Quality Roof Tiles in Essex
Traditional clay tiles in Essex
Traditional roof tiles in Essex
Products available from Heritage Clay Tiles Ltd in Hertfordshire
Clay Roof Tiles in Hertfordshire
Handmade Clay Tiles in Hertfordshire
Handmade Roof Tiles in Hertfordshire
High Quality Roof Tiles in Hertfordshire
Traditional clay tiles in Hertfordshire
Traditional roof tiles in Hertfordshire
Clayhall Roof Tiles in Hertfordshire
Victorian Roof Tiles in Hertfordshire
Products available from Heritage Clay Tiles Ltd in Kent
High Quality Roof Tiles in Kent
Traditional clay tiles in Kent
Traditional roof tiles in Kent
Products available from Heritage Clay Tiles Ltd in London
High Quality Roof Tiles in London
Traditional clay tiles in London
Traditional roof tiles in London
Victorian Roof Tiles in London
Further Information
If you would like to know more or are interested in a quote we would be happy to help. Phone us on 01708 853 953, email us at sales@heritagetiles.co.uk and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
