Handmade Clay Tiles in Kent
Handmade Clay Tiles
Our handmade clay tiles are hung from the framework of the roof by fixing them with nails. The handmade clay tiles are usually hung in parallel rows, with each row overlapping the row below it to exclude rainwater and to cover the nails that hold the row below. There are also roof tiles for special positions, particularly where the planes of the several pitches meet. They include ridge, hip and valley tiles. These can either be bedded and pointed in cement mortar or mechanically fixed.
History of handmade clay tiles
Tiled roofs first replaced thatched roofs in ancient Mesopotamia. Fired roof tiles occur from as early as the third millennium BC in the Early Helladic House of the tiles in Lerna, Greece. Debris found at the site contained thousands of terracotta tiles which had fallen from the roof. In the Mycenaean period, roof tiles are documented for Gla and Midea.
The earliest finds of handmade clay tiles in archaic Greece are documented from a very restricted area around Corinth, where fired tiles began to replace thatched roofs at two temples of Apollo and Poseidon between 700 and 650 BC. Spreading rapidly, roof tiles were within fifty years in evidence at a large number of sites around the Eastern Mediterranean, including Mainland Greece, Western Asia Minor, and Southern and Central Italy. Early handmade clay tiles showed an S-shape, with the pan and cover tile forming one piece. They were quite bulky tiles, weighing in exess of 66 lb each. These handmade clay tiles were more expensive and labour intensive to produce than thatch.
Their introduction has been explained by their greatly enhanced fire resistance, which gave much better protection to those sacred temples.
The spread of the handmade clay tile technique should be viewed in connection with the simultaneous rise of monumental architecture in ancient Greece. Only the newly appearing stone walls, which were replacing the earlier mudbrick and wood walls, were strong enough to support the weight of a tiled roof. As a side effect, it has been argued that the new stone and tile construction also brought an end to Chinese roof construction in Greek architecture, as they made the need for an extended roof as rain protection for the mudbrick walls a thing of the past.
Production of Dutch roof tiles started in the 14th century when the leaders of cities required the use of fireproof materials. At the time, most houses were made of wood and had thatch roofing, which would often cause fires to spread quickly. To satisfy demand, many small handmade clay tile makers began to produce roof tiles by hand. Many of these small factories were built near rivers where there was a plentiful source of clay and much cheaper transport.
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.
Other typical areas where Heritage Clay Tiles products are used
High Quality Roof Tiles in Essex
Traditional clay tiles in Essex
Traditional roof tiles in Essex
High Quality Roof Tiles in Kent
Traditional clay tiles in Kent
Traditional roof tiles in Kent
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.
