Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager at Marley, looks at some common technical queries on clay plain tile.
If you’re looking to add warmth and character to either a refurbishment or new build project, then clay plain tiles are a great choice. Although some builders do have concerns about installation being time consuming or difficult, this doesn’t need to be the case, providing you plan carefully, pay attention to detail and have the right tools.
- What are the main things to consider when installing clay plain tiles?
Careful planning and attention to detail are crucial – don’t rush into fixing the tiles. Attention to detail will pay off with the end result that you get.
Thoughtful specification of tiles will give you the best finish and take time to select the most appropriate fittings for each project. Fittings can make a big difference to the overall look of the finished roof, more so on clay roofs than with any other roofing material. For example, bonnet hips or arris hips will both give a different aesthetic on the finished roof, even though they serve the same function.
- Are clay plain tiles easier or harder to cut than concrete?
Cutting is one of the most frequent things our technical team gets asked about clay plain tiles. Clay is a natural material and following the firing process, during manufacture, it becomes very hard. This is great from a long-term durability point of view, but it can mean the tiles are harder to cut than equivalent concrete tiles.
To reduce the amount of cutting required, careful planning and setting out is very important to ensure the best fit which may mean adjusting the overhang at verges (38-50mm) and slight spacing of the tiles (gaps should be no more than 3mm per tile), while also maintaining the broken/half bond laying pattern. Cut tiles should be no less than 110mm to ensure a minimum of 55mm sidelap is maintained and small pieces should be avoided by cutting from tile-and-a-halves. Experienced roofers will adapt to and account for these factors to ensure they can create a high-quality aesthetic finish.
However, regardless of planning and experience, you can’t avoid cutting clay plain tiles altogether. It is inevitable that cuts will be required during the installation process, for example when completing hip and valley detailing, where raking cuts to roof tiles will be required.
- How should I cut the tiles?
All cutting and drilling of tiles should be carried out in well-ventilated areas to prevent the inhalation of dust, in accordance with Health and Safety recommendations. Wherever possible, avoid dust inhalation by using traditional hand tools or cutting equipment fitted with dust extraction or dust suppression. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (goggles, protective clothing, ear defenders and an approved respirator) when mechanically cutting tiles.
Avoid cutting tiles that are laid in situ, particularly open valleys, as this may cause damage to the valley lining and is also a health and safety hazard. After cutting or drilling tiles, depending on the method used, wash and/or brush off all dust from the surface to avoid staining.
- What about environmental considerations for clay tiles?
Builders are urged to specify responsibly sourced materials and select products that have been carefully assessed to meet standards such as the BES 6001 Framework Standard, as well as the BRE Green Guide. That means looking for products with an A+ rating – such as Marley’s
clay tile portfolio – which is calculated based on life cycle assessments (LCA), using the BRE’s environmental profiles methodology. Marley also offers Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across its clay product portfolio.
- Can I use clay plain tiles with solar panels?
Due to increased consumer awareness about the renewable technologies such as solar PV, builders may be tasked with roofing projects where the inclusion of a solar PV array alongside clay tiles on the roofscape is required. Marley’s integrated full roof system roofing solution means both clay tiles and SolarTile can be installed at the same time creating striking and high performing roofscapes.
For further information on Marley SolarTile click here
For more information on the Marley clay plain tiles click here
