Sustainable Roofing, Across the Ages
The origin of clay roofing tile can be traced back in time independently to two separate parts of the globe. The first is China around 10,000 B.C. during the Neolithic Age, the second in the Middle East a short time after. The spread of clay roof tile spread from these regions into Asia and Europe and was later used by the likes of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. Clay roof tile eventually reached America when European settlers established its use in many locales during the 17th century.
One of the most important reasons for the rise of clay tile during America’s Colonial Period was a growing concern about fire. Devastating fires in London in 1666 and in Boston in 1679 prompted the establishment of building and fire codes in New York and Boston. Those codes, in turn, promoted the use of tile roofing. In later years, clay roofing tile experienced surges in use. For example, it rose in popularity during the mid-19th century with the introduction of Italianate Villa architecture and again near the end of the 19th century alongside the trend for Romantic Revival architecture.1 If anything, its history and prevalent use across centuries, continents, people, and architecture demonstrate its effectiveness and curb appeal.
Clay tiles were molded by hand until approximately 1870 when they began to be manufactured using machine extrusion.2 Among historic roofing materials, the tile has one of the longest life expectancies, when the roof is regularly maintained.3
Sustainability Measured: US Tile® Clay Roofing Products Today
Today, US Tile Clay Roofing Products remains a fan favorite among homeowners. With the wide range of available shapes, colors, patterns, and textures offered, the tile brings a richness of beauty, dramatically enhancing the curb appeal of the homes it adorns – no matter what architectural style.
Beyond aesthetics, US Tile is also treasured for being more Earth-friendly than other alternatives. The product is worthy of celebration this Earth Day and year-round, with sustainability benefits including:
Did you know?
Clay roofing tile sits atop numerous historic and architecturally significant structures in the U.S. – from California’s Spanish Missions to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, Wingspread and Coonley Estate homes.
Explore US Tile Clay Roofing Products is artisan-inspired and crafted with care for the Earth. Supporting tradition with design innovation, the tile may be used in custom in custom installations including staggering, boosting, serpentine patterns and more. Explore the full range of US Tile Clay Roofing Products today.
1 The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs, U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources, Spring 1993, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/upload/preservation-brief-30-clay-tile-roofs.pdf
2 Clay Tile Roofs 101, Old House Online, June 2008, https://www.oldhouseonline.com/gardens-and-exteriors/clay-tile-roofs-101/
3 The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs, U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources, Spring 1993, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/upload/preservation-brief-30-clay-tile-roofs.pdf
4 As indicated by the 2005 industry study, “Steep-slope Assembly Testing of Clay and Concrete Tile with and without Cool Pigmented Colors,” conducted by independent Oakridge Laboratories. Results vary based on profile of tile installed, location, weather and other factors.