Tile Mythbusting

Let’s bust a few myths surrounding concrete and terracotta tiles.

Concrete Tiles

Myth #1

CONCRETE TILES GET STRONGER WITH AGE.

True. Unlike other materials, such as metal, which may rust corrode, warp, flake, peel and dent over time, concrete tiles gradually improve in strength over several decades. This is caused by a hydration reaction between the water and cement.

Myth #2

WHEN CONCRETE TILES ABSORB WATER, THE INCREASED WEIGHT CAN CAUSE STRAIN ON THE ROOF STRUCTURE.

False. Even in the most extreme saturation tests, the added weight of water absorbed by concrete tiles is only a maximum of 10%, and in real-world practice much less at around 5%. Put simply: it’s no big deal.

Myth #3

MOSS AND LICHENS EAT INTO THE TILES OVER TIME.

False. Although moss can build up on concrete tiles if there is excessive moisture, the integrity of the concrete itself will not be eroded.

Myth #4

CONCRETE TILES FADE.

True. However, concrete tiles retain their colour gloss significantly longer than metal roofs, as per independent colour tests.

Terracotta Tiles

Myth #1

TERRACOTTA COMES IN ONE COLOUR: ORANGE.

False. Maybe orange was the only colour available 100 years ago, but that’s not the case today.

Terracotta is made from all types of igneous rock which are pulverised into a powder and then hydrated into a putty. These rocks can be anything from chalk white to sun yellow to fire red and charcoal black meaning that Monier offers a comprehensive range of colours that will help you achieve the look you want

Here is just a sample of the colour range available.

Myth #2

TERRACOTTA TILES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY CONCRETE TILES AS A SUPERIOR MATERIAL

False. In fact, terracotta is still the best tiling material available. With practical features such as thermal control and noise control, the colour of Terracotta tiles, never fades. It continues to hold these superior properties through improved manufacturing techniques.

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