Clay Plain Tiles.
These tiles have been used for roofing since Roman times, long before the discovery of Blue Bangor Slates. Today the tiles are machine-made, they are as durable as Blue Bangors, but now at less than half the price.

Hand-made Clay Plain tiles were very popular on quality houses up to the Second World War, their only competition being Blue Bangor slates at an equivalent price. The post-war housing boom and the arrival of the mass production large format concrete tile lead to the demise of clay tiles. The same applied to Blue Bangor slates, which was replaced by Asbestos-cement slates. Eternit Clay Tiles are produced in Stoke-on Trent, Staffordshire.

This area is synonymous with best quality, clay tiles and pottery, for generations because of its clay. Tegral, which is an Eternit company, distributes the range in Ireland.

Appearance:
Eternit Clay Plain tiles are chosen for Colour Durability and Long Life.There are 7 different colours in the Eternit machine-made range from red to dark. In Ireland we find the Century [Ke 010] is the most popular. As the name suggests, it is designed to resemble an old roof. It is dark enough to satisfy most planning requirements for Blue/Black while at the same time the hints of red will nicely compliment most hand-made bricks.

Performance :
We have salvaged old tiles, some over 100 years old and they are suitable for restoration work. The most serious weathering occurs on the Northern slopes of roofs where the water remains between the tiles in winter and results in frost damage. The modern double-camber tile overcomes the problem of capillary attraction.

Fixing. Although battened @ every 4", Plain tiles are easily fixed because the nibs dictate the margin. Plain tiles are nailed every 5th row { 3rd row in Severe exposure). Each tile must be nailed at all perimeters, around chimneys and other roof junctions.

Price: The price is about half the cost of Natural slate. The roof price will escalate if the Client enhances their roof with Granny Bonnets, Ornamentals, Finials, and intricate features. On the other hand, no other slate or tile allows the same freedom to Design, which the Clay Plain Tile does.