Plain tile roofing

What is meant by plain tile roofing?

There are three different types of plain tile roofing: single, double and crown. With all three types of plain tile roofing, the clay roof tiles are hung on the battens, the substructure.

Single roofing (also split roofing)

Here, the roof tiles are covered in such a way that the plain tiles overlap only slightly. To prevent rainwater from penetrating, so-called “splices”, i.e. shavings or shingles made of wood, plastic or aluminium, are laid under the lengthwise joints. This “light” plain tile roofing is only used today if the monument protection expressly insists on it.

Double roofing

With double roofing, a row of plain tiles lies on each batten. The battens as a substructure are somewhat narrower here, and the roof tiles are staggered by half a tile width from row to row. This scale-like and symmetrical type of plain tile roofing is the most commonly used. However, it must be taken into account that the eaves and ridge row must be covered in crown covering so that the joints are protected from rainwater.

Crown covering

Here, two rows of plain tiles ( storage and top layer) lie on each supporting batten, which binds together in a regular half bond. The upper layer covers the joints of the lower layer. This type of plain tile roofing is reinforced with supporting battens due to the high weight between the supporting battens. Crown roofing is also known as “knight’s roof” or “Swedish roof”.

Glossary overview