Plain tile

The plain tile is a flat roof tile made of clay or loam. Often semi-circular at the lower edge, the geometric shape of the waterproof tile, which has been hardened by firing, is reminiscent of a beaver’s tail. Traditionally, the plain tile comes in numerous variations and cuts, e.g. with a segmental arch, curved or tapering. On the upper part is the tile nose, an upstand with which the tile is hooked onto the lath substructure.

It can be proven that the oldest building element made of fired clay for roofing, the plain tile, was already used in the early Middle Ages and is considered the German “roof tile”.

Historic preservation authorities prefer and require plain tiles to maintain a historically correct overall impression during renovations. The simple tile can easily be used for small polygonal turrets, dormers or branched roof angles.