Sustainable roofing, across the ages

A celebration of clay tile roofing: An indisputable champion of sustainability

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. 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. Among historic roofing materials, the tile has one of the longest life expectancies, when the roof is regularly maintained. 

Sustainability Measured: US Tile® Clay Roofing Products Today

Today, US Tile Clay Roofing Products remain 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:

• US Tile is manufactured using raw geologic materials sourced locally and up to 59% recycled content, reducing transportation and environmental impacts.
• The tile is durable and lasting, offering a lengthy lifespan on the roof with easy maintenance.
• The thermal mass and above deck airflow of clay tile makes it one of the most energy efficient roofing solutions on the market. For example, homeowners choosing tile over asphalt shingles can reduce their home energy bills by as much as 22% by installing a tile roof.
• US Tile Clay Roofing works seamlessly with the Westlake Royal™ Cool Roof System. The thermal mass and built-in above sheathing ventilation of the system also enhance energy efficiency and long-term energy savings.
• Because the tile reduces the heating and cooling related energy demands of the home, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the home is also reduced.
• The sustainability of clay tile is demonstrated by its ENERGY STAR and Cool Roof ratings.
• Clay roofing tile is fully recyclable at the end of its long life on the roof. Clay tiles may be pulverized and reintroduced into a tile process. Removed tiles still in serviceable condition may be reused as roof tiles. Additionally, clay tile may be recycled for use in sporting fields (for example, baseball fields). These recycled uses reduce landfill waste.