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Where Spanish-Roof-Tiles Come From
The origin of terra cotta roofing tiles cannot be pinpointed; it was an innovation that seems to have emerged in several places over the course of as many centuries, primarily in drier, hotter regions. In the Mediterranean, it was inhabitants of what is now Greece who first developed clay roofing tiles. Hellenistic culture was spread directly and indirectly (via the Romans) from western India to northern Britain. The villas of wealthy Romans were covered in terra cotta roofing tiles in virtually every province. Iberia (present-day Spain and Portugal) was home to many of Rome’s elite, and today’s roof tiles still resemble those of fine Roman houses in ancient Hispania and Lusitania.
Over the next several centuries, Spain was invaded by from Scandinavia and Moors from North Africa, both of which left their mark; after more than 1000 years under these influences, what emerged was an empire whose soldiers, merchants and other emissaries introduced Spanish roof tiles to the world. For three centuries between 1500 and 1800, the conquistadores and the settlers who followed them established colonies in the Americas, the Caribbean and the Philippines – where homes sporting these distinctive terra cotta roofing tiles are still around.
How Clay Roof Tiles Are Made
Clay roofing tiles such as roof-tiles are similar to a piece of commercial pottery; the clay is placed in a mold (this is necessary so that the tiles fit together properly) and allowed to dry, then fired in a kiln. Today, the material receives special treatments for that the tiles can be used on homes in climates not normally suitable to such roofs. Today’s clay roof tiles come in three grades, the highest and most expensive being suited for Canadian winters; the lowest and least expensive Spanish roof tiles are for homes in warm desert and Mediterranean climates. Thanks to these techniques, spanish clay roof tiles can be used on homes virtually anywhere in the world.
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Source by Wayne Hemrick