Q: You do not recommend slurry covered tiles in northern climates. Why not? Does the slurry covering serve a purpose other than color?
A: Slurry is a cementitious coating applied on a grey tile body during the manufacturing process. Slurry colored tiles are brighter than our color-through tiles which have a more matte finish in comparison. Slurry tiles are sometimes referred to as color coated tiles; these tiles are not recommended for use in areas subject to frequent freeze thaw cycles.
Q. What is concrete tile made of?
In simple terms, concrete tile is made from an approximate mix of 3 parts sand to 1 part cement and 10% water. Pigments may be added to the mix to disperse the color throughout the body of the tile or they may be concentrated onto the top surface of the tile in what is termed a slurry finish. The slurry coating gives us the opportunity to achieve a variety of bold colors whereas the integrally colored tiles, while not as bold in color, will retain their color on a more permanent basis.
Q. How much does concrete tile weigh?
The range of weights for our product line are approximately 6-pounds per square foot to 10-pounds per square foot, depending on the profile selected.
Q. How does concrete tile differ from clay tile?
Although concrete tiles can give the appearance of a clay tile, they are manufactured using a completely different process. Concrete tiles are mixed and extruded into molds and then cured in chambers and open air to achieve their strength. Clay tiles are simply made from various mixtures of clay and water and are then fired at high temperature to achieve their strength and color. Both clay and concrete have excellent performance properties that make them the premier roofing materials in the world.
Q. Can I use tile to re-roof my house?
Absolutely, tile is the ideal solution for those seeking a more permanent re-roofing alternative. All of our tiles are available for re-roofing; and there is a full selection of lightweight products available if structural capacity is a concern.