Installation of Barrel tiles
The barrel tile has existed since the Roman times. It is said to have been shaped from a pan of fresh mudclay bent on the thigh. Since these long gone times, installation has evolved into different methods:
(Please click on thumbnails to see a bigger picture.)
General Points
This tile is designed to be installed on low pitch roofs, because it is normally not nailed or tied. Nevertheless it provides good watercourse, and for that reason is also called "Canal" or "Channel" tile. It is a heavy tile, but it provides better insulation against sun heat.
The Ancient Way of Installation
Originally, barrel tiles were laid on round lengths of battens going from eave to ridge. The "under" or "channel" tile is stuck in the space between two consecutive battens, and the "over" or "cover" tile covers the batten.
- Advantage:
- It is a very decorative way to install barrel tiles on a veranda, as you can see them from underneath as well
- Drawback:
- This method requires very skilled tradespeople.
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The Traditional Way of Installation
This method is similar to the ancient way, though using standard square or triangular section battens which can be fixed on:
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Boards or plywood,
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Horizontal battens,
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A light concrete slab.
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Installation on Battens
Rooftile manufacturers have developed specially designed barrel tiles for installation on plain battens. The "unders" have lugs at the back, the "overs" can be hooked, nailed, or fixed with clips.
- Advantage:
- Installation is faster.
- Drawback:
- Hooks may be visible, unless a hole is drilled at the top of the "overs". However some manufacturers supply pre-bored tiles, or concealed clip systems.
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Installation on Cement Sheets
Corrugated cement sheets are a very common roofing material for industrial buildings in Europe. Where local regulations make Roman rooftiles compulsory, it is easy to comply with these regulations by simply gluing "overs" on cement sheets, thus saving on the "unders" rows.
PLEASE NOTE: For traditional appearance, it is possible to install "unders" as well, but in that case cement sheets have to be flipped over, the narrow corrugation up and the wide one down, in order for the under rows to fit properly in the "channel".
- Advantage:
- - Where cement sheets are affordable and readily available, this technique is an easy and cost effective way of installing barrel tiles, by cutting the cost of labour and under rows, especially on steel roof frames.
- - Guaranteed watertightness on low pitch roofs.
- Drawback:
- - Poor thermal and sound insulation.
- - Cement sheets are condensation prone.
- - Replacing a broken tile or sheet is difficult.
- - Sheets are available only for one size of tiles (large).
- - Limited guarantee on the lasting of the glue.
Please contact us for more information.
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Maisons Bergé and European Building Supplies are registered trade names of The Good House Property Limited,
P.O. Box 2231, Richmond South Vic 3121
2-4 Cremorne street, Richmond VIC 3121
Telephone: 61 3 9421 3400
tgh@tgh.com.au,