Roman Canals Roofing
The roman canal tile moulded over the thigh of the maker dates back as the name suggests to roman times. The tiles, supported on lattes, traditionaly rived chestnut in this area are placed in two layers. The first, on there backs create the canals that channel the water down the roof. The second layer is aranged as hats over the joins between each canal. In this photo you can make out grafitti scratched into the tile when it was made.
Reshuffle
This is the most simple approach to improving the condition of an old roof.
Redressing the position of the tiles and replacing any that are damaged or eroded. often the entire underlayer is replaced with a flat canal tile.
There is of coarse no secondary protection in the form of a membrane.
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Membranes and battens
Once a membrane is introduced onto a roof it is imperative that the tiles are carried on battens. This allows better air flow around the tiles reducing the risk of frost damage.
The garantee from the tile manufacturer is in fact void if the tiles rest directly on the membrane.
Roof Maintenance
Charentaise roofs need regular maintenance as the tiles are prone to slipping.
This can be prevented by using tiles with luggs to prevent slippage.
Mechanical Tiles
These are a single piece tile desighned to interlock giving a very stable tile solution.
They need however to be layed onto an even surface and are therefore often unsuitable for an older defoormed roof.
Losange Tiles
At the turn of the last century the first mechanical tiles began to be produced. You may have Losange style tiles on your roof which were and are still manufactured in the Roumazieres area.
