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A Guide to French Style Roof Tiles

The most common name for a roof made of traditional French Roof Tile is a mansard roof. This style is distinguished by hips rather than valleys, though the design may also include valleys. One of the best features of a mansard roof is its capacity to add living or storage space to the attic.


The mansard roof came to be referred to as the Second Empire style in France during the middle of the 1800s under Napoleon III. However, because they offered homeowners in France a tax break, they had already gained popularity prior to that.


At various times, mud roof tiles were first used in different parts of the world; They were used by the Egyptian Pharaohs, the cities in Pakistan's present-day territory along the Indus River Valley, and ancient Babylon near Baghdad. These tiles were used in Greece during the Bronze Age as early as 4000 B.C., and they can be found in homes built before the Han Dynasty in China.


However, the tiles on French roofs are not comparable to those in Asia, the Near East, or the Mediterranean. The exception is the extreme south of the country, still referred to as Provence. In the warm Mediterranean climate, roofing materials made of terra cotta in the Roman style work well. However, the majority of French roof tiles are typically made of slate or ceramic further north. Unless the material is specially treated, French Concrete Roof Tile generally does not stand up well to the cooler, damper climate further north.


A Short History of French Roofing Tiles


Although the Normans lived in France, they were originally Danish Vikings who had settled in the area during Charlemagne's reign. However, Scandinavians have historically tended to adopt the language and culture of the people they settled or conquered; By the 11th century, these former Danes had become more French than French. Starting during the 1200s, the Normans brought French material tile to Britain. It is likely that these tiles were developed in the early Medieval period. The homes of the wealthy, such as the nobility and royalty, were the only ones with a French tile roof; They might have been expensive then as they are now.


French Style Roofing Tiles Today


Today, mortgage holders in Canada and the United States can still purchase French Style Material Tiles, which are imported from a business that has been owned and operated by the same family for over 450 years. Ceramic and long-lasting slate are used to construct these French roofing tiles; French clay tiles that have been treated to withstand the harsh winters in Canada and the northern United States are also available. French roofing tiles in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and even colors are added to the material during the manufacturing process. Because of this, a roof made of French tiles can be distinctive.


Despite being quite durable and very attractive, a roof made of French tiles weighs significantly more than one made of standard composite roofing materials. Those who intend to use French roofing tiles should keep this in mind. Verify that the house's frame can support the additional weight of French roof tiles.

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