Since ancient Roman times, terracotta has been an important and widely used construction material. One element that certainly distinguishes many roofs in Rome and its surroundings is the Roman-style terracotta tile, which then forms the Roman roof together with the roof tiles.
It is understood that, in addition to their aesthetic function, terracotta coverings are also very functional and durable over time, often boasting the fact that they transcend any fashion or trend with their own unique and unmistakable style.
What is meant by “Roman tiles”?
The “Roman tile” is a brick element, more or less artisanal, with a thickness of 1.5 cm, and a trapezoidal shape with flanges along the oblique sides.
These terracotta tiles, together with the coppo (a type of curved tile), form a structure that allows water to slide and collect along the gutter channel, preventing it from penetrating the roof. The combination of coppo and Roman tile, which comes in various lengths and sizes, creates a construction element widely used for covering roofs in the Roman style, protecting the building from rain and other weather conditions.
In addition to its durability, the most appreciated characteristic of Roman tiles is their versatility. They are perfect for country houses, residential contexts in cities, and many other settings. You can choose the desired color, whether leaning towards pink or yellow, to personalize your handmade terracotta roof in every detail.
Size of roof tiles and size of tile
The size of the Roman terracotta tiles found on many rooftops in central Rome, which make up the “tetto alla romana” (Roman roof), is approximately 37/38 cm in length, with a width that measures 24/25 cm at its narrowest part and 29/30 cm at its widest (trapezoidal shape).
To achieve the Roman roof structure, the narrow part of the tile is overlapped with the wide part: this, combined with the roof’s inclination, allows the water to slide into each other until it reaches the gutter channel. The side flaps facilitate the water’s channeling and prevent it from escaping from the roof. Naturally, the structure is completed with a specially-sized “coppo” (half-tile), which overlaps two parallel rows of Roman terracotta tiles and is slightly interlaced with them. The size of the “coppi” for a 37 cm Roman tile is the same length and thickness, shaped like a semi-circle and slightly trapezoidal.
Learn more about the prices of terracotta tiles and “coppi.”
Download the Roman Tile catalog.
Handmade Laterizio roof tiles
Fornace Bernasconi produces a range of handmade terracotta bricks for Roman roof coverings. In addition to the traditional-sized Roman tiles and coppi (length 37 cm), it is also able to provide lengths of 45 cm and 50 cm. The structure, arrangement, and installation method remain the same; the only difference is the size, which slightly impacts the aesthetic effect.
The 45 cm Roman roof tile has become increasingly popular. This is because it offers the ideal cost/benefit ratio and can be integrated with industrial flat tiles, resulting in what we call a “HYBRID” Roman roof.
Roman flat terracotta tiles have raised edges and are used in conjunction with coppi to construct roof coverings. They are highly appreciated both for their classic appearance and their durability. Various color options are available, depending on the style of the building they are being installed on.
Recovered Roman tiles and coppi
In addition to being handmade, there is also a market for recovered Roman tiles and coppi for those who appreciate the undeniable charm of aged materials and tradition. In this regard, we feel it is important to mention that very often the sizes of the recovered coppi and tiles can vary within the same batch, which can cause assembly issues, as well as having pieces that are broken, cracked, etc., due to their intrinsic nature.
A new production handmade Roman roof in terracotta carries the charm and essence of tradition: over time, exposure to the elements will enrich it, and it will soon acquire the unique characteristics of a recovered roof.
