Terracotta Tile

Terracotta tiles have been used on Australian roofs for well over a century and are considered a premium roofing material. The manufacturing process involves extruding or pressing refined clay into tile profiles, followed by firing in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. This vitrification process makes the tile body extremely dense and virtually non-porous, which is a significant advantage over concrete tiles. Glazed terracotta tiles have an additional ceramic finish that provides even greater resistance to moisture absorption and colour fading. In the Gippsland region, terracotta tile roofs are found on many older homes and heritage properties. Their natural resistance to moisture means they are less prone to moss and lichen penetration compared to concrete tiles, though surface growth can still occur in damp, shaded areas. The colour of an unglazed terracotta tile is inherent to the clay body rather than a surface coating, so it will not peel or flake — though it may develop a weathered patina over time. Terracotta tiles are heavier than both concrete tiles and metal roofing, which means the roof structure must be engineered to support the load. When a terracotta tile roof requires restoration, the process is similar to concrete tile restoration but care must be taken to use compatible products, as the different porosity characteristics of terracotta require specific primers and coatings.