REPORT – GROUP 7
THE CLAY RIDGE TILE
It is a tile used for roofing, made from heated and shaped clay into a ridge. When inserted they are overlapped
to prevent rain and precipitation from getting into the building. Examples of clay ridge tiles are Spanish ridge
tiles,Belgian tiles,Roman tiles and French tiles.
The first known clay roofing y can be traced all the way back to China around 10,000 years by and in the middle
east a little later. From the two regions, the common usage of clay roof tiles spread throughout Asia and
Europe.
Clay is a Natural Material: Clay tiles fall under natural building materials, derived from clay earth that is
molded and fired to enhance strength and durability.
Manufacture of the ridge tiles
Made through the process of vitrification.
Quarrying and clay preparation
The clay is mainly gotten locally, in Kenya is gotten from kano plains and Chavakali.
The clay is then passed through a die leading to continuous linear sections before it is cut into slabs. They are
then taken to the kiln where they are heated at high temperatures.
The weight and feel of the tile are determined by how long it is baked for and at what temperature. This is to
make it resistant and ready for use.
PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. DENSITY
The dry density of the material is 1.62-1.68g/cm3.
2. POROSITY
They are inherently more prone to porosity than concrete or slate tiles.
Lower porosity enhances the durability of clay tiles, making them less prone to water infiltration that can
cause cracking.
3. TEXTURE
Clay ridged tiles are typically characterized by natural, earthy texture which enhances its aesthetic
appearance.
This may be as a result of the burning process in the kiln.
4. WATER ABSORPTION
Clay ridge tiles are non-porous hence making penetration of water difficult and make it resistant to water
damage.
5. HEAT ABSORPTION
They are known for their excellent heat absorption properties due to their high thermal mass which allows
them to absorb and store heat during the day and slowly release it during cooler evenings.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
1. Strength.
The material contains compressive strength depending on the type of clay and firing method used in
making them.
This ensures that they can withstand heavy loads without cracking.
2. Elasticity.
The material is not elastic. Its brittle; breaks on tension.
3. Hardness.
The hardness of clay ridge tiles is influenced by the clay used, firing temperature and manufacturing
process.
4. Toughness.
The material is very tough since it can withstand heavy rains, hailstorms and falling objects.
Thermal properties
[Link] conductivity
Clay ridge tiles have low thermal conductivity which contributes to their insulating capacities and
environmental benefits.
It’s essential to note that the conductivity ratio can vary for every different type of clay ridge tile
depending on the manufacturing process.
[Link] expansion
They can withstand high and low temperature conditions without changing in size and shape.
[Link] and sustainability
They have a service life of up to 100years or more. They are resistant to extreme weather and
require minimal maintenance.
They are made of natural clay and water making them non-toxic and eco-friendly. Clay ridge tiles can
be recycled at the end of their life cycles, they help in energy saving as they reduce heat gain during hot
days and heat loss.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ITS USE
1. Cost consideration
They are expensive as compared to other roofing materials incurring costs due to its transportation
and demand in the market. It is therefore more preferrable if the site of construction is close to the
suppliers.
2. Availability and Accessibility
Various suppliers include CTM Kenya, Saj ceramics and Kenya Clay products. They are accessible in
various parts of Kenya including:
Major cities like Nairobi with showrooms and stocks
Provincial towns like Kisumu with stocks
Rural areas with delivery options available from manufacturers and suppliers.
However, the availability and accessibility might vary depending on the specific region
potentially requiring custom delivery quotes.
3. Environmental impact and sustainability
Clay ridge tiles as raw materials and are also recyclable. They are sustainable since they are natural
materials.
They have excellent insulation properties reducing reliance on air conditioning systems leading to
lower energy consumption and utility costs.
They are durable and can last for over 60 years, reducing the need for frequent replacement and
hence sustainable.
4. Aesthetic qualities
Clay ridge tiles have a range of aesthetic qualities such as:
Natural beauty
Mediterranean architectural style adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to buildings.
Variety of colors
Design versatility as they can be used in a variety of roof designs.
5. Functional and structural requirements
They are water resistant, weather-proof, aesthetic and durable.
In terms of structure, they are strong, dimensionally stable as the tiles dimensions and shape must
remain consistent to ensure proper fitting and sealing. They must also be compatible with other
roofing components such as underlaying materials among others.
Air circulation: Their design allows for air movement beneath aiding in temperature regulation within
the building.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY
CONSIDERATIONS
i. Life Cycle Assessment of Clay Ridge Tile
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of clay ridge tiles examines their environmental effects starting from the
extraction of raw materials through production and use, to disposal or recycling at the end of their life.
LCA provides insights into the overall sustainability of clay ridge tiles and aids in making informed
choices for environmentally friendly construction.
ii. Eco-friendliness
Clay does not release harmful chemicals into the environment during its lifecycle unlike metals and plastic
products.
During the firing process carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases are emitted however modern
kilns are becoming more energy-efficient, and some manufacturers are adopting alternative, cleaner fuels.
Clay is a natural resource therefore it does not pollute the environment during extraction unlike the
production of iron sheets.
Clay ridge tiles are long lasting reducing the need for frequent replacements thus lowering the overall
environmental impact compared to other materials that damage faster like iron sheets.
iii. Impact Of Clay Ridge Tiles on Climate Change
Although the production of clay tiles does result in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy required
for production, their durability and ability to be reused help moderate this impact over time.
As the use of renewable energy in manufacturing grows, the environmental effects of clay tiles are
expected to be reduced.
CASE STUDIES
i. Real World Examples of Projects Using Clay Ridge Tiles
Clay ridge tiles have been used in the famous architectural buildings like:
a) Traditional Houses, Kyoto, Japan
b) Hampton Court Palace, London, UK
c) Mediterranean Villas, Southern Europe
d) La Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
ii. Local Construction Projects and Their Materials Choices
of Clay Ridge Tiles
Construction projects in Kenya that use clay ridge tiles are like:
a) Coastal homes in Mombasa
b) Urban developments in Nairobi’s suburbs
c) Heritage restoration projects in Lamu
d) Community projects in Machakos
e) Luxury resorts in Maasai Mara
Reasons For Choosing Clay Ridge Tiles
Climate Adaptability
In temperate, semi-arid and even coastal regions, clay ridge tiles are chosen for their ability
to withstand varying and extreme weather conditions, including high heat, humidity, and
heavy rains.
Cultural and Aesthetic Importance
In both heritage and modern projects, clay ridge tiles are preferred for their natural look,
which complements traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
Durability and Low Maintenance
Local construction projects prefer clay tiles because they last for a longer duration and
require minimal maintenance.
Sustainability and Local Availability
In areas like Machakos, the local production of clay tiles supports sustainable building
practices thus reducing environmental impact due to lower transportation requirements .
Eco-friendliness
The use of clay ridge tiles also aligns with the eco-tourism focus, as clay is a natural, non-
toxic material.
Conclusion
Clay ridge tiles offer a combination of strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them
a good choice for both residential and commercial roofing solutions.
Advances in material technology and sustainable production methods are expected to
enhance their performance and environmental impact in the near future.
Future trends in research and application of clay ridge tiles
The future of clay ridge tiles focuses on enhancing its sustainability, performance, and
aesthetic potential, while also adapting them to meet the challenges posed by climate change
and evolving building standards.
As the world is more aware and concerned of climate change and the impacts human
activities have on the environment, we are trying to change our ways by, in our case, changing
the manufacturing process to adhere to green building practices.
Integration of solar technology to the traditional clay ridge tiles, new hybrid designs combine
the aesthetic and durability benefits of clay tiles with embedded photovoltaic cells, allowing
roofs to generate electricity while maintaining the traditional look of clay ridge tiles.
Researchers are developing modular clay tile systems that can be easily removed, reused, or
repurposed in future construction projects, extending the lifecycle of clay ridge tiles beyond
single-use applications.
References
Books and academic materials
a) Roofing Materials for the 21st Century by William L. McCay
Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 2018
b] "Clay Materials Used in Construction" Editors: G. M. Reeves, I. Sims, J. C. Cripps
Publisher: Geological Society, 2006
Journal
"Clay Tile Roofing: An Ancient Technology in a Modern World"
Journal: Building Conservation Journal, 2016
Authors: Alexander Turner, Mark Inman
Online sources
"Clay Roof Tiles and Sustainability" Website: [Link]
Building Green’s "Guide to Sustainable Roofing Materials" Website: [Link]
International Clay Roofing Tiles Manufacturers Association (ICRTMA) Website: [Link]
GROUP MEMBERS
1. Milton Ochieng
2. Joy Adoda
3. Zull wankio
4. Ahmad Omar
5. Nicole Mwaura
6. Isaro Maeva
7. Denis karani
8. Victor Muthoni
9. Anjere Fortune