How, from an installer’s perspective, have roof-tile products evolved over the past four decades? How do market trends marked by declining figures impact the new-construction sector, and how does an expanding renovation market with ever more stringent standards affect planners and installers?

The further evolvement of products, primarily in the segments flat pantiles and smooth tiles, has expanded the state of the art, and field-proving experience with them has lead to their inclusion in and changes to the ZVDH code of practice, which governs the application of certain generally accepted rules of engineering practice. New shapes, colours and finishes not only address more stringent standards and higher demand on the part of end users, they also whet the clients’ appetite. Repeatedly, advertising messages and unclear installation instructions cause new headaches for planners, installers and consultants.

This contribution looks into such problematic aspects (for the installer) as availability and substitute materials, including replacement of older models, as well as potential improvements in the areas of installation, functionality and the visual appearance of clay tile roofs.

Hans-Georg Roelle, publically appointed and sworn expert for the roofing trade, Roofing contractor Roelle GmbH