Production of Concrete Roof Tiles
Many people choose to roof their homes with concrete tiles. Modern production techniques have made concrete a viable alternative to clay roofing tiles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Manufacturing Process
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Concrete tiles are typically manufactured through an extrusion process. The concrete is fed through an extrusion machine that presses the concrete into a mold that provides the tile with its final shape.
The Ingredients
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Though individual manufacturers may alter the recipe somewhat, the concrete used for tiles is generally composed of sand, water, various cements and fly ash.
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Types
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The production of concrete roof tiles can provide several aesthetically pleasing shapes, such as the classic S or Spanish style tile, cedar shake or rectangular slate among others.
Color
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Colors can be added to the tiles using iron oxide pigments during the production process. Azom.com offers colors such as terracotta, yellow, brown and black.
Efflorescence
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During or after production, concrete tiles can develop efflorescence--a powdery substance caused by hydrated calcium hydroxide--which may damage color. During production of concrete roof tile, a protective polymer coating is often added to protect against efflorescence.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jon Oakley
