Durability

	Dreadnought Tile over 50 years old

The longevity and durability of Dreadnought clay tiles is well established through the number of roofs that have already seen well in excess of 100 years service.

Dreadnought Tiles are fired to 1130°C which translates to a freeze/thaw performance of over 400 cycles; by far the highest in the industry.

This Blue Brindle Dreadnought tiles shown on the right was sent to Dreadnought recently to colour match for an extension.  After over 50 years of useful life it displays no physical or colour deterioration. 

Second hand Dreadnought tiles often sell for more than new tiles on the second hand market, the ultimate acknowledgement of their durability and sustainability.

Freeze/thaw performance

Current European Freeze Thaw Standards require plain clay tiles for use in the U.K. to withstand at least 100 freeze/thaw cycles under method D of European Standard EN 539-2:2006.   When the new universal European test method E is adopted in the UK, a top level of only 150 cycles may be deemed acceptable.   Dreadnought regard this as too low.   

Dreadnought Tiles will withstand in excess of 400 cycles under this new test. View test certificate. This translates to a projected life of well over 100 years.

Poor performance in freeze/thaw test are an indication of the potential for the delamination of clay roof tiles over time, as moisture held within the pores of the tiles expands when frozen.

Durability of Colour

Dreadnought colours are fired into the body of the tile and will last the life of the tile.  By contrast all other tile makers use artificial stains, pigments or sands to achieve their colours.

Below is a photograph showing how clay retains its colour in contrast to concrete. Brierley Hill Urban District Council had used Dreadnought Plum Red tiles for many years but subsequently moved away from them in the interest of cost savings in the 60's.

Today, half a century later, the strong natural red colour of the Dreadnought clay tiles contrasts with the colourless washed out appearance of the synthetic materials that were used as a cheaper alternative on the later houses.