Performance Criteria

Unlike the claimed durability of roofing materials developed in the twentieth century, which can only be forecast and projected, the longevity of a clay tiled roof is actually established and documented by the preponderance of clay roofs in existence that have already seen well in excess of 100 years service.

Relevant Test Information

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.   UK manufacturers regard this as too low.    Dreadnought Tiles will withstand in excess of 400 cycles under this new test. View test certificate.

We know from experience that Dreadnought Tiles last for in excess of 100 years.  In fact there are many cases where second hand Dreadnought Tiles sell for more than new tiles.

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

Brierley Hill Urban District Council had used Dreadnought Plum Red tiles but subsequently moved away from them in the interest of cost savings.

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.