A beavertail (also known as a plain tile or biberschwanz) is a flat, half-round or straight-cut roof tile that takes its name from its resemblance to a beaver’s tail. It is one of the oldest tile shapes in Europe and has been used since the Middle Ages. The beavertail is always laid in double or triple-lap coverage to be watertight.
Shape variants
The beavertail comes in different versions:
- Half-round — the classic shape with rounded bottom; most common
- Straight-cut — strict variant with flat bottom
- Segmental — decorative profile with multiple round cutouts
- Pointed — variant tapering to a point for heritage roofs
- Asymmetric — for special roof shapes
Material
Beavertails are made of:
- Fired clay (red, anthracite or engobed)
- Concrete for industrial use
- Natural slate as a luxury variant
Coverage method
- Double-lap — each tile is laid in two overlapping layers; standard
- Triple-lap — for steep or heritage roofs
- Consumption approximately 36 pieces per m² in double-lap
- Minimum roof pitch 30°
Decorative applications
The beavertail lends itself to decorative roof shapes:
- Patterns through alternating colours
- Around roof edges in a scale motif
- At dormers and turrets for refined detailing
- In vaults as interior cladding in churches
Historic examples
In Europe, beavertails are seen mainly on:
- Medieval churches and monasteries
- Castles and country estates
- Half-timbered houses in southern Germany and Limburg
- Restored city gates and town halls
In England (plain tile) and Germany (Biberschwanz) the beavertail is still a standard roof tile on residential buildings.
Application
In restoration of listed buildings, the beavertail is often required as the original covering. For new builds, it is chosen for its fine appearance and the patina that develops over the years. Maintenance consists of checking for moss and replacing loose or broken pieces.
Related terms
- Beavertail
- Roof tile
- Roof pitch
- Roof tile examples
- Slate
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