An angled roof tile — Dutch knikpan — is a roof tile with a bend in its profile, used to cover a change of pitch in the roof plane without a separate flashing or gutter detail. The tile is cranked along its length, so the upper part sits on one plane and the lower part on the next, steeper or shallower one.
It is used mainly at an inward bend in the roof and at the transition from roof plane to wall. Because the tiling runs through, the main form of the roof stays one whole — exactly what a separate lead or metal detail breaks up.
Where it is used
- Mansard roofs — at the bend between the steep lower slope and the shallower upper slope
- Roof-to-wall transitions where a roof plane runs into a slightly pitched tiled wall face
- Lean-to roofs and additions that flow into another plane
- Restoration of an originally cranked roof shape
Practical tips
- Ask about the accessory range first — not every tile model has a matching angled tile; check this before choosing the tile, not after
- The angle has to match — an angled tile has a fixed bend; if the structure differs, the tile will not close and water collects at the bend
- Making your own is possible — two straight tiles can be joined with a suitable tile adhesive, but expect waste and keep spares
- Watch the batten gauge — it changes with the pitch; set out the battens from the bend, not from the ridge or the eaves
- Check the fixings — tiles on the steep lower slope of a mansard almost always need individual mechanical fixing with clips or screws
Related terms
- Roof tile
- Mansard roof
- Roof plane
- Tile batten
- Batten gauge
- Roof pitch
- Tile clip
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