The OVH tile — Dutch *opnieuw verbeterde Hollandse pan*, “re-improved Dutch pantile” — is a clay or concrete roof tile that keeps the wave profile of the classic Dutch pantile but adds a double interlock at the side and head. That makes the roof plane far more resistant to wind and driving rain than the older, simply overlapping tiles.
The name tells the development story: first the Dutch pantile (HP), then the improved Dutch (VH), and finally the re-improved Dutch (OVH). Each step added interlocks, producing a tighter roof and fewer tiles per square metre.
The family at a glance
| Type | Interlock | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch pantile (HP) | None; overlap only | Historic appearance, prone to rain ingress and lifting |
| Improved Dutch (VH) | Single side interlock | Tighter, classic wave profile retained |
| OVH | Double side and head interlock | Standard for new build and re-roofing with a Dutch appearance |
Characteristics and laying
- Size. Common OVH tiles are around 36 to 39 cm long and 25 to 27 cm wide.
- Coverage. Allow roughly 15 to 17 tiles per square metre. The exact figure is in the product data sheet and depends on the batten gauge chosen.
- Batten gauge. Many OVH tiles are adjustable within a range; some variants are variable in both length and width, which is a real advantage on a re-roof.
- Roof pitch. Interlocking tiles can be laid at lower pitches than the old Dutch pantile. The minimum permitted pitch varies by product and situation (wind exposure, rafter length); always follow the manufacturer’s figure.
- Material. Clay (fired) or concrete. Clay is colourfast and very durable; concrete tiles are usually cheaper and heavier.
Practical tips
- Re-roofing? Measure the existing batten gauge and coverage first. An OVH tile with a different covering dimension means the whole batten layout has to be redone.
- Check the weight. A tiled roof quickly reaches 40 to 55 kg per square metre. Moving from thatch or corrugated sheet to tiles means the roof structure must be recalculated.
- Fixing. Tiles at eaves, verges, ridges, hips and valleys must be mechanically fixed. In exposed locations and on tall buildings this extends over a larger part of the roof — the manufacturer supplies a fixing schedule.
- Use matching accessories. Ridge tiles, verge tiles, vent tiles and eaves comb belong to the same range; mixing brands rarely ends well.
Related terms
- Dutch pantile
- Roof tile production
- Roof build-up
- Dormer
Learn more about building terms in our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.