What is a tuile du nord tile?
A tuile du nord is a machine-made, flat clay roof tile with a rounded side edge that laps over the neighbouring tile. The name is French and literally means ’tile of the north’. It is recognisable by its flat central face and two small half-moon shapes. Technically it is an interlocking tile: a tile with side and head interlocks that engage with the tiles around it.
Features
- Flat profile: the roof gets a calm, crisp look, unlike a pantile with its wave pattern.
- Interlocks: side and head interlocks engage with each other, so the tile resists wind-driven rain better than a tile without interlocks.
- Machine-pressed: dimensions are consistent, which makes laying and setting out the battens predictable.
- Several versions: various manufacturers produce a tuile du nord, in different sizes and colours, natural red, engobed or glazed.
Application
- Pitched roofs on houses, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium, in new build and renovation.
- Replacing old tiles where a flat tile matches the original appearance of the roof.
Practical tips
- Check the roof pitch: manufacturers usually state a minimum pitch of around 25 degrees for common models. On lower pitches extra requirements for the underlay often apply, or the tile is not suitable. Always follow the technical documentation of the chosen model.
- Take the batten gauge from the data sheet: batten gauge and cover width differ per model. Never reuse the dimensions of another tile.
- Matching fittings: use ridge, verge and pass-through tiles from the same range, otherwise they will not fit properly.
- Fixing: in wind-exposed zones such as verges and ridges, tiles must be secured with tile clips or screws as specified by the manufacturer.
Related terms
- Roof tiles
- Roof tile interlock
- Roof tile examples
- Roof tile production
- Pass-through roof tile
- Tile clip
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