A beaver tail tile (Biberschwanzziegel) is a flat roof tile with a characteristic rounded bottom edge that resembles a beaver’s tail. It is one of the oldest tile shapes and is particularly common in southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and parts of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Characteristics
- Shape — flat with a rounded bottom edge, sometimes also pointed or angular
- Material — traditionally fired clay, now also available in concrete
- Size — smaller than interlocking tiles, meaning more tiles are needed per square metre
- Laying method — beaver tail tiles are always laid in double lap: each tile overlaps the two tiles below it
Laying patterns
There are two main patterns:
- Crown covering — tiles are laid directly above each other in vertical columns
- Half-bond — tiles are staggered, similar to a masonry stretcher bond
Application
- Historic buildings — common on listed buildings and churches
- Renovation — restoring roofs with original beaver tail tiles
- New build — as a design choice for a classic or rustic appearance
- Wall cladding — beaver tail tiles are also used as a façade cladding material
Related terms
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