An imbrex (plural imbrices) is a curved, semicircular roof tile from Roman and Mediterranean roofing. Together with the tegula, the imbrex forms the classic roof tile system of antiquity.
How it works
In this system, flat, slightly upturned base tiles (tegulae) lie side by side. The imbrices sit as hollow cover tiles over the joints between those tegulae.
- The tegula caught the rainwater.
- The imbrex covered the side edges and joints and channelled the water to the next tegula.
Application
The tegula-and-imbrex system was used as roofing in Roman and Mediterranean construction. This system is regarded as the forerunner of the later hollow and convex roof tiles, the so-called “monk and nun” system.
Related terms
- Roof tile
- Monk and nun
- Hollow and convex tiles
- Roofing
- Ridge
- Ridge tile
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