Why Are Terracotta Cladding Tiles Suddenly Everywhere on Buildings?

Walk past any new building in a decent neighbourhood and look up. There’s a good chance you’ll spot terracotta cladding tiles on the facade, in warm earthy tones, usually with a clean ventilated look. Nothing new really, they’ve been used for thousands of years. Just improved and how we utilise them.

What are Terracotta Cladding Tiles?

Thin panels created from natural clay. These are made into shape and baked at high temperatures inside a Kiln. Once baked they are then attached to the outside of a building creating a beautiful and durable surface.

Material

Clay is dug out of the ground, blended, formed (pressed/extruded) and baked. We don’t have any plastic adhesive and no peeling paint. The colours come purely from the natural clay and minerals inside. This means the Terracotta will age beautifully. Unlike cheaper painted tiles the colours won’t fade they will just age.

Hot Summers in North India

We all know it can get very hot. If you have ever been in Haryana/Punjab during the month of June then you know how hot concrete can get! Terracotta cladding is usually fitted with gaps between the cladding and the wall. This allows the hot air to rise up and out of the gap meaning the wall remains cooler. This sounds like magic but it’s actually science! Often people find their AC costs are lower. This will depend on what type of building you have.

Durability & Strength

The tiles are baked and therefore very strong. They will not rust, rot or be affected by termites. They will be able to withstand UV, rain and frost. Many companies will state their tiles can last 50 years+! There are many old clay buildings around the world to prove this. When buying make sure to check the water absorption and breaking strength of the tiles. Quality can vary greatly depending on the supplier. Cheaper tiles will crack where quality tiles won’t.

Design

Architects love these! There are many different designs. Flat tiles, grooved tiles, baguette rods, perforated tiles, glazed and dull natural tiles. The colours can be from dark reds to pale sandy tones and even greys. You can also choose different sizes to create a nice rhythm or just keep it simple. Can be used for shop fronts, villas, schools, hospitals and more. Not all materials can say this!

How does it work?

Most systems use a metal frame (usually aluminium). The tiles are then fixed using discreet fixing methods (clips, hooks, screws). There’s no heavy wet mortar to lay making it quick to fit and keeping the site clean. If any damage occurs to a tile they can be easily replaced. Often the quality of the fitting is just as important as the tiles, if the frame isn’t well fitted it will ruin even the best quality products. Make sure to view examples of previous installations.

Cost?

Not the cheapest option. Paint and basic stone can be cheaper. However you’re paying for a surface which practically won’t need to be repainted. Over 20/30 years it tends to be more cost effective. Most reputable clay suppliers (Pioneer Bricks) will agree. Think about what the overall cost of the product will be.

Low Maintenance

Very low maintenance. Most of the dust will be washed away by rain however we would give them a gentle clean every now and again (maybe once a year). No harsh chemicals or high pressure cleaning. Sometimes there may be some moss growing in damp areas but this can easily be cleaned. Compared to having to paint a large surface every 4/5 years people go crazy!

A Quick Word on Traditional Clay Products

Now, cladding isn’t the only way clay shows up in construction. Handmade and kiln-fired bricks have a long history here, and people still talk about Nanak Shahi Bricks when they want that old heritage look, the thin, elegant brick seen in historic Sikh architecture and old havelis. Different product but similar principle. Good quality clay that has been fired to create a long lasting tile.

Eco Friendly

Clay is a natural resource and there is plenty of it available. The tiles will not give off any harmful compounds over time and can simply be crushed down and reused or returned to the earth. Energy is used in the firing process but the longevity and cooling properties of the tiles makes up for it. Many green building ratings award points for using materials like this.

Choosing The Right Tiles

Consider the climate and the wall you are going to be fixing them to. Request test reports. Samples should be viewed outside as the lighting in showrooms can be misleading. Ensure the colours match up. Clay can sometimes be slightly different. Consider the subframe system and installers. Don’t rush into it. This will be on your property for a while so take a little extra time to research.

Conclusion

Terracotta cladding tiles are extremely popular for a reason! They offer a warm aesthetic, heat resistance, longevity and low maintenance. Although they can be a little more expensive to install, if you’re creating something that will last decades these are hard to beat. Do your research, choose a good supplier and skilled installers and your wall will do a quiet good job for years to come.


Location: Punjab, India

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