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Earthy and enticing material
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Truly eco-friendly, that is terracotta tiles.
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FOR FLOORING AND ROOFING: More than 100 varieties of terracotta are available for use
Getting on to the roof, sitting on the ceiling, coming down to the floor or getting nestled in green pathways … that is terracotta tile, the refined clay tile, that is game for all. ‘Earth and baking’ is an ancient industry, but for contemporary sensibilities it is ‘terracotta business’ and the multi-utilitarian resplendent matter is a composition of special refined clay and sand with suitable viscosity and homogeneity, mixed with water and ba
ked at high temperatures in kilns.
Technological breakthroughs have brought in the best of baking procedures and the modest earth has helped spin commerce that caters to roofing (tiles), flooring, wall-cladding (even on staircases), slope elevations, pathways, courtyards, landscaping and car parks. The clay is usually sourced from Mangalore, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Nuzvid and Warangal in Andhra Pradesh.
There are more than 70 varieties of terracotta available for roofing alone in the market. The clay from Kozhikode, where the double-groove roof tiles are made, go through superior kiln formulas and has as minimum as 12 per cent water absorption. The cost for roofing ranges from Rs.24 to Rs. 30 a sq. ft.
The primary roofing has wooden reapers or steel slotted angles wherein the tiles are placed in between. The secondary roofing has a sloped RC roof on which these water-proof tiles are set on. If you need them as ornamental designed tiles for your ceiling, make sure your labour and workmanship is from deft hands that handle the same with care.
Terracotta uses can make a long list … you can plan an array of tapering sunshades along your open verandah where one relaxes with a cuppa along with the favourite morning newspaper; it is available in the form of perforated bricks; wall bricks; hollow bricks for air circulation; jolly bricks for compounds; and as border tiles and cladding tiles.
Putting terracotta roofing tiles over an existing RCC slab is an elite fad. In fact this helps in increasing the durability of concrete. It is better to use them on plastered brick instead of exposed brickwork. The gaps in between the tiles allow the hot air to rise. Not to forget its glaring presence in the world of artefacts!
Terracotta flooring tiles have gone ‘designer’ too. The mixed bag of shapes and curves can determine a floral pattern, especially for outdoor lounges and landscaping.
Lafarge, the French Company, has convenience options set with high-tech pigment glazing in an array of colours, a general efflorescence protection coat – a guarantee against fading, moss and algae retention.
No wonder the green architect, Benny Kuriakose, says “Only a pastoral beckoning can infuse this clay craze in you.”
RANJANI GOVIND
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Property Plus
Bangalore
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Thiruvananthapuram
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