The first use of the mechanical tile dates from nineteenth century. It was more precisely in 1841 that it was patented by its inventor, Xavier Gilardoni. Made in the family tile factory (the Gilardoni brothers gave their name to various companies at the time), this interlocking tile was awarded in 1855 at the Paris Exhibition, then will be awarded several times at various Universal Exhibitions in Paris as well as in London. It is now available in several models, shapes, colors and finishes and is quite wanted because she is among the cheapest tiles. It has a good number of advantages, in any case more numerous than its few disadvantages. In any case, this is what we are going to see without delay.
Main characteristics of the mechanical tile
Mechanical tile is themisnomer of the interlocking tile, but has nevertheless passed into popular parlance.
Generally wider than other types of tiles, it can now be made in composite materialin concrete or in terracottabut also in glass which allows you to enjoy a beautiful light in a blind room for example.
The shape of each tile is perfectly studied so that once all laid, they allow rainwater to run off the roof without any difficulty. Indeed, the mechanical tiles are factory molded according to an industrial process (hence their name) and can fit together to form interdependent and impeccably straight rows.
It should be noted that to meet all the tastes and needs of consumers, manufacturers have expanded their range interlocking tiles. There are now, in addition to more traditional interlocking tiles, hybrids For example :
- The beauvoise huguenot tile which is a Beauvoise mechanical flat tile with a moderate curve, manufactured in a smaller mold. Her nose is straight and she is double interlocking. It requires a laying with crossed joints.
- The Romanesque double mechanical tile whose longitudinal interlocking is raised, which increases the tightness of the roof. It too is molded industrially. These tiles interlock with each other by slippage and require dry laying.
Interlocking tile (mechanical tile): advantages
It has many assets, which explains why it is very present in our urban and rural landscapes.
- Available in different materials, in several colors and finishes,
- Can be placed on a new construction or in renovation, and goes well with the old as well as the contemporary.
- Its manufacture is simple and requires little time,
- Affordable purchase price,
- Inexpensive installation since only 10 to 22 mechanical tiles are needed per square meter of coverage (the other types of tiles being smaller, more are needed to cover the same surface, which requires more laying time but also more accessories ),
- Easy (and therefore quick) to install,
- Stable because it clings to the batten,
- Waterproof,
- UV and weather resistant,
- don’t slip,
- Takes off with difficulty in high winds,
- Durable,
- Satisfactory thermal insulation,
- Adapts to any type of roof and any style, provided the roof slope is between 25 and 60°.
If the mechanical tile has the wind in its sails, it is because it presents a Excellent value.
Mechanical tile: disadvantages
It must be recognized that the interlocking tile is interesting in view of all its advantages. Nevertheless, we can blame him the following few points:
- Less authentic than some other regional tiles, knowing however that the curved version improves the aesthetics of the roof compared to the flat version.
- Offer a soundproofing of low performance.
- Involves placing a underlay screen for improved sound insulation.
- In case of lifting of a single mechanical tile, one can deplore a effet lord because of their installation system which guarantees a great solidarity between the tiles. This domino effect then involves the replacement of several tiles. Note that this installation system is also one of the advantages of mechanical tiles.
- Perhaps, according to his version, prohibited by some local town planning plans, at least in some regions or in classified sites for example. These regulations mainly concern concrete interlocking tiles, and (more rarely) terracotta interlocking tiles. Before choosing his tiles, the person concerned must therefore be cautious and take a short tour of the town hall of his municipality to ensure that he will have the right to have interlocking tiles laid.
Covering with mechanical tiles: what budget should you plan?
We cannot recommend our readers enough to entrust the laying of their tiles to a roofer. This is a task that presents real dangersand requiring good knowledge (and application to the letter) of the security rules.
To benefit from a well-covering roof, you must also have a perfect knowledge of the installation technique because this type of work cannot be improvised. Cross joints, straight joints, placement of cat flaps, ventilation, installation of battens which should then be fixed to the rafters, opening forecasts, installation of screen insulation in the under-roof, management of the ridge but also installation of tiles in glass… We don’t invent ourselves as a roofer! And even the layout of the roof, which is the very first step, can cause problems for the uninitiated…
For information, it is necessary to count between 35 and 80 €/m² installation included by a professional roofer for mechanical tiles, the highest price being that corresponding to a finish and very specific colors. It is possible to benefit from a attractive discount de type decreasing prices when you buy a large number of tiles as is the case to create a complete roof or renovate it in its entirety for example. And we can even buy interlocking tiles directly at the producer which allows you to take advantage of factory price.
Even if you prefer to buy your roofing material yourself, this does not prevent you from then entrust the installation to a local roofer. Through a online comparatorit is quite possible to request multiple quotes in order to compare the cost of the various solutions proposed. A few clicks are enough to obtain various proposals, free of charge and without any obligation.