Roofing for the Ages: Ludowici Terra Cotta Roofing Tiles

Ludowici terra cotta roofing tiles, available exclusively in Canada through North Country Slate, are among the best-performing roofing materials available for Canada’s long and brutally harsh winter weather.

For over 135 years, Ludowici tiles have been hand-crafted and kiln-fired using old-world techniques. Thanks to their interlocking design and superior craftsmanship, terra cotta roofing tiles have earned a reputation for remarkable longevity, temperature-regulating properties, and universal architectural application. 

Ludowici offers more than 40 different clay roof tile profiles. All are made using a dense clay body and fired at extreme temperatures to ensure their durability against the harshest elements. Ludowici tiles will not fade or degrade under harsh UV rays or crack during countless Canadian freeze-thaw cycles. All Ludowici products come with a 75-year material warranty, including colourfastness.

The famed Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario is one of several iconic Canadian properties adorned with a Ludowici tile roof. The Casa Loma roof was installed in 1912 and is still performing extremely well after nearly 115 years. 

However, you don’t need a mansion to realize the benefits of a Ludowici tile roof. Consider the following:

• Fire Resistance – Ludowici roof tiles are Class A fire-rated without requiring any special treatment; Ludowici terra cotta tiles are fireproof because they simply will not burn.
• Longevity — Ludowici terra cotta building products have a service life of well over 100 years and come with a comprehensive 75-year manufacturer’s warranty.
• Durability – Ludowici tiles do not absorb water, which can make inferior terra cotta products weak and brittle after years of multiple freeze-thaw cycles. The clay body used to manufacture Ludowici tiles is highly dense to prevent water absorption. Ludowici terra cotta tiles can be found in exclusive neighborhoods across Canada; chosen for their ability to withstand extreme cold and wet environments for decades with no depreciation.
• Sustainable – Terra cotta is a ‘green’ and sustainable building material, that is both energy efficient and 100% recyclable. It also has exceptionally low levels of embodied carbon when compared with other building envelope materials. Ludowici tiles are made from a mixture of shale clay, fire clay, and water; all natural materials, and free of any toxic or synthetic content. Additionally, many of Ludowici’s 58 standard colours provide an extremely high Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of over 39, making them ultra-energy efficient. 
• Maintenance – Ludowici tile roofs are maintenance-free and do not require any cleaning or washing. This is a key feature and part of the reason that clay roofing tiles have been a pillar of fine architecture and design for centuries.
• Warranty – Ludowici tiles come standard with a smooth surface but can be customized with a variety of textures. They are also available in an extensive range of 58 standard and custom colors, mists, and blends, all backed by their 75-year material warranty; which includes UV colourfastness. Other than natural slate, no other roofing product offers warranties this long. 

For additional information, please contact us for a quote.