The clay roof tiles market - Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Clay tiles are a very old construction material used for roofing. They are usually used in conjunction with large insulating sheets. 

Clay roof tiles are also referred to as terra cotta tiles. Clay is a very versatile and functional material characterized by a very high insulating capacity, lightness, water resistance and strength. 

There are different types of clay tiles:

·      Natural red clay tiles

·      Engobed clay tiles

·      Glazed clay tiles

Globally, the market can be described as growing. Its value is projected to rise from $7.3 billion in 2020 to $10.14 billion in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%.  

In Italy, terracotta tiles are very popular and very often, walking around Italian cities, you can see roofs covered with this type of material. 

The popularity of these tiles comes from their resistance, but also from their price, which is lower than the alternatives on the market. For example, their price is lower than that of natural stone tiles, hovering around 10€-20€ per sqm.

The most important players in the clay tile market, which also operate in the Italian market, are: Creaton, Braas, Reddito and Koramic.

A trend that can increasingly be observed in this market is the search by customers for more sustainable materials. Clay roof tiles are a very sustainable and environmentally friendly product as they are produced from natural materials that are present in nature in large quantities. 

An even more sustainable alternative is modified clay. This product is created with clay, quartz and stone dust mixed together through natural processes. This material has the same characteristics as the original clay and in addition, thanks to its ability to regulate the degree of humidity in the rooms, it makes the spaces it encloses healthier. In addition, this type of cover is recyclable and once its use has ceased, it can be transformed into arable land.