> Source: https://www.tudorrooftiles.co.uk/journal/clay-tiles-vertical-tiling/

12 September 2023

# Using Tudor Clay Tiles for Vertical Tiling

## Using Tudor Clay Tiles for Vertical Tiling

Roof tiling installed on walls is known as ‘tile hanging’, ‘tile cladding’ or ‘vertical tiling’ and is generally incorporated to add interest to a building, particularly where the roof is a prominent aspect of a building. The tiles in effect, extend the aesthetics or create complimentary aesthetics of the roof, ultimately all the way to the ground if desired.

Early forms of tile hanging appeared in the southeast of England towards the end of the 17th century as a way of improving the weather protection of wattle and daub on first floor walls. Bricks would have been too heavy for the timber framed buildings of the time, so tiling offered a lightweight and cheaper solution.

The standard construction for this type of tiling is to install underlay against the wall, with vertical battens (counter battens) set at up to 600mm centres secured into the wall, then horizontal tile battens fixed to the counter battens. All double lapped plain tiles laid vertically must be twice nailed.

Used vertically, Tudor clay tiles act as a barrier against heat transfer, keeping interiors cooler in hot weather and warmer in the cold. This natural insulation can lead to energy savings and a more comfortable living or working environment. Vertical tiling also offers sound insulation benefits. The tiling can help reduce external noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable interior environment. This is particularly valuable in urban settings or near busy roadways.

Rated A+ for low environmental impact, old roof tiles at the end of their life can be crushed and used as aggregate or living roof substrate. Tudor not only examine the entire lifecycle of its tiles from the clay quarry to the roof, but they use a proven energy efficient kiln which also minimises emissions. 97% of all manufacturing waste produced is recycled, and manufacturing in Kent helps to ensure a much lower carbon footprint than imported roof tiles.

Note: Taken from original written for Tudor by John Mercer - john.mercerconsultant@gmail.com

[Back to the journal](https://www.tudorrooftiles.co.uk/journal/)

## More from the journal

- [4 May 2025A Legacy in Every TileAt Tudor Roof Tiles, the soul of our handmade products lies not only in the clay and kilns but in the hands and eyes…](https://www.tudorrooftiles.co.uk/journal/legacy-every-tile/)

- [30 April 2025New for 2025 - English Oak Blend & English Dark Oak Blend —Made in England using traditional techniques and Etruria Marl clay, this collection was specifically developed to meet…](https://www.tudorrooftiles.co.uk/journal/new-2025-english-oak-blend-english/)

- [31 January 2025Jo Mills takes up Specifications & Business Development role atWhen it comes to handmade clay roof tiles, few people have the knowledge, experience, and passion that Jo brings to…](https://www.tudorrooftiles.co.uk/journal/jo-mills-takes-specifications-business-development/)