Coppi are ceramic tiles used for roofing and flooring. They have an S-shape and overlap to prevent water and debris from getting underneath. They are available at building supply stores and can be glazed or left plain. Repairing them can be challenging, and they are not as widely used in construction as they once were. The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, England, was once paved with coppi tiles.
Coppi are ceramic tiles designed to fit together. They have been classically used in roofing and also flooring in some regions of the world. Along with other shingles, these shingles are available at many building supply stores, and those stores can often order them if they don’t have them in stock. While they’re not used in new construction as frequently as they once were, some people find the aesthetic appeal of a tiled home pleasing, so they’re still available new and through salvage companies that salvage discarded shingles.
From the side view, the tiles appear subtly S-shaped and are designed so that their curved parts overlap. The overlapping edges of the shingles ensure that water, dust and other materials cannot slip underneath them, which is extremely useful for roofing. They are complemented with various end pieces designed to fit around the edges and ridge of the roof, creating a smooth edge from which water can run off.
The ceramic used for these tiles varies, mainly based on where the tiles are made. In all cases, the tiles are designed to be very thick and strong, as the fragile materials could break in bad weather. They can be fired and left plain, or glazed to resist water. Tile flooring is often left unglazed, allowing water to percolate through the tiles and drain so people aren’t splashed by standing water.
Installing these shingles is quite simple, as they are installed like other roofing and paving shingles. Repairing damaged tiles, on the other hand, can be challenging, as the overlapping design that makes them so useful can make it difficult to remove tiles for repair or replacement without causing damage. Because shingles aren’t as widely used in construction as they were in the past, people with tiled roofs and walkways sometimes have a hard time finding people who can repair them.
A section of a village called Tunbridge Wells in England is referred to as “The Pantiles”. This district has been home to various shops since the 17th century and, according to legend, was once paved with tiles by order of Queen Anne, who was not happy with the dirt roads. Visitors to Tunbridge Wells often enjoy a stop there, as an effort has been made to keep the district historically accurate, so it feels like stepping back in time. However, the legendary paving material has been replaced with cobblestones.
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