Environmental considerations when selecting a roofing material are unsurprisingly gaining popularity. Clay is generally regarded as more eco-friendly due to its natural composition, whereas concrete is often perceived less favourably. However, there are several factors to consider.
Clay is a natural product, extracted from the earth, often right at our manufacturing facilities. As a raw material, it is inherently more environmentally friendly. However, the process of making clay roof tiles involves firing them in a kiln at high temperatures, which unfortunately consumes a significant amount of natural gas, a finite fossil fuel. Wienerberger is committed to improvement and is actively working towards using 100% electric-fired kilns to address this issue.
On the other hand, concrete typically consists of a mixture of sand, cement, and water. While it is considered a less eco-friendly raw material compared to clay, the concrete tile manufacturing process is entirely electric, eliminating the need for firing. Once extruded, the tiles are dried in an electrically powered dryer. Additionally, this process allows for the inclusion of crushed concrete in the mix, introducing an element of recycled content into the end product.
