materials
Article
New Ceramic Tiles Produced Using Old Technology Applied on
Historic Roofs—Possibilities and Challenges
Krzysztof Ałykow 1 , Łukasz Bednarz 2, * , Magdalena Piechówka-Mielnik 2 ,
Magdalena Napiórkowska-Ałykow 1 and Michał Krupa 3
Citation: Ałykow, K.; Bednarz, Ł.;
Piechówka-Mielnik, M.;
Napiórkowska-Ałykow, M.; Krupa,
M. New Ceramic Tiles Produced
Using Old Technology Applied on
Historic Roofs—Possibilities and
Challenges. Materials 2022, 15, 7835.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217835
Academic Editor: Pedro J.
Sánchez-Soto
Received: 27 September 2022
Accepted: 4 November 2022
Published: 6 November 2022
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iations.
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Materials 2022, 15, 7835. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217835
1 Team of Civil Engineers, 59-800 Luban, Poland
2 Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Building Structures, Wrocław University of Science and Technology,
50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
3 Faculty of Architecture, Chair of Housing Environment, Cracow University Technology,
31-155 Cracow, Poland
* Correspondence: lukasz.bednarz@pwr.edu.pl
Abstract: In the case of historic buildings, especially those under protection, it is important to
replace elements of the roof covering, while maintaining current technical standards, to meet the
requirements of the conservator. The authors of the article present alternatives to commonly used
solutions, based on their experience with replacing historic building roofing with ceramic tiles made
according to the production and firing technology of the nineteenth century. They emphasize that the
correct/specialized restoration of existing tiles in a building makes it possible to preserve and reuse
them, which is in line with the principles of historic preservation. However, due to the preservation of
the roof tiles, it is not always possible to revitalize them. As a solution to the problem, the use of clay
roof tiles manufactured according to 19th-century firing technology, including handmade methods, is
presented, which preserves the geometry of the historic roof tiles. The approach presented by the
authors meets both the requirements of conservation theory and the building standards for roofing
elements. Although it is much more expensive than the solutions currently commonly used that
result from modern technical requirements and tile-manufacturing technology, in the case of objects
of significant cultural heritage, it is a solution that meets modern technical requirements while not
compromising the original appearance of the monument.
Keywords: ceramic tiles; historic roofs; old technology; conservation; heritage
1. Introduction
The frequent replacement of old elements with new elements in historic buildings
(such as ceilings, roof trusses, window and door joinery, plaster, roof coverings, insulation,
the body of the walls, etc.) irretrievably deprives them of their historical and scientific value,
causing the problem that after a thorough “revitalization”, what remains is a “candy” new
building that merely imitates the original one. This is not only contrary to the principles of
protection that constitute the rule of law [1–3], but it deprives us of a material legacy that is
a visible sign of the activity and presence of the generations before us.
In particular, when it comes to roofs, it is common to approach original tiles as merely
a technological element that protects the roof of the building from weather, which is usually
understandable, but in the case of historic buildings covered with historic handmade tiles,
it is most often not correct [4–6]. Therefore, if the value of a monument is determined by its
originality, why are the original roofing materials removed in most cases and replaced with
modern machine-made ones?
This paper presents the authors0 proposal on how to simultaneously meet the technical
criteria arising from contemporary technical standards while at the same time satisfying the
requirements arising from the theory of historic preservation. This is of great importance,
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
 technical criteria arising from contemporary technical standards while at the same time
satisfying the requirements arising from the theory of historic preservation. This is of great
especially
importance, in the case of buildings
especially in the caseofofsignificant
buildings historical
of significantand historical
artistic value
and and those
artistic under
value
the
andprotection
those under of the
the Office for the
protection Protection
of the Office forofthe Monuments.
Protection of Monuments.
From
Fromthe thepoint
point ofof view of of the
theceramic
ceramictile tileroofing
roofingtechnology
technology commonly
commonly available
available on on
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 the market and widely used today, it would seem impossible to produce a roof covering
the market and widely used today, it would seem impossible to produce a roof covering 2 of 14
manufactured
manufactured in in accordance
accordance with with modern
modernbuilding buildingstandards
standards while
while at at
thethe samesame timetime
meetingthe
meeting therequirements
requirements of of monument
monumentconservation
conservationtheory. theory.Therefore,
Therefore, ensuring
ensuring thatthat
thethe
proper requirements of modern building standards are met
proper requirements of modern building standards are met while ensuring authenticity while ensuring authenticity
especially in the case
andpreserving
and preserving thetheoftraces
buildings
traces of alterations
of historic
of historic significant historical
alterations
and and and artistic
is value
transformations
transformations isand
an those
often-under
an often-overlooked
the protection
overlooked of
aspectthe Office
of the for the
activities
0 Protection
of today′s
aspect of the activities of today s architects and engineers. of Monuments.
architects and engineers.
From
The the
Thebasic
basic point of view ofof
classification
classification ofthe
roofceramic
roof tilesisistile
tiles based roofing
based on
onthe technology
the material
material commonly
fromfrom which
which available
they areare on
they
the market
made, that and
is, widely
ceramic used
tiles today,
(fired it
from would
clay) andseem impossible
cement tiles (made
made, that is, ceramic tiles (fired from clay) and cement tiles (made from a combination of to produce
from a a roof
combination covering
of cement
manufactured
cement andand sandsand
in with
accordance
with additives).
additives). Ceramic
withCeramic
moderntiles tiles are
are slightly
building lighter
lighterthan
standards
slightly while
than cement
at the
cement tiles andand
same
tiles time
are
meetingavailable in a wider range of colors. However, the natural red brick shade is the most
are available in a wider range of colors. However, the natural red brick shade is the mostthe
the requirements of monument conservation theory. Therefore, ensuring that
popular because it blends best with a variety of facades and surrounding areas.
proper
popularrequirements
because it blends of modern
best with building
a variety standards
of facades areand met while ensuring
surrounding areas. authenticity
Of today′s clay roof tiles, the most common shapes used are the Dutch (also known
Of today0 sthe
and preserving clay roof tiles,
traces the most
of historic commonand
alterations shapes used are the Dutch
transformations (also known as
is an often-overlooked
as S-shaped), overlapping, Marseille, or plain tile (Figure 1). Flat roof tiles are available as
S-shaped),
aspect of the overlapping,
activities of Marseille,
today or plainand
0 s architects tile (Figure
engineers. 1). Flat roof tiles are available as
clay and cement tiles. A modern solution is the photovoltaic tile, which makes it possible
clayThe
andbasic
cement tiles. A modern
classification of roof solution isisthe photovoltaic tile, which makes it possible
to produce electricity. This type of tiletiles based
is a novelty ononthethe material
construction from
market, which
but is notthey are
to
made,produce
that electricity.
is, ceramic This
tiles type
(fired of tile
from is a
clay) novelty
and on
cement the construction
tiles (made frommarket,
a but is not of
combination
recognized by the conservation community.
recognized
cement and sandby thewith conservation
additives). community.
Ceramic tiles are slightly lighter than cement tiles and
are available in a wider range of colors. However, the natural red brick shade is the most
popular because it blends best with a variety of facades and surrounding areas.
Of today0 s clay roof tiles, the most common shapes used are the Dutch (also known as
S-shaped), overlapping, Marseille, or plain tile (Figure 1). Flat roof tiles are available as
clay and cement tiles. A modern solution is the photovoltaic tile, which makes it possible
to produce electricity. This type of tile is a novelty on the construction market, but is not
recognized by the conservation community.

Figure
Figure 1.Examples
Examplesof
1.1.Examples
Figure ofdifferent
of different roof
different roof
roof tiles.
tiles.
tiles.

Over
OverOverthethe
theyears,
years,
years, asas
as aaresult
aresult
resultofofUV
UV radiation,
radiation,rain,
radiation, rain,and
rain, and
and other atmospheric
other
other atmosphericconditions,
atmospheric conditions,
conditions,tiles
tiles
canbecome
can becomestained,
tiles can stained,lose
become lose color,
stained, color, and thus
lose thus start
color, and startto
thus tolook
lookunattractive
start to unattractive(Figure
look unattractive 2a,b).
(Figure
(Figure ToTo
renovate
2a,b).
2a,b). To
renovate
renovate the tiles,necessary
it is not necessary
replaceto replace
the
the tiles,ititis
tiles, isnot
not necessary to replace
to the
the entirethe
entire roofentire
roof roof immediately.
immediately.
immediately. It It
is is
also Itpossible
also is also to
possible to
possible
renovatethem,to renovate
them,waterproof them,
waterproof the waterproof
the surface, the
surface, and surface, and strengthen the structure with suit-
renovate andstrengthen
strengthenthe thestructure
structurewith
withsuitable chemicals
suitable chemicals
able chemicals based on silane
based on silane and silicate particles. and silicate particles.
based on silane and silicate particles.
Themost
The mosteffective
effectivemethod
method isis to
to clean
clean the
thetiles
tilesusing
usinga apressure washer
pressure washer(Figure
(Figure3a)3a)
with
with
a rotary nozzle at a pressure of min. 220 bar. Using this method, loose dirt, moss, and old,
a rotary nozzle at a pressure of min. 220 bar. Using this method, loose dirt, moss, and old,
poorly adhering coatings can be removed. Particular care should be taken to thoroughly
poorly adhering coatings can be removed. Particular care should be taken to thoroughly
remove moss from the tiles.
remove moss from the tiles.
The most common means of restoring historic roof tiles after cleaning are silicate-
The most common means of restoring historic roof tiles after cleaning are silicate-
based agents (Figure 3b), which do not add a new color to the ceramics (they are colorless),
based
thus agents
achieving(Figure 3b), which
colorless do not
protection addatathe
while new color
same to the
time ceramics (they
impregnating are colorless),
and closing the
thus achieving colorless protection while at the same time impregnating
pores in the old tiles. This action also protects them from moisture. This is particularly and closing the
pores in theunder
important old tiles. This action
the influence also protects
of changing weather them from moisture.
conditions. This
By closing the is particularly
pores in the
important
ceramics,under the influence
the silicates create a of changing
smoother weather
finish conditions.
and thus By closing
inhibit moss growth the
onpores in the
the roof.
ceramics, the silicates
Tile waterproofing create aare
treatments smoother
availablefinish andsatin,
in gloss, thusandinhibit
mattmoss growth
finishes. on the roof.
Unfortunately,
Tile
notwaterproofing treatments
all roof tiles can are available
be revitalized, especiallyin if
gloss,
theirsatin, and and
structure mattmechanical
finishes. Unfortunately,
properties
not all roof tiles
disqualify them.can be revitalized, especially if their structure and mechanical properties
disqualify them.
 Materials 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 16

Materials
aterials 2022, 2022,
15, x FOR 15, 7835
PEER REVIEW 3 of 16 3 of 14

(a) (b)
Figure 2. Examples of historic roof coverings after many years of use: (a) handmade late medieval
and Renaissance roofing tile; (b) machine-made tiles approximately 100 years old.

The most(a) effective method is to clean the tiles (b)using a pressure washer (Figure 3a)
with a rotary nozzle at a pressure of min. 220 bar. Using this method, loose dirt, moss, and
Figure
Figure 2. Examples
old, Examples
2.of
poorly historic
adheringof historic
roof coverings
coatings roofcan
coverings
after many
be after
yearsmany
removed. years
ofParticular
use: of care
use: (a)
(a) handmade handmade late medieval
late medieval
should be taken to thor-
and Renaissance roofing tile;
and Renaissance
oughly (b)
remove roofing machine-made
moss fromtile; (b) tiles approximately
themachine-made
tiles. 100 years old.
tiles approximately 100 years old.

The most effective method is to clean the tiles using a pressure washer (Figure 3a)
with a rotary nozzle at a pressure of min. 220 bar. Using this method, loose dirt, moss, and
old, poorly adhering coatings can be removed. Particular care should be taken to thor-
oughly remove moss from the tiles.

(a) (b)
Figure 3. Revitalization
Figure 3. Revitalization of
of historic
historic roof tiles: (a)
roof tiles: (a) cleaning;
cleaning; (b)
(b) maintenance.
maintenance.

As the
The problem
most common of preserving
means of old tiles ishistoric
restoring very complex andafter
roof tiles costly, the most
cleaning arecommon
silicate-
(a) route
based is to
agents choose
(Figurea new
3b), material
which do to
not mimic
add a the
new
(b)old one.
color to The
the use
ceramicsof new
(they machine-made
are colorless),
roofing
thus tiles hascolorless
achieving many negative
protectionconsequences:
while at the same time impregnating and closing the
Figure 3. Revitalization
pores in theofoldhistoric roof
tiles. Thistiles: (a) cleaning;
action (b) maintenance.
• Changes to the appearance of also protects
the roof them from moisture. This is particularly
covering;
The obliteration
important
• of the original
under the influence arrangement
of changing weatherofconditions.
tiles, oftenByofclosing
different theshapes,
pores inbuilt
the
The most common means of restoring historic roof tiles after cleaning are silicate-
into the
ceramics, theroof slopecreate
silicates and constituting
a smoother finishevidence
andofthus
its transformation
inhibit moss growth relevant
on from the
the roof.
based agents (Figure 3b), which do not add a new color to the ceramics (they are colorless),
point of view oftreatments
Tile waterproofing monumentare documentation;
available in gloss, satin, and matt finishes. Unfortu-
thus achieving colorless protection while at the same time impregnating and closing the
Thenot
nately,
• necessity
all roofoftiles
leveling
can be the revitalized,
roof slope for new tiling,
especially resulting
if their in the incorporation
structure and mechanical or,
pores in the old tiles. This action also protects them from moisture. This is particularly
worse, the removal of original carpentry elements or their fragments;
properties disqualify them.
important under the influence of changing weather conditions. By closing the pores in the
• The
As the need to apply
problem of new layers, including
preserving old tiles isvapor-permeable
very complex and foil, which
costly, sometimes
the most commonleads
ceramics, the silicates create a smoother finish and thus inhibit moss growth on the roof.
routetoisato disruption
choose a of newthematerial
microclimateto mimicwithin
thethe
oldloft
one.and Theacceleration
use of newofmachine-made
the biological
Tile waterproofing treatments are available in gloss, satin, and matt finishes. Unfortu-
corrosion
roofing tiles has process
many of the original
negative elements of the roof trusses;
consequences:
nately, not all roof tiles can be revitalized, especially if their structure and mechanical
• A reductionto the appearance of theroof
in the weight of the roofcovering,
covering; which in the case of high roofs (e.g.,
properties•disqualify
Changes
churches) them.and in places of contact with high partitions (e.g., church towers) often
As the problem
resultsofinpreserving old tiles
the tiles being torn is
outvery complex
of the and costly,
roof slope despitethe most
their common
proper fixing.
route is to choose a new material to mimic the old one. The use of new machine-made
For roof coverings of historic buildings, it is important to produce adequate documen-
roofing tiles has many negative consequences:
tation that includes measurements of the geometry of the existing tiles and, if necessary,
• Changes
theirtolayout
the appearance
on the slope of of
thetheroof covering;
roof. An example of such measurements of the geometry of
historic roof tiles to help produce replacements is shown in Figure 4.
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 4 of 14

Figure 4.
Figure Geometry of
4. Geometry of historic
historic roof
roof tiles.
tiles.

It is
It
It is equally
is equally important
equally important to
important to determine
to determine the
determine the degree
the degree of
degree of technical
of technical degradation
technical degradation of
degradation of historic
of historic
historic
roofs
roofs and,
roofs and,
and, in in the
in the case
the case
case ofof undamaged
of undamaged
undamaged roof roof tiles,
roof tiles, how
tiles, how
how theythey should
should be
they should be cleaned,
be cleaned, maintained,
cleaned, maintained,
maintained,
and possibly
and
and possibly reinforced.
possibly reinforced.
reinforced.The The next
Thenext step
nextstep isisto
stepis totoindicate
indicate
indicate the
the extent
extent
the and
and
extent andmanner
manner
manner of replacing
of replacing the
the
of replacing
roofing
roofing
the elements.
elements.
roofing elements.
Tiles
Tiles that
Tiles that are
that are part
are part of
part of the
of the restoration
the restoration and
restoration and replacements
and replacements of
replacements of original
of original ones
original ones should
ones should be
should be
be
adapted
adapted in
in aa way
way that
that does
does not
not obliterate
obliterate the
the original
original architectural
architectural
adapted in a way that does not obliterate the original architectural layout and made in layout
layout and
and made
made in
in such
such
a way
waya as
asuch as to
way to as
meet
meet the technical
the
to meet technical
the technicalrequirements,
requirements,
requirements, while
while allowing
allowing
while specialists
specialists
allowing to recognize
to
specialists recognize the
the
to recognize
original
original and
and secondary
secondary elements,
elements, according
according to
to the
the requirements
requirements
the original and secondary elements, according to the requirements of monument conser- of
of monument
monument conservation.
conservation.
According to
According
vation. to the
the authors,
authors, one one ofof the
the most
most interesting
interesting solutions
solutions is is the
the use
use ofof ceramic
ceramic
tiles made
tiles made
According according
accordingto theto 19th-century
toauthors,
19th-centuryone of firing
firing technology,
the technology,
most interesting hand-formed
hand-formed and
solutionsand fired
fired
is the usein traditional
in of
traditional
ceramic
coal-fired
coal-fired Hoffman
Hoffman furnaces.
furnaces.
tiles made according to 19th-century firing technology, hand-formed and fired in tradi-
Based on on the results
results ofof the
the laboratory
laboratory tests tests carried
carried outout by
by the
the authors
authors and and on on the
the
tionalBased
coal-firedthe Hoffman furnaces.
authors00 experience
authors experience with with repairs/maintenance
repairs/maintenance of of the
the roof
roof coverings
coverings of of historical
historical buildings,
buildings,
Based on the results of the laboratory tests carried out by the authors and on the
the article
the article shows
shows that that solutions
solutions are are possible
possible and and available
available that
that meet
meet bothboth technical
technical and and
authors′ experience with repairs/maintenance of the roof coverings of historical buildings,
conservation criteria
conservation criteria at
at the
the same
same time.
time. This
This is is very
very important
important in in order
order to to avoid
avoid falsifying
falsifying
the article shows that solutions are possible and available that meet both technical and
the historical
the historical appearance
appearance of of aa building,
building, which which is is unacceptable
unacceptable from from the the point
point ofof view
view ofof
conservation criteria at the same time. This is very important in order to avoid falsifying
heritage protection.
heritage protection.

2. Materials
2. Materials andand Methods
Methods
To compare
To compare the the physical
physical and
and mechanical
mechanical performance
performance of of old
old and
and new
new tiles
tiles that
that look
look
the same,
the same, we
we tested
tested the
the methods
methods forfor making
making historic
historic clay
clay roof
roof tiles,
tiles, dated
dated as
as min.
min. 100
100 years
years
old. The
old. The historic
historic tiles
tiles were
were compared
compared withwith new
new tiles
tiles made
made with
with traditional
traditional technology,
technology, butbut
with up-to-date technical parameters. The tests included determining
with up-to-date technical parameters. The tests included determining water absorption water absorption
and permeability,
and permeability, assessing
assessing frost
frost resistance,
resistance, and
and aa bending
bending strength
strength test.
test. There
There were
were 52
52 tiles
tiles
used in
used in the
the tests,
tests, of
of which
which one
one was
was damaged
damaged during
during transport—sample
transport—sample No. No. 051
051 cracked.
cracked.
Before testing,
Before testing, the
the material
material was
was visually
visually assessed.
assessed. ItIt was
was found
found that:
that:
•• The tiles
The tiles came
came inin various
various sizes
sizes and
and shapes;
shapes;
•• The age
The age of
of the
the tiles
tiles was
was estimated
estimated to
to be
be around
around 100
100 years;
years;
•• Traces of
Traces of various
various mortars
mortars were
were observed
observed on
on many
many tiles;
tiles;
•• The tiles
The tiles were
were heavily
heavily and
and moderately
moderately soiled;
soiled;
•• Numerous roof
Numerous roof tiles
tiles were
were chipped;
chipped;
• There were numerous traces of biological corrosion on the right (upper) surfaces of
the tiles, which was contributed to by moss and algae growth (visible, for example, on
sample Nos. 010, 029, and 038);
• One of the tiles (sample No. 051) was cracked.

2.1. Water Absorption Test

A total of 30 samples of the dismantled clay tiles (No. 021 to No. 046, No. 048 to
No. 050, and No. 052) were selected from the tiles supplied for the test, dried for 24 h in
an oven at 110 ◦ C +/− 5 ◦ C (Figure 5a), and weighed to the nearest 1 g. Then, they were
subjected to a water absorption test (Figure 5b) according to the procedure in Appendix
A of the current standard in [7]. The results of the nm mass absorption were between
 2.1. Water Absorption Test

A total of 30 samples of the dismantled clay tiles (No. 021 to No. 046, No. 048 to No.
050, and No. 052) were selected from the tiles supplied for the test, dried for 24 h in an
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 5 of 14
oven at 110 °C +/− 5 °C (Figure 5a), and weighed to the nearest 1 g. Then, they were sub-
jected to a water absorption test (Figure 5b) according to the procedure in Appendix A of
the current standard in [7]. The results of the nm mass absorption were between nm min =
nm min(sample
9.7% = 9.7% (sample
No. 031)No.
and031) and=n15.4%
nm max m max =(sample
15.4% (sample No.as029),
No. 029), shownas shown in Figure
in Figure 6. The 6.
The average absorption for all 30 tiles was
average absorption for all 30 tiles was 13.9%.13.9%.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 5.
5. Absorption test: (a)
Absorption test: (a) drying
drying of
of tiles
tiles to
to constant
constantweight
weightatataatemperature
temperatureofof110
110◦ C
°C+/
+/−
− 55 °C;
◦ C;
(b) roof tiles in a chamber with 100% humidity.
(b) roof tiles in a chamber with 100% humidity.

Unfortunately, there are

Unfortunately, there are no
no standards
standards forfor the
the maximum
maximum waterwater absorption
absorption values
values of
of
clay plain tiles.
clay plain tiles.According
Accordingtotothe
the world′s
world 0 operating
s operating major
major tiletile manufacturers,
manufacturers, the maxi-
the maximum
mum water
water absorption
absorption of approved
of approved clay
clay roof roof
tiles tiles should
should not exceed
not exceed 10%.
10%. This Thisabsorption
water water ab-
sorption condition was not met by 28 of the
condition was not met by 28 of the 30 samples. 30 samples.

2.2. Frost Resistance Test

The frost resistance test was performed according to the current standard in [8]. Before
the frost resistance test, 6 tiles (Nos. 021, 024, 029, 031, 038, and 050) were selected from
the 30 tiles (No. 021 to No. 046, No. 048 to No. 050, and No. 052; tile No. 047 was a
broken tile) on which the tile water absorption test was performed. Tiles that were free
from unacceptable damage in the test and characterized by their minimum, maximum, and
average water absorption (2 pieces each) were selected and subjected to frost resistance tests
according to the procedure presented in the standard in [8] (Figure 7). Table 1 summarizes
and compares the tiles before and after the frost resistance test.
The following were observed on tiles subjected to the frost resistance test after the test:
surface scratches, peeling, delamination, and spalling, examples of which are shown in
Figure 8a–c.
According to the standard in [9], the clay roof tiles used in Central Europe should be Class
1; that is, they should not show any of the types of damage specified in Table 1 of the standard
in [8] after 150 freeze/thaw cycles. The condition of resistance to frost was not fulfilled.
Materials 2022,
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Materials 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 16

Figure 6. Water
Figure 6. Water absorption
absorption of
of selected
selected historical
historical clay
clayroof
rooftiles.
tiles.

2.2. Frost Resistance Test

The frost resistance test was performed according to the current standard in [8]. Be-
fore the frost resistance test, 6 tiles (Nos. 021, 024, 029, 031, 038, and 050) were selected
from the 30 tiles (No. 021 to No. 046, No. 048 to No. 050, and No. 052; tile No. 047 was a
broken tile) on which the tile water absorption test was performed. Tiles that were free
from unacceptable damage in the test and characterized by their minimum, maximum,
and average water absorption (2 pieces each) were selected and subjected to frost re-
sistance tests according to the procedure presented in the standard in [8] (Figure 7). Table
1 summarizes and compares the tiles before and after the frost resistance test.

Figure7.7.Roof
Figure Rooftiles
tilesininaaclimate
climatechamber.
chamber.

Table 1. Comparison of the visual condition of the selected tiles before and after the frost resistance test.

Appearance Before Frost Re- Appearance After Frost Re-

Tile No.
sistance Testing sistance Testing

021

024
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 Figure
Figure 7.
7. Roof
Roof tiles
tiles in
in aaa climate
climate chamber.
chamber. 7 of 14
Figure
Figure 7.
7. Roof
Roof tiles
tiles in
in climate
aa climate chamber.
chamber.
Figure 7. Roof tiles in climate chamber.
Figure 7. Roof tiles in a climate chamber.
Table
Table 1.
1. Comparison
Comparison of of the
the visual
visual condition
condition of
of the
the selected
selected tiles
tiles before
before and
and after
after the
the frost
frost resistance
resistance test.
test.
Table
Table 1.
1. Comparison
Comparison of
of the
the visual
visual condition
condition of
of the
the selected
selected tiles
tiles before
before and
and after
after the
the frost
frost resistance
resistance test.
test.
Table 1. Comparison of the visual condition of
Appearance the selected tiles before and after the frost resistance test.
Table
Table 1.
1. Comparison
Comparison
Tile
of
of the
the visual
visual condition
condition of
Appearance theBefore
of the selectedFrost
selected
Before tilesRe-
tiles
Frost before
Re- Appearance
before and
and after
after the
Appearance After
thefrost
frost
After Frost
Frost Re-
resistance
resistance
Re-test.
test.
Tile No.
Tile No.
No.
Appearance
Appearance
sistance
Before
Before Frost
Frost
Testing
Re-
Re- Appearance
Appearance
sistance
After
After Frost
Frost
Testing
Re-
Re-
Tile No. Appearance
sistance
Appearance
sistance Before
Before Frost
Frost Re-
Testing
Testing Re- Appearance
sistance
Appearance
sistance After
After Frost
Frost Re-
Testing
Testing Re-
Tile
Tile No.
No. Appearance
sistance Before
Testing Frost Appearance
sistance After Frost
Testing
Tile No. sistance
sistance Testing
Testing sistance
sistance Testing
Testing
Resistance Testing Resistance Testing
021
021
021
021
021
021

024
024
024
024
024
024

029
029
029
029
029
029

031
031
031
031
031
031

038
038
038
038
038
038

050
050
Materials 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 050
050 8 of 16
050
050

The
The following
following were
were observed
observed onon tiles
tiles subjected
subjected to
to the
the frost
frost resistance
resistance test
test after
after the
the
The
The following
following were
were observed
observed on
on tiles
tiles subjected
subjected to
to the
the frost
frost resistance
resistance test
test after
after the
the
test:
test: surface
The
surface scratches,
following were
scratches, peeling,
peeling, delamination,
observed on tiles
delamination, and
and spalling,
subjected to the
spalling, examples
frost of which
resistance
examples of are
test
which shown
after
are the
shown
The following
test: surface
test: were
surface scratches, observed
scratches, peeling, on tiles
peeling, delamination,subjected
delamination, and to the
and spalling, frost
spalling, examplesresistance
examples of test
of which
which areafter the
are shown
shown
in
in Figure
test:
Figure 8a–c.
surface scratches,
8a–c. peeling, delamination, and spalling, examples of which are shown
test:
in
in surface
Figure
Figure scratches,
8a–c.
8a–c. peeling, delamination, and spalling, examples of which are shown
in Figure 8a–c.
in Figure 8a–c.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 8.
Figure 8. Frost
Frost resistance
resistance test:
test: (a)
(a) surface
surface damage
damage observed
observed after
after the
the test;
test; (b)
(b) edge
edge damage
damage observed
observed
after the test; and (c) damage observed after the test.
after the test; and (c) damage observed after the test.

2.3. Permeability
According to Test
the standard in [9], the clay roof tiles used in Central Europe should be
ClassThe
1; that
permeabilityshould
is, they notperformed
test was show anyaccording
of the types of damage
to the specified in
current standard in [10].
TableAfter
1 of
the standard
selecting in [8] after
10 samples (No. 150 freeze/thaw
011 to No. 020) ofcycles. The
tiles, the condition
tests of resistance
were carried to frost
out according towas
the
not fulfilled.
procedure described in the standard in [10] (Figure 9). The tile permeability test consisted
of determining the time that elapsed until the first drop of water fell under the pressure
2.3.the
of Permeability Test exerted on the upper surface of the tile, under normal atmospheric
water column
conditions. The test consisted
The permeability test wasof lying the according
performed tile samples to in
thetap waterstandard
current at room temperature
in [10]. After
for 48 h ±104 h. The samples were then dried at 110 ◦ C ± 5 ◦ C to a constant weight. The
selecting samples (No. 011 to No. 020) of tiles, the tests were carried out according to
final step was todescribed
the procedure cool for 4inh the
at room temperature.
standard The test
in [10] (Figure 9).lasted no permeability
The tile longer than 20 h. con-
test The
permeation coefficient (IC) was calculated using the relevant formulae.
sisted of determining the time that elapsed until the first drop of water fell under the pres-
sure of the water column exerted on the upper surface of the tile, under normal atmos-
pheric conditions. The test consisted of lying the tile samples in tap water at room tem-
perature for 48 h ± 4 h. The samples were then dried at 110 °C ± 5 °C to a constant weight.
The final step was to cool for 4 h at room temperature. The test lasted no longer than 20 h.
The permeation coefficient (IC) was calculated using the relevant formulae.
 selecting 10 samples (No. 011 to No. 020) of tiles, the tests were carried out according to
the procedure described in the standard in [10] (Figure 9). The tile permeability test con-
sisted of determining the time that elapsed until the first drop of water fell under the pres-
sure of the (a) water column exerted on the upper surface (b)of the tile, under normal atmos-
pheric conditions. The test consisted of lying the tile samples in tap water at room tem-
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 Figure 9. Roof tilesFigure
during 9. Roof tiles during the impermeability test: (a) general view; (b) view of the underside of
perature the impermeability test: samples
for 48 h ± 4 h. The (a) general view;
were then(b) dried
view ofatthe
110underside
°C ± 5 °Coftotile.
a constant
8 of 14 weight.
tile.
The final step was to cool for 4 h at room temperature. The test lasted no longer than 20 h.
The test results Theforpermeation
the individual tiles and (IC)the time to the first drop of water formulae.
(h) are
The test resultscoefficient
for the individual was calculated
tiles and the timeusing
to the relevant
the first drop of water (h) are
shown in Figure 10. The average time to the first drop of water for the entire test series
shown in Figure 10. The average time to the first drop of water for the entire test series
was
Xi av = 4.98 h. Thewashighest
Xi av =value
4.98 h.ofThe
thehighest
single value
waterofabsorption coefficient
the single water was ICX
absorption i av = 0.751.
coefficient was ICXi av =
The mean permeation
Materials 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW
0.751. coefficient was ICXi avcoefficient
The mean permeation = 0.751. The value
was ICX of0.751.
i av = the largest single-sample
The value 9 of 16
of the largest single-
permeation coefficient
sample was ICXi = 0.988.
permeation coefficient was ICXi = 0.988.

(a) (b)

Figure 9. Roof tilesFigure

during9.the
Roof tiles during the impermeability test: (a) general view; (b) view of the underside of
impermeability test: (a) general view; (b) view of the underside of tile.
tile.

The test results for the individual tiles and the time to the first drop of water (h) are
The test results for the individual tiles and the time to the first drop of water (h) are
shown in Figure 10. The average time to the first drop of water for the entire test series was
shown in Figure 10. The average time to the first drop of water for the entire test series
Xi av = 4.98 h. Thewas
highest
Xi av =value
4.98 h.ofThe
thehighest
single value
waterofabsorption coefficient
the single water was ICX
absorption i av = 0.751.
coefficient was ICXi av =
The mean permeation coefficient was ICX i av = 0.751. The value of the largest single-sample
0.751. The mean permeation coefficient was ICXi av = 0.751. The value of the largest single-
permeation coefficient
sample was ICXi = 0.988.
permeation coefficient was ICXi = 0.988.

Figure
Figure
Figure 10.
10.
10. Permeation
Permeation
Permeation coefficient.
coefficient.
coefficient.

According
According to standard
to the the standard
in [9], in
for [9], for standard
standard clay tiles for
clay tiles approved approved
Categoryfor Category 1, the
1, the
average permeability coefficient of ICXi av should be 0.8 or less, and all values
average permeability coefficient of ICX i av should be 0.8 or less, and all values of the of the per-
permeability coefficient of
meability coefficient of ICXi
ICXi for
for individual
individualsamples
samplesshould
should bebe0.85 or or
0.85 less. TheThe condition
less.
condition for the average permeation coefficient ICXi av was met. The condition for the
for the average permeation coefficient ICXi av was met. The condition for the values of the
values of the permeation coefficients for individual ICXi samples was not met by seven
permeation coefficients for individual ICXi samples was not met by seven out of ten samples.
out of ten samples.

2.4.
2.4. Flexural
Flexural Load
Load Capacity
Capacity Test
Test
The
The bending
bending resistance
resistance test
test was was carried
carried out according
out according to the
to the current current
standard standard in [7].
in [7].
Afterselecting
After selecting 10 clay
10 clay tile specimens
tile specimens (No. 001(No. 001010),
to No. to No. 010),were
the tests the carried
tests were
out carried out
according
according to the
to the procedure
procedure described
described in the standard
in the standard in [7]
in [7] (Figure (Figure
11a,b). 11a,b).
Figure 12 Figure 12
summarizes
summarizes the the load-bearing
load-bearing resultsresults
obtainedobtained on theclay
on the selected selected clay
roof tiles roof The
tested. tiles tested. The
average
averagefailure loadload
failure of Favofwas
F 0.24
waskN.0.24 kN.
av
Materials 2022,
Materials 15, x7835
2022, 15, FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 10 9of
of 16
of 14
Materials 2022, 15, x FOR 10 16

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure
Figure
Figure 11.11. Flexural
11. Flexural load
Flexuralload capacity
loadcapacity test:
capacitytest: (a)
test:(a) tile
(a)tile in
tilein the
inthe testing
thetesting machine
testingmachine during
machineduring flexural
duringflexural capacity
flexuralcapacity tests;
capacitytests;
tests;
(b) tiles
(b) tiles (Nos.
(Nos. 001–010)
001–010) after
after flexural
flexural strength
strength tests.
tests.
(b) tiles (Nos. 001–010) after flexural strength tests.

Figure 12.
Figure Flexuralload-bearing
12. Flexural
Flexural load-bearingcapacity
load-bearing capacity of
of the
the selected
selected tiles.
tiles.

According to
According
According to[9],
to [9],for
[9], forapproved
for approved
approved plain clay
plain
plain tiles,
clay
clay thethe
tiles,
tiles, bending
the strength
bending
bending should
strength
strength take atake
should
should value
take aa
of min.
value of600 N
min. (0.60
600 N kN).
(0.60The bending
kN). The strength
bending condition
strength was not
condition met
was
value of min. 600 N (0.60 kN). The bending strength condition was not met in all 10 sam-in
notall 10
met samples.
in all 10 sam-
ples. In comparison, hand-formed tiles and fired according to the technology of the nine-
ples.
teenth
In century in coal-fired
In comparison,
comparison, hand-formed
hand-formed Hoffman
tilesfurnaces
tiles firedhave
and fired
and the properties
according
according to the
to shown in of
the technology
technology Table
of 2nine-
and
the nine-
the
meet
teenth the requirements
teenth century
century in of
in coal-fired the current
coal-fired Hoffman standards
Hoffman furnaces [7–10].
furnaces have
have the the properties
properties shown
shown in in Table
Table 22 and
and
meet the requirements of the current standards
meet the requirements of the current standards [7–10]. [7–10].
Table 2. Physical and mechanical properties of the new ceramic tiles produced with the old technology.
Table 2.
Table 2. Physical
Physical and
and mechanical
mechanical properties
properties of
of the
the new
new ceramic
ceramic tiles
tiles produced
produced with
with the
the old
old tech-
tech-
Properties Value
nology.
nology.
Water absorption <10%
Properties
Permeability
Properties Value
ICxi ≤ 0.85
Value
Water Frost
Water resistance
absorption
absorption Frost resistant
<10% after 150 cycles
<10%
Flexural load
Permeability capacity ICxi ≤ ≥ 1.2 kN
0.85
Permeability ICxi ≤ 0.85
Frost resistance
Frost resistance Frost resistant after 150
Frost resistant after 150 cycles
cycles
3. Results of
Flexural Case
Flexural load Study
load capacity
capacity ≥1.2 kN
≥1.2 kN
The laboratory tests carried out for historic clay tiles showed that the roofing material
did
3.
3. not meet
Results
Results the modern
of Case
of Case Study requirements for reuse in the renovated building. Basic physical–
Study
mechanical tests
The laboratory reflected
laboratory tests the condition
tests carried
carried out for of the clay
forhistoric
historic historic tiles
tilesshowedas athat
showed material unsuitable
theroofing
roofing for
material
The out clay tiles that the material
effective
didnot roofing,
notmeet
meetthe such
themodern as:
modernrequirements
requirementsforforreuse
reuseininthe
therenovated
renovatedbuilding.
building.Basic
Basicphysical–
physical–
did
• The absorbability (water absorption) condition was not met by 28 out of 30 samples;
 Materials 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 16

mechanical tests reflected the condition of the historic tiles as a material unsuitable for
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 10 of 14
effective roofing, such as:
• The absorbability (water absorption) condition was not met by 28 out of 30 samples;
• Although the condition regarding the average water absorption coefficient ICXiav was
• Although the condition regarding the average water absorption coefficient ICXiav was
met, the value of the water absorption coefficient for single samples, ICXi, was not
met, the value of the water absorption coefficient for single samples, ICXi , was not
met by 7 out of 10 samples;
met by 7 out of 10 samples;
•• Thecondition
The conditionconcerning
concerningfrost
frostresistance
resistancewas
wasnot
notfulfilled;
fulfilled;
•• The condition concerning flexural capacity was not fulfilled.
The condition concerning flexural capacity was not fulfilled.
Incomparison,
In comparison,new newtiles
tilesformed
formed byby hand
hand andand
firedfired according
according to 19th-century
to 19th-century tech-
technol-
nology in coal-fired Hoffman furnaces, although almost identical to
ogy in coal-fired Hoffman furnaces, although almost identical to the historic tiles, complied the historic tiles, com-
pliedthe
with with the current
current standardsstandards
(Table 2).(Table 2).
Toillustrate
To illustratethe theapplicability
applicabilityof ofnew
newceramic
ceramictiles
tilesproduced
producedwith witholdoldtechnology,
technology,aa
short case study of the application of this type of tile in a historic building isispresented
short case study of the application of this type of tile in a historic building presented
below. The reference object is the Salt House (Figure 13) of 1539,
below. The reference object is the Salt House (Figure 13) of 1539, located in southern located in southern Po-
land [11]. It is located in a space between two rows of medieval
Poland [11]. It is located in a space between two rows of medieval defense walls erected defense walls erected
before1220.
before 1220.InIn1566,
1566,there
therewaswas a fire
a fire in the
in the town,
town, but but the building
the building was was not damaged
not damaged besidesbe-
asides a few wooden
few wooden elements.
elements. ExtendedExtended in 1698,
in 1698, the building
the building was used
was used as a storage
as a storage house house
for
salt
for and
salt grain
and grainuntiluntil
the end
theofendtheof18th
the century. In theIn
18th century. 19th
thecentury, it was itpartly
19th century, converted
was partly con-
for use as
verted fora use
prison
as aand the headquarters
prison of the town
and the headquarters of0 sthe
firetown′s
brigade.
fireThe building
brigade. Theserved
buildingas
as 0
the firemen s headquarters up to the 1990s of the twentieth century.
served the firemen′s headquarters up to the 1990s of the twentieth century.

Figure13.
Figure 13.The
TheSalt
SaltHouse
Houseelevation
elevationview.
view.

The
TheSalt
SaltHouse
Houseisis situated
situated onona hill within
a hill withinthethechamber
chamber of the ramparts,
of the i.e., between
ramparts, the
i.e., between
higher and lower
the higher lines lines
and lower of theoframparts.
the ramparts.This This
location was due
location wasto due firetosafety considerations,
fire safety considera-
since
tions,the high
since walls
the higheffectively separated
walls effectively the building
separated from the
the building flammable
from buildings
the flammable of the
buildings
city, mostly
of the wooden,
city, mostly and alsoand
wooden, protected it from flooding
also protected in the event
it from flooding in theofevent
rainfall and floods.
of rainfall and
The Salt House was built on a rectangular plan measuring 33.8 × 18.4 m from basalt
floods.
stone The
and Salt
fieldHouse
pebbles wasbonded with
built on lime mortarplan
a rectangular withmeasuring
a clay mixture,33.8 ×with18.4the northbasalt
m from wall
being
stonecoextensive with thebonded
and field pebbles inner fortification wall. Itswith
with lime mortar numerous but smallwith
a clay mixture, window openings
the north wall
on the coextensive
being southwest, south,
with the and southeast
inner sides of
fortification theIts
wall. town could be
numerous butused
smallas window
rifle ranges if
open-
necessary.
ings on the It southwest,
eventually reached
south, and a height of 22 sides
southeast m, accommodating
of the town could fourbe stories
usedand an attic.
as rifle ranges
Inside, allItofeventually
if necessary. the ceilings received
reached a wooden
a height of 22structure and were supported
m, accommodating by wooden
four stories and an
columns.
attic. The different levels were connected by stairs in the form of ladders supported
by ceiling beams.
Inside, Inside
all of the the warehouse,
ceilings a crane was
received a wooden installed
structure to allow
and were for the loading
supported by wooden or
unloading of goods. Originally, thereconnected
must haveby also beenina the
writer 0 s room and a supported
weighing
columns. The different levels were stairs form of ladders
scale on thebeams.
by ceiling groundInside
floor level. The main stone-vaulted
the warehouse, gate wastolocated
a crane was installed allow for on the
the loading
northeast or
side of the building
unloading of goods.[12–14].
Originally, there must have also been a writer′s room and a weighing
scaleThe
on project
the grounddocumentation
floor level. The created
mainfor the renovation
stone-vaulted gateenvisaged
was located theon removal of the
the northeast
existing 19th-century machine-made
side of the building [12–14]. tiles of no historical or technical value and their
replacement with new clay roof tiles, with the application of contemporary layers used
in the laying of the new roof, including vapor-permeable foil, which is a commonly used
solution [15], but not always correct.
 The project documentation created for the renovation envisaged the removal of the
existing 19th-century machine-made tiles of no historical or technical value and their re-
placement with new clay roof tiles, with the application of contemporary layers used in
the laying of the new roof, including vapor-permeable foil, which is a commonly used
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 11 of 14
solution [15], but not always correct.
Once the work had started, it was found that on the roof, in addition to tiles dating
back to the nineteenth century produced by machine in an amount of approximately 25%,
Once the
the majority ofwork had started,
the remaining wereit handmade
was found tiles,
that on the roof,
including in addition
some from thetoperiod
tiles dating
of the
back to theconstruction,
building′s nineteenth century produced
with four by modes
different machine of in an amount
shaping (flat, of approximately
segmental, 25%,
semicircu-
the majority of the remaining
lar, and angular) (Figure 14a). were handmade tiles, including some from the period of the
building 0 s construction, with four different modes of shaping (flat, segmental, semicircular,
It was also found that on the south slope, the tiles were laid in a scalloped pattern (on
andnorth
the angular) (Figure
slope 14a).pattern) with lime mortar fixings with fur and the joints sealed
in a lace
with wooden shackles.

(a) (b)
Figure 14. Different
Figure 14. types of
Different types of roof
roof tiles:
tiles: (a)
(a) historical; (b) new
historical; (b) new roof
roof tiles
tiles in
in historic
historic dimensions.
dimensions.

It was also the

Following found that on theofsouth
intervention slope, theinspector
the building tiles wereafter
laid the
in arenovation
scalloped pattern
work had (on
the north
already slope the
begun, in avoivodeship
lace pattern)conservator
with lime mortar fixings with
of monuments fur and
changed histhe joints
earlier sealed
decision
with wooden
to remove theshackles.
tiles in their entirety and replace them with new ones. He ordered the care-
Following
ful removal, the intervention
under the additional ofsupervision
the buildingofinspector after the
a conservator renovation
of works of art,work had
of about
already begun, the voivodeship conservator of monuments changed his earlier decision be
half of the tiles on the southern slope, ordering that the tiles fixed with original mortar to
remove
left on the theroof.
tilesAfter
in their entiretythe
analyzing and replace it
problem, them
waswith
decidednewtoones. He ordered
undertake the careful
the conservation
removal,
of underroofing
the original the additional
elements supervision
in situ using of aaconservator of worksmethods
hoist and climbing of art, of(on
about half
ropes),
of the reinforcing
while tiles on the the southern
slope byslope, orderingadditional
introducing that the tiles fixedsupporting
battens with originalthe mortar
originalbe left
ones.
on theallowed
This roof. Afterthe analyzing the problem,
original patches it was to
and mortar decided to undertake
be preserved the conservation
and prevented possible of
the original
damage roofing
to the elements
original in situ using
tiles during their aremoval
hoist and andclimbing methods
reinstallation (onconservation.
after ropes), while
reinforcing
Only selected theroof
slope byinintroducing
tiles poor condition additional battens (Figure
were replaced supporting14b).the original
These ones.were
measures This
allowed
taken thetaking
after original intopatches
accountand allmortar to be preserved
the conservation and prevented
principles possible
of this type damage
of historic to
struc-
the original
ture [16], whiletilesmonitoring
during theirthe removal and reinstallation
static condition after conservation.
of the structure. Some of the Only selected
procedures
roof tiles in
proposed inpoor condition
[17] were were replaced (Figure 14b). These measures were taken after
implemented.
taking Theinto account
original all theof
decision conservation
the preservationprinciples
office ofwasthis type
also of historic
modified, structure
ordering that[16],
the
while monitoring the static condition of the structure. Some of the
original existing roof tiles be cleaned, preserved, and incorporated using traditional mor- procedures proposed
in [17]
tar were
fixing. Not implemented.
all tiles were suitable to undergo this process due to their technical condi-
tion. The original decision of the preservation office was also modified, ordering that the
original existing roof
Instead of the heavily tiles bedamaged
cleaned, preserved,
original and and19th-century
incorporatedmachine-made
using traditional mortar
tiles, cus-
fixing.
tom Not all tiles
handmade tileswere suitablethe
resembling to undergo
original inthis process due
appearance, buttowith
theirmuch
technical condition.
better physical
Instead of the
and mechanical heavily damaged
properties and with original
a detailedand 19th-centuryofmachine-made
arrangement tiles of differenttiles, custom
shapes on
handmade tiles resembling the original in appearance,
the roof slope reflecting its historic character, were installed (Figure 15).but with much better physical and
mechanical properties and with a detailed arrangement of tiles of different shapes on the
roof slope reflecting its historic character, were installed (Figure 15).
Materials 15,7835
2022,15,
Materials2022, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12
13 of
of1416

Figure 15.Arrangement
Figure15. Arrangementofoftiles
tileson
onroof
roofslopes.
slopes.

4. Discussion
4. Discussion
Investigations of historic clay roof tiles have shown significant losses in the quality
Investigations of historic clay roof tiles have shown significant losses in the quality
of the material as a roof covering used in traditional construction. Their failure to meet
of the material as a roof covering used in traditional construction. Their failure to meet
the requirements for water absorption, permeability, and frost resistance results in poor
the requirements for water absorption, permeability, and frost resistance results in poor
durability of the material, compared to tiles produced today. Their strengthening through
durability of the material, compared to tiles produced today. Their strengthening through
conservation measures, i.e., cleaning and then structural strengthening with chemical
conservation measures, i.e., cleaning and then structural strengthening with chemical
preparations based on silicates, is possible, as in the case of the case study presented above,
preparations based on silicates, is possible, as in the case of the case study presented
but in the opinion of the authors, due to both the significantly higher costs of this type of
above, but in the opinion of the authors, due to both the significantly higher costs of this
work in comparison to ordinary roofing and the greater technological complexity requiring
type of work in comparison to ordinary roofing and the greater technological complexity
the participation of conservators of works of art in the field of ceramics, it is justified only
requiring the participation of conservators of works of art in the field of ceramics, it is
in the case of historic buildings of particular artistic, scientific, or historical significance.
justified
For only
historic in the case
buildings that of
arehistoric buildings
not of such of particular
significance, but areartistic, scientific,
important or historical
from the point of
view of individual cultural heritage protection or the protection of a larger urbanimportant
significance. For historic buildings that are not of such significance, but are or rural
from
area the point
[18,19], of view for
for example, of individual cultural
the preservation heritageLoci,
of Genius protection or the
the solution protection
proposed of a
by the
larger urban
authors meets or
therural area
criteria of [18,19],
cultural for example,
heritage for thewhose
protection, preservation of Genius
importance Loci, the
is emphasized
solution proposed by the authors meets the criteria of cultural
in the document of the International Council of Monuments and Sites [20]. heritage protection, whose
importance is emphasized in the document of the International Council of Monuments
and Sites [20].
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 13 of 14

The use of contemporary handmade roofing tiles, fired in traditional coal-fired Hoff-
man furnaces, which give the shape, size, and color of historic tiles, makes it possible
to achieve a quality roof covering. The importance of this problem can be learned from
numerous publications [21–24].
In the case of the presented case study, the change in the method of investment, i.e.,
the abandonment of the originally designed contemporary tiles in favor of handmade
ceramic tiles made according to 19th-century technology in coal-fired Hoffmann cookers
and the in situ conservation of part of the original tiles, resulted in an extension of the
investment from one to three years and a significant threefold-increase in costs. However,
because of a different method of revitalizing the roof covering of the building compared
to that originally envisaged, it was possible to preserve the historic elements of the roof.
This was achieved in compliance with both contemporary technical requirements and the
requirements of the conservation doctrine, thus precisely complying with the requirements
recommended by UNESCO [25] for the protection of the historic urban landscape.
This is particularly evident where, along with the original, cleaned, and structurally
reinforced roofing elements, new ones have been built in, but produced according to a
model and technology corresponding to the historic technology. On the one hand, this
approach meets the technical requirements of contemporary standards, while on the other
hand, it does not obliterate the original historic appearance of the monument by introducing
modern elements that do not harmonize with the original historic substance. An additional
and perhaps the greatest benefit of the approach proposed by the authors is that, despite
the coherent and harmonious appearance of the historic building0 s revitalized roofing, the
use of 19th-century tiles makes it possible and, more importantly, will in the future enable
specialists to identify and differentiate between original and contemporary elements. In
the opinion of the authors, this approach also perfectly fulfills the authenticity document
requirements of the Nara [26] for the preservation of the originality of historical elements.

5. Conclusions
In the opinion of the authors, the use of tiles formed by hand and fired according
to 19th-century technology in coal-fired Hoffman kilns not only meets the technical and
conservation requirements in the case of historic buildings, but also prevents many of
the disadvantages that accompany the replacement of roofing with new, machine-made
contemporary roofing. The tiles, which are a precise reproduction of the geometry, texture,
and color of the original roofing elements, are in keeping with the conservation doctrine
of preserving the traces of our ancestors0 activities and presence as accurately as possible.
They do not introduce cognitive dissonance when viewing the monument, as is the case
with additions or the replacement of original elements with completely new ones, but only
supplement or finally replace the destroyed elements in a way that allows the monument
to be fully perceived in its original form without falsifying its history.
There are doubts about the cost of making new handmade tiles or maintaining old
tiles compared to using contemporary materials. The question is: Is it easier and quicker to
replace the roof covering with a new one made of commonly available materials? While
preserving for posterity the authenticity of heritage buildings, together with their scientific
and historical significance, and fulfilling the requirements of conservation doctrine, we
should revitalize the roof coverings of historic buildings in a way that allows the building0 s
unadulterated past to be maintained. This choice should not be questioned.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, K.A. and Ł.B.; methodology, Ł.B.; software, K.A. and
Ł.B., M.N.-A., M.K. and M.P.-M.; validation, M.N.-A. and M.P.-M.; formal analysis, Ł.B. and M.P.-M.;
investigation, K.A., Ł.B., M.N.-A. and M.P.-M.; resources, K.A., Ł.B., M.N.-A., M.P.-M. and M.K.; data
curation, Ł.B. and M.P.-M.; writing—original draft preparation, K.A., Ł.B., M.N.-A., M.P.-M. and
M.K.; writing—review and editing, K.A., Ł.B. and M.K.; visualization, Ł.B. and M.P.-M.; supervision,
K.A. and Ł.B.; project administration Ł.B.; funding acquisition, K.A. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Materials 2022, 15, 7835 14 of 14

Funding: This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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