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IS 13317:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for clay roofing country tiles, half round and flat tiles -specification. This standard specifies the requirements for two types of traditional clay roofing tiles: half-round and flat, commonly known as country tiles. It covers dimensions, tolerances, and physical properties like water absorption, transverse strength, and permeability. The standard provides testing methods to ensure a minimum quality level for these vernacular roofing materials.
Clay roofing country tiles, half round and flat tiles -Specification
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Clay and Stabilized Soil Products
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Country tiles are often irregular. Ensure proper overlap during installation as per tradition or manufacturer's guidance to prevent leakage.
! Due to their lower transverse strength compared to modern machine-made tiles, handle them with care during transport and installation to minimize breakage.
! The 'impermeability test' described in Annex C is a crucial quality check; it ensures tiles won't leak under ponded water.
EN 1304:2013CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Clay roofing tiles and fittings - Product definitions and specifications
Specifies requirements and test methods for clay roofing tiles and fittings for pitched roofs.
ASTM C1167 / C1167M - 19ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Clay Roof Tiles
Covers clay tiles intended for use as roof covering, including profiles similar to those in IS 13317.
AS 2049-2002Standards Australia, Australia
MediumCurrent
Roof tiles
Specifies requirements for both terracotta (clay) and concrete roof tiles, including testing.
BS EN 1304:2013BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Clay roofing tiles and fittings. Product definitions and specifications
The British adoption of the European standard EN 1304, covering the same scope.
Key Differences
≠IS 13317 focuses specifically on traditional 'country tiles' (half round and flat), often with less dimensional precision, whereas standards like EN 1304 and ASTM C1167 cover a vast range of modern, interlocking, and high-precision machine-extruded tiles.
≠International standards (EN 1304, ASTM C1167) have mandatory and rigorous freeze-thaw resistance tests for tiles intended for use in colder climates. IS 13317 does not specify a freeze-thaw test, reflecting the predominantly tropical and subtropical climate of India.
≠EN 1304 requires CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) which details specific characteristics like geometric properties, strength, and durability. IS 13317 specifies minimum compliance values but lacks this formal performance declaration framework.
≠The test for water permeability in EN 1304 is a quantitative method resulting in an 'impermeability factor', while the IS 13317 test is a qualitative pass/fail observation for water percolation over 24 hours.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally based on the use of fired clay (terracotta) as the primary material for the manufacturing of the roofing tiles.
≈A mandatory test for transverse breaking strength (or flexural strength) is a core requirement in all standards to ensure tiles can withstand physical loads.
≈All standards specify a maximum limit for water absorption to ensure the durability of the tile and prevent excessive weight gain and frost damage (where applicable).
≈General quality requirements are common across all standards, requiring tiles to be well-burnt, consistent in texture, and free from defects like cracks, warpage, or lime pitting that would impair performance.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Water Absorption (by mass)
≤ 20%
≤ 10.5% (for Grade 1 tiles)
ASTM C1167
Transverse Breaking Load (min, Half Round Tile)
500 N
≥ 1330 N (Average, for Low Profile Type II)
ASTM C1167
Transverse Breaking Load (min, Flat Tile)
350 N
≥ 600 N (for a typical flat tile, value depends on span)
EN 1304:2013
Freeze-Thaw Resistance Test
Not specified
Required for many regions; pass/fail after 150 cycles (EN 1304, Method C) or 50 cycles (ASTM C1167).
EN 1304:2013 / ASTM C1167
Permeability Test
No percolation of water after 24 hours.
Impermeability factor 'C' must be ≤ 0.6 (Method 2)
EN 1304:2013
Dimensional Tolerance on Length
± 2.5%
± 2.0% (Regularity of shape)
EN 1304:2013
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Maximum average water absorption20% by mass
Maximum water absorption for individual tile24% by mass
Minimum average transverse breaking load450 N
Minimum transverse breaking load for individual tile350 N
Permeability Test ResultShall be impermeable (no water drip after 24h)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Half Round Country Tiles
Table 2 - Dimensions of Flat Country Tiles
Table 3 - Physical Requirements for Clay Roofing Tiles
What is the maximum allowed water absorption for country tiles?+
The average water absorption for a sample should not exceed 20% by mass (Table 3).
What is the minimum breaking strength required for these tiles?+
The average transverse breaking load should not be less than 450 N when tested as per Annex B (Table 3).
How can I check if a tile will leak?+
The standard specifies a permeability test (Annex C) where the tile is subjected to a head of water for 24 hours. No drops of water should fall from the underside.
What are the standard types of country tiles covered by this code?+
The code covers two types: Half round country tiles and flat country tiles (Clause 1.1).