The production of Dutch roof tiles started in the 14th century when the use of fireproof building materials was ordained by government. At that time houses were made of wood and with straw roofing, putting whole cities at risk to destruction by fire. Many small roof tile makers set up production near river

River

A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea, or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water. Small rivers may also be called by several other names, including...

s where both clay

Clay

Clay is a general term including many combinations of one or more clay minerals with traces of metal oxides and organic matter. Geologic clay deposits are mostly composed of phyllosilicate minerals containing variable amounts of water trapped in the mineral structure.- Formation :Clay minerals...

 and transportation were available and began to produce roof tiles by hand using wooden molds to fill the newly created demand. The area near the cities Alphen aan den Rijn

Alphen aan den Rijn

Alphen aan den Rijn is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland, between Leiden and Utrecht. The town is situated on the banks of the river Oude Rijn , where the river Gouwe branches off. The municipality had a population of 72,674 in 2010, and covers an...

, Belfeld, Coutrai, Deest

Deest

Deest is a town in the Dutch province of Gelderland. It is a part of the municipality of Druten, and lies about 9 km south of Wageningen.In 2001, the town of Deest had 1497 inhabitants...

, Echt, Tegelen

Tegelen

Tegelen is a village in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands. It was an independent municipality until 2001, when it was merged into the municipality of Venlo.-Tiglian:...

, Utrecht

Utrecht

Utrecht is a city in the Netherlands.The name may also refer to:* Utrecht , of which Utrecht is the capital* Utrecht , including the city of Utrecht* Bishopric of Utrecht* Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Utrecht...

 and Woerden

Woerden

Woerden is a municipality and a city in the central Netherlands. Due to its central location between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, and the fact that it has excellent rail and road connections to those cities, it is a popular town for commuters who work in those cities.-Population...

 were very popular.

Roof tiles were dried in special cabinets where wind-driven air was directed to and around the tiles. After the tiles dried, they were fired in an outdoor kiln

Kiln

A kiln is a thermally insulated chamber, or oven, in which a controlled temperature regime is produced. Uses include the hardening, burning or drying of materials...

. There was no control of kiln temperatures, leading to inconsistent dimensions and coloring. Most of these small early factories closed down or merged.

S-shaped pantiles

Pantile (roof material)

A pantile is a type of fired roof tile, normally made from clay. It is S-shaped in appearance and is single lap, meaning that the end of the tile laps only the course immediately below...

 were one of the first tile models put in production, starting in the 14–15th century, evolving into one of the most-used tiles in the world. The shape, size and smooth curve is unique on every roof. During the industrial revolution

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times...

 the Boom, Belgium region was the main source for handmade and extruded pantiles.

Roof tileworks Gebr. Laumans

The Gebr. Laumans roof tile works was located in the area around Tegelen. Quirinus and Caspar Laumans took over the business from one of the small manufacturers in 1864. Production started with 6 tile makers, 2 kilns, and 1 horse and wagon, at approximately 200.000 roof tiles a year (mainly pantiles). Quirinus Laumans expanded the business with additional factories in Bracht, Bruggen and Kaldenkirchen. Gebr. Laumans specialized in roof tile models such as Mulden, improved pantile, tuile du Nord, Roman, Bullet and interlocking tile.

Roof tileworks Meeuwissen de valk

The roof tile factory of Meeuwissen de Valk was founded in 1900 by Jos Meeuwissen when he took over the PHENIX tile factory. His successor, Willem Meeuwissen, was known for innovating and patenting of tile models earning de Valk a reputation for the development of new roof tile models and glazed colors. In the year of 1965 the total production was up to 7.000.000 roof tiles, most sold in the Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...

 but some also in Scandinavia

Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...

.

Roof tileworks Jos Kurstjens

The J. Kurstjens roof tile work was located near Tegelen and specialized in several roof tile models, including the Mulden, improved pantile Tuile du Nord, Roman, Bullet and interlocking tile. Using machine mixed clay, their tiles became known for their durability.