Monk and Nun

Monk and Nun, also known as pan and cover, mission tiling, Spanish tile, gutter tile, or barrel tile, is a style of arranging <a href="/facts/Roof_tile/csUmXBGs">roof tiles</a>, using semi-cylindrical tiles similar to <a href="/facts/Imbrex_and_tegula/3srxfDFQ">imbrex and tegula</a>, but instead of alternating rows of flat tiles (tegulae) and arched tiles (imbrices), both rows consist of the arched tile. The top row with the convex side facing up are the monk tiles while the bottom row with the convex side facing down are the nun tiles. <a href="/facts/Mortar_(masonry)/UsDMxYAh">Mortar</a> is often used under the monk tile to firmly attach it to the nun tile, though this can lead to failure in areas with cold winters.
Roofs with <a href="/facts/Terracotta/Yze0TnSH">terracotta</a> Monk and Nun started appearing in Southern Europe during the <a href="/facts/Middle_Ages/RqzEKB9v">Middle Ages</a>. Originally, the tiles were made from locally sourced clay and given its shape with the help of a curved surface, such as a log or the maker's thigh. With time, regions developed a preference for a specific tile size, curve shape (profile), and color or colors.

Today, Monk and Nun tiles are mass-produced from clay, metal, concrete, or composite materials in various dimensions, profiles, and colors, including colors beyond the traditional red to brown palette.

Monk and Nun open-in-new

Monk and Nun