IN-PERSON: Prague – Section B

Abstract

The use of clay roof tiles has spread throughout Asia and Europe including Malaysia since the early 17th century. The numerous types of heritage clay roof tiles used in Malaysia’s Government Buildings dated 1865, 1919, 1936 were mostly imported from India, France and Italy. Thus far, these heritage clay roof tiles are still found throughout Malaysia including the ‘interlocking’ type. The purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges in preserving heritage clay roof tiles used in Malaysian government buildings; particularly the ‘interlocking’ type, the changes of material and their impact towards maintenance issues through literature reviews together with preliminary observation on various sites and interviews. Initial findings show some evidence that the heritage clay roof tiles are still intact and being used. However, the usage of modern roof materials such as metal deck has steadily increasing most probably due to easy maintenance and more economical. This is quite contradicting with the basic principles in building conservation. Furthermore, some building owners were struggling to maintain and retain its looks and authenticity while facing the increasing cost of the original material. In addition, as a result of inadequate knowledge in conservation, the owner and the end user has made unsuitable alteration and changes to the building. Various aspects need to be considered in order to sustain its usage and its original looks by looking at the proper maintenance aspects of the heritage clay roof tiles to prolong the building life for future generation preferences.