There is a huge range of different roof tiles and slates which are suitable for a myriad of different purposes and applications. Roofing systems come in a wide variety of colours, shades and styles from a host of world-leading brands and manufacturers.
If you are considering which roofing material is suitable for your project then this guide will give you a rundown of the different types of roof tiles and explore their advantages and disadvantages.
Natural slate tiles provide a uniquely attractive finish to a roof and are able to last a lifetime. The fact that these tiles are made from a natural stone product means that they have a multitude of benefits. They are completely fire resistant as well as being naturally waterproof. The heavy, dense slate material will make your home more energy efficient by preventing warm air from entering or escaping. Slate roofing tiles are also an environmentally friendly roofing option as slate is a naturally-occurring material.
Natural slate is, however, very heavy and some homes may need to be structurally reinforced to take the weight. Slate tiles are also easily breakable and given the unique nature of slate, it can be difficult to find an exact match when replacing tiles. Available in a wide variety of colours, sizes and thicknesses, for many, the natural beauty of a slate roof tile is incomparable and worth the increased price you will have to pay compared to other roof materials.
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Man-made slate tiles (or artificial slate roof tiles) present a cheaper alternative to natural slate. Fibre cement tiles, for example, combine the benefit of modern slate technology with the look of natural slate. Fibre cement is formulated with a mix of cement, silica and fillers, together with a blend of cellulose and synthetic fibres. They have the benefit of being durable, reusable and lightweight, which reduces roof loading.
The main drawback of synthetic roof tiles is that during production they are not very eco-friendly. Creating the tiles is an energy-intensive process which can lead to high levels of CO2 and other emissions. The synthetic polymers are also not biodegradable and are non-recyclable. While they do present a cheaper alternative to natural slate, man-made slate tiles have a less authentic appearance and may not last as long as a real slate roof.
EPDM rubber/plastic roof tiles are becoming increasingly popular, mainly thanks to their eco-friendly credentials. Designed to give a traditional slate appearance, rubber slate tiles offer high performance and have all of the characteristics you can expect from a traditional slate tile. They are long-lasting, fire-resistant, environmentally friendly and extremely energy efficient.
Rubber roofing systems need to be installed by a professional who has experience working with rubber and flat roofs. While EPDM rubber roofing is durable, colours can fade and damage can occur. It is, however, usually relatively easy to fix and can be avoided when opting for a slightly thicker membrane.
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Clay roof tiles are produced by baking moulded clay and come in a range of colours which include shades of white, yellow, orange and brown. Terracotta is the most popular and consistently used clay colour. Clay tiles are able to last well over 100 years when installed correctly and they are fire and weather resistant. Like natural slate, clay roof tiles are made from a naturally occurring source and are thus an environmentally friendly roofing material. Clay roofs are also energy efficient, with the curved shape of a clay tile allowing for ventilation on a hot day and their heavy thermal mass helping to insulate your home during cooler weather.
While the finished result of a clay tile roof is beautiful, that does come at quite a high price. A clay roof is also incredibly heavy and you may need to check that your building is able to handle the weight of the finished roof. Clay roof tiles can be tricky to install and you would need a qualified roofer to do the job correctly. They are also not 100% wind resistant and can move around or fall off your roof in high winds and extreme temperature changes can cause clay tiles to become brittle.
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Concrete roof tiles present a versatile choice for your roof as they can be found in a wide variety of shapes, designs and colours. Made from a mixture of sand, cement and water, which are moulded under heat and high pressure, concrete tiles are known for their toughness and durability. They are also fire-resistant and relatively eco-friendly as concrete is made out of natural materials.
Like clay roof tiles, concrete tiles are tricky to install and relatively heavy. Concrete is one of the heaviest choices of material which means that your roof may need to be reinforced. While concrete is relatively low maintenance, these tiles have a higher water absorption rate than clay meaning that moss and mildew can become a problem if not properly treated. Concrete tiles are also fragile and can be prone to breakage.
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Lightweight roof tiles can give you the benefits of using a traditional tile appearance with a low weight. They are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners as they can be installed on virtually any building type. Suitable for homes, offices, garden buildings and more, they are easy and safe to install for both DIYers and tradespeople. Lightweight roof tiles are also designed to minimise noise transfer from rain and hail and they are available in a wide variety of traditional and bold colours.
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Reproduction roof tiles are available from companies who specialise in reproductions of discontinued roof tiles. Using moulds that replicate the required profile, they're perfect for those who need a few tiles to fit in with their existing roof. While generally more expensive than regular tiles, they can be colour matched and even weathered so they don't look out of place.
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