Slate and tiles roofing are popular roofing solutions that create a traditional, attractive look. Like many roofing materials, roof tiles and slate roof tiles can become worn or damaged over time, particularly under extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, Darwin Constructions are on hand to provide professional slate and tiled roof repair and replacement services.

What are the Main Types of Roof Tile?

There are generally three main types of roof tiles for use upon a pitched roof, and these are; clay, concrete, and slate. The choice of tile should be informed by the pitch and the structural capabilities of a roof.

Alongside performance and aesthetic attributes all tiles have a minimum pitch requirement and weight. Building regulations can be required and this should always be given consideration with professional advice sought when replacing, constructing or re-tiling a roof.

“After a period of time the roof on existing buildings will need to be replaced. In most situations, this work will need Building Regulations approval…. If the existing roof covering is to be replaced with a different material to its original for example, slate to tiles, then approval under the Building Regulations is likely to be needed to ensure the roof will be adequate in terms of structural stability”

What is a Clay Tile?

Clay roof tiles are one of the most popular tile choices and these durable attractive tiles are created from the traditional material of kiln baked clay / terracotta and aggregate. The tiles historic individual hues and textures were created due to the firing temperatures, firing times and the initial mix, however today colour precision is achieved with high-quality dyes. Requiring little maintenance, fire, pest and decay resistant when professionally installed this product has good longevity. These tiles can be heavy, and can be more expensive initially, but this can be offset by the low level and minimal cost of required ongoing maintenance

“Using clay, slate or concrete gives a roof a longer life expectancy.”

What is a Concrete Roof Tile?

Concrete roof tiles are a heat and pressure moulded mixture of sand, cement and water. Interlocking ribbed edges enhance prevention of water infiltration.

These durable interlocking or plain tiles should have a similar life expectancy to clay tiles with a minimum of 30 years in average conditions. As concrete tiles can be created in a range of colours and designs to replicate other materials, they account for around 60 percent of the UK market. Quick to fit and cost effective, they can blend well with other types of tile, providing excellent coverage capacity with less weight than a clay alternative.

A roof is defined as a thermal element of a property, and energy efficiency should therefore be considered when deciding upon a tile.

Concrete interlocking tiles can achieve an ‘A+’ rating (the lowest environmental impact) in the BRE’s Green Guide to Specification. Projects using these concrete tiles can now achieve extra credits under BREEAM and The Code for Sustainable Homes.