Choosing Roof Tiles for Renovation Projects

They come in an array of shapes and sizes, from widely-used plain and pantile versions to more decorative designs.

Plain clay units work well on steeper roof pitches; as a rule of thumb, they should be laid at a minimum gradient of 35°. Pantiles, on the other hand, can be fitted at 30°.

Originally imported from the continent, S-shaped pantiles are known for the distinctive trough-like effect they create across the roof.

Other ornate profiles include bull-nose and club tiles, which often sit beautifully on heritage homes.

Handmade clay roof tiles from Lifestiles were specified for this barn conversion in Essex

Hand and machine-made options are available, with your choice likely to be largely dictated by your budget. “Machined versions are manufactured by extruding a flat slab of clay, which is pressed into a mould and fired in either tunnel or box gas-fired kilns,” says Chris.

This produces tiles of an identical size, shape and texture, and can be quite effective in establishing clean lines for a contemporary renovation.

Heritage styles are available to mimic a historic look. “With handmade tiles, experienced craftsmen take clay banks and mould them to size individually, before drying and firing them,” says Chris.

This solution tends to be favoured for period properties, as it’s more likely to be in keeping with the building’s character. However, it’ll also cost more.

“Machine-made roof tiles vary in price between around £13 and £30 per m2. Genuine handmade examples start from around £30 per m2, rising up to more than £60 per m2 for some reproductions of historic designs,” says Chris.

Slate

This natural product offers a timeless, hard-wearing roofing solution. Split from large blocks of the material by hand, slate tiles feature an attractive riven texture across their surface and high-quality units can deliver a service life of up to 150 years.

Traditionally, a minimum pitch of 20° was recommended, however modern techniques mean they can be laid as low as 15° in unexposed locations.

In terms of design, there’s an array of shapes and profiles to suit your refurbishment’s requirements.

Slate offers a highly distinctive aesthetic and an excellent service life of up to 150 years. This tile is from Cupa Pizarras

“Square, rectangle, bull-nosed (rounded on the bottom) and diamond-cut units are all available,” says Allan Lidell, sales and representative manager at Cupa Pizarras.

“The latter two styles can create a distinctive look on a highly bespoke building or statement project, though rectangle is the most common.”

UK slate is treasured for its distinctive appearance and durability, though as a premium product it will typically cost within the region of £35-£40 per m2.

Goods sourced from Brazil, Spain and China could cost as little as £18 per m2 but be sure to check their quality and provenance before you buy.

Stone

A characterful covering that’s commonly used in the regions close to where it’s sourced, such as limestone units in the Cotswolds.

This home features Dreadnought clay roof tiles

Depending on the type you choose, this material tends to come in at the top end of the market, potentially rising above the cost of handmade clay and slate.

Stone tiles can be laid at a minimum pitch of 20°, however, most units will require a roof gradient of at least 30°. Bear in mind that stone is a much heavier material than clay and slate, so unless your roof was designed for this covering, it may need to be reinforced to take the additional weight.

Roof tile alternatives

Substitute products can make for a smart choice if you’re on a tight budget.

Concrete tiles are a popular alternative to clay, for example. “The closest in appearance are the small format, mock-bonded concrete units,” says Chris.

Available from Travis Perkins, this Sandtoft concrete plain tile features a reddish-brown hue, giving it a warm appeal

However, because the colour is not baked all the way through, the warm hue of your roof is likely to fade over time due to sun exposure.

Concrete is significantly heavier than clay, too, so reinforcement might be required.

Fibre-cement tiles, available from the likes of Cembrit and Marley Eternit, are a lightweight, low-maintenance and easy-to-install substitute for natural slate. Marley’s Rivendale, Birkdale, Garsdale and Thrutone ranges can all be used at roof pitches as low as 15° – opening up extra design options.

Roof tiles costs

What it will cost to tile or slate a roof depends as much on the complexity of the design as it does on your final product choice.

In this table we have concentrated just on the cost of the tiled finish (including battens, nails and other fixings). It’s important to remember, however, that your choice of tile system may also affect the cost of the roof structure beneath.

Read in full: How to Cost your Roof Tiles

Top image: This handsome Victorian rectory has been re-roofed in Dreadnought tiles’ Collingwood blend to provide an elegant yet rustic finish