What Is the Best Roof Tile for Your Home in the UK?

UK is known for is ever changing weather conditions, one day is is boiling hot and another is is freezing cold. These harsh weather conditions can have a heavy impact on your tour, in particular your roof tiles. So, how do you know what is the best roof tile for your home to be able to stand up to the UK weather? Below we go into detail about the different roof tiles or slates to determine what is the best choice.

Key Factors to Consider

Weather Resistance: The main importance of a roof tile is to be weather resistant and keep the water out. If you live in a UK city like Norwich where Point Roofing & Guttering offer their services then you need to choose a tile that can handle the unpredictable weather conditions.
Durability: The different types of tiles available have a different lifespan. Some tiles are more durable and less prone to breaking, often this comes with a higher price tag.
Great Look: Roof tiles come in many styles and colours to give you a different look for your home. You want a tile that looks great but is also able to perform, it is no job having tiles on your roof that look great but need changing every 10 years.
Cost: As there are a variety of different roof tiles they also have a variety of prices. To make the right choice you can consult with a professional roofer like one of our team at Point Roofing & Guttering who can let you know the details and price of all the best tiles.
Weight: Your roof structure may only be able to handle a certain weight so if you want to change you tiles you can only choose from tiles that are a similar weight to your current tiles. Alternatively you could add support to your roof tiles so they you have a larger amount of tiles to choose from.

Popular Roof Tile Options in the UK

Clay Tiles

Pros:
- Most commonly used tile with a traditional look used on old houses like the ones in Norwich.
- The most commonly used as they are durable and can last over 100 years if maintained properly.
- Clay roof tiles are also resistant to rot, insects, and fire.
- Choose from different styles and colours.
Cons:
- More expensive than other roof tiles available.
- Your roof needs a solid support as clay tiles are heavy.
- Clay tiles can crack in extreme weather.
Best for: Period properties, cottages, and conservation areas.

Concrete Tiles

Pros:
- One of the cheapest roof tiles on the market but equal in durability.
- Available in many different styles and colours.
- Can last 50+ years with proper care and most commonly used in Norwich.
- Low maintenance and cheap and easy to replace.
Cons:
- Even more heavier than clay tiles.
- Can fade over time loosing colour and durability.
- Less environmentally friendly due to cement production.
Best for: Modern homes, homeowners with a low budget for tile replacement.

Slate Tiles

Pros:
- Natural with elegant appearance.
- Extremely durable, can last over 100 years.
- Resistant to fire, water, and frost.
- Low maintenance.
Cons:
- More expensive upfront.
- Fragile can crack if stepped on.
- Requires skilled installation.
- More difficult and costly to replace when needing repairs.
Best for: High-end homes and traditional homes.

Metal Roof Tiles

Pros:
- Lightweight and easy for roofers to install.
- Lifespan of around 50 years plus.
- Energy-efficient, reflecting heat in summer and retaining warmth in winter.
- Recyclable, making them an eco-friendly option.
Cons:
- Unless insulation is added they can be noisy when it rains.
- Are one of the more expensive tile options.
- Falling debris can cause dents and cracks that allow water to enter.
Best for: Contemporary homes, eco-friendly conscious homeowners.

Composite Roof Tiles

Pros:
- A new tile style made up from a mix of plastic, rubber, and other materials, offering durability.
- Very lightweight yet strong due to the components it is made from.
- Same style as traditional clay, concrete or slate tiles at a fraction of the cost.
- Eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials.
Cons:
- Less common, so finding suppliers and installers can be tricky but this is becoming easier everyday as more homes have them installed.
Best for: Homes that require a light weight solution like a tiled conservatory roof conversion.

What’s the Best Choice for You?

For you to make the best choice you need to think about your requires and assess your current roof. Are you looking for something that will last you a long time, do you need something budget friendly or is appearance the most important. You need to assess your roof first to see what tile options are available for your roof structure. Depending on your needs below are the best options for each requirement.

For longevity: For homeowners that want a tile to last a long time then clay and slate tiles have the longest lifespan.
For affordability: If you have a smaller budget and need a tile that will still perform then concrete tiles offer the best value for money.
For a great look: Clay or slate tiles provide a classic traditional look with metal and composite are a more modern solution.

Additional Tips Before Making a Decision

Check your roof structure and local planning restrictions as some homes and areas require specific roofing materials to be installed and can only handle a certain weight of tile.
To get the best advice consult a roofing professional like Point Roofing & Guttering. We can assess you roof and let you know the options available for your needs and the best ones to choose.
Consider long-term maintenance costs, you can just put new tiles on your roof and expect it to be done. You need to maintain your roof tiles to make them last longer and to avoid costly to repair.
Look into insulation solutions, if you are changing your roof tiles you need to also check the insulation in your roof or loft to ensure it meets building regulations.

If you are still unsure about what roofing tile is best for your roof then contact us at Point Roofing & Guttering and we can inspect your roof and help you make the best decision.