Roofing Material Guide

Roofing Materials Compared

Choosing the right roofing material affects the cost, appearance, lifespan, and structural requirements of your roof. This guide compares every common roofing material — concrete tiles, clay tiles, natural slate, fibre cement slate, and metal — with honest assessments of cost, durability, and practical considerations for each.

Full Material Comparison Table

This table summarises the key properties of each roofing material. All costs are material costs only (excluding labour and fixings).

Concrete Interlocking Tiles

Concrete tiles are the workhorse of European roofing. Made from Portland cement, sand, and water, pressed into moulds and cured, they offer reliable performance at the lowest cost per m2.

Advantages:

• Lowest material cost of any tile option
• Widely available from every builders' merchant
• Huge range of profiles and colours
• Rapid installation (about 10 tiles per m2)
• Good fire resistance
• Can be painted or coated to refresh appearance

Disadvantages:

• Surface colour coating fades and weathers over 15-25 years
• Heavier than clay interlocking tiles (43 kg/m2 vs 38 kg/m2)
• Can grow moss and algae in damp, shaded areas
• Shorter lifespan than clay or slate

Best for: Budget-conscious re-roofs, new builds, any project where cost-effectiveness is the priority. By far the most common choice for residential roofing.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles have been used for centuries. Modern clay interlocking tiles combine traditional aesthetics with efficient installation, while plain clay tiles create the classic look seen on period properties.

Advantages:

• Colour is fired into the clay, so it never fades
• 60-100+ year lifespan — often outlast the building
• Beautiful natural appearance that improves with age
• Lighter than concrete for interlocking types
• Resistant to moss and algae

Disadvantages:

• 2-3x the material cost of concrete tiles
• Fewer profile options than concrete
• More brittle — can crack if walked on or struck by debris
• Plain clay tiles require steeper pitch (35 degrees minimum)
• Plain tiles are very labour-intensive (60 per m2 vs 10 for interlocking)

Best for: Properties where aesthetics and longevity justify the higher cost. Period buildings, conservation areas, high-end new builds.

Natural Slate

Natural slate is a premium roofing material quarried from stone. Each piece is individually sized and holed, giving a distinctive, hand-crafted appearance.

Advantages:

• 80-150 year lifespan — the longest of any roofing material
• Unique natural beauty that adds character and value
• Excellent fire resistance (natural stone)
• Low maintenance once installed
• Environmentally sound (natural material, no manufacturing emissions)

Disadvantages:

• Highest material cost (EUR 40-90 per m2)
• Requires specialist installers (higher labour rates)
• Heavy (35-55 kg/m2 depending on slate thickness)
• Individual slates vary in thickness and colour
• Can be difficult to source matching replacements decades later
• Minimum pitch of 25 degrees

Best for: Period properties, listed buildings, conservation areas, premium builds. Properties where the roof is a key visual feature.

Common Tile Sizes and Profiles

Understanding tile sizes helps you plan orders and estimate coverage.

Fibre Cement Slate

Fibre cement slates offer a slate-like appearance at roughly half the material cost and one-third the weight of natural slate.

Advantages:

• Consistent shape and colour (factory-made)
• Lightweight (18 kg/m2) — suitable for weaker roof structures
• Works at lower pitches than natural slate (20 degrees vs 25 degrees)
• Easier and faster to install than natural slate
• Good range of colours

Disadvantages:

• Shorter lifespan than any natural tile (30-40 years)
• Can look uniform and artificial compared to natural slate
• Colour can fade over time
• Less prestigious than natural materials
• Highest cost per year of any option when lifespan is factored in

Best for: Properties that want a slate look on a tighter budget, or where the roof structure cannot support the weight of natural slate. Good for extensions and conversions.

Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing (steel or aluminium) is increasingly popular for modern architecture, extensions, and low-pitch roofs where tiles are not suitable.

Advantages:

• Extremely lightweight (5-8 kg/m2)
• Works at very low pitches (from 5 degrees)
• Fast installation (large panels cover area quickly)
• 40-70 year lifespan with proper coatings
• Fully recyclable at end of life
• Excellent for rainwater harvesting (clean runoff)

Disadvantages:

• Higher material cost than concrete tiles
• Noisy during heavy rain without proper insulation
• Can dent from large hail or fallen branches
• Expands and contracts with temperature changes (needs proper detailing)
• Limited colour changes after installation (can be repainted but it is involved)

Best for: Low-pitch roofs, contemporary architecture, extensions, agricultural buildings, and situations where weight is a constraint.

Weight Comparison and Structural Implications

Roof weight determines whether your existing structure can support a material change. This is critical when re-roofing with a heavier material.

If you are changing material type — for example, from lightweight fibre cement to heavy concrete tiles — always consult a structural engineer before proceeding.

Climate and Exposure Considerations

Your location affects which materials perform best.

• Coastal areas — Metal roofing needs marine-grade coatings to resist salt corrosion. Natural slate performs well in exposed coastal locations.
• High rainfall regions — Interlocking tiles with deep water channels handle heavy rain better than flat-profile tiles. Metal roofing sheds water instantly.
• Cold climates with freeze-thaw cycles — Low-porosity materials (slate, clay) resist frost damage better than concrete. Concrete tiles absorb more moisture and can spall after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• High wind areas — All tiles must be mechanically fixed. Metal roofing in large sheets can act as a sail if not properly secured. Interlocking concrete tiles with clips perform well in high winds.
• Conservation areas — Planning restrictions may mandate specific materials (usually natural slate or clay). Check with your local planning authority before ordering.

Making Your Decision

There is no single "best" material — only the best material for your budget, building, climate, and aesthetic preferences. Order sample tiles from suppliers before committing to a full roof of any material you have not seen in person.