# Roofing Material Guide

> Compare roofing materials side by side. See lifespan, cost, weight, and pros/cons for concrete tiles, clay tiles, natural slate, and metal roofing.

Canonical: https://renoquant.com/roofing-material-guide
Prices updated: 2026-03

## 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).

| Property | Concrete Interlocking | Clay Interlocking | Clay Plain | Natural Slate | Fibre Cement Slate | Metal (Steel) |
|----------|---------------------|------------------|-----------|--------------|-------------------|--------------|
| Cost per m2 | EUR 8-18 | EUR 20-45 | EUR 35-65 | EUR 40-90 | EUR 15-35 | EUR 25-55 |
| Lifespan | 40-60 years | 60-100 years | 80-100+ years | 80-150 years | 30-40 years | 40-70 years |
| Weight per m2 | 43 kg | 38 kg | 55 kg | 35-55 kg | 18 kg | 5-8 kg |
| Minimum pitch | 15 degrees | 22 degrees | 35 degrees | 25 degrees | 20 degrees | 5 degrees |
| Colour retention | Fair (surface coated) | Excellent (through-body) | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good (coated) |
| Maintenance | Low | Very low | Very low | Very low | Low | Low |
| Noise in rain | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Higher (without insulation) |
| Environmental | Moderate | Good (natural clay) | Good | Excellent (natural stone) | Moderate | Good (recyclable) |

### 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.

| Tile Type | Typical Dimensions | Exposed Face | Tiles per m2 | Battens per m2 |
|-----------|-------------------|-------------|-------------|---------------|
| Concrete interlocking (bold roll) | 420 x 330 mm | 345 x 295 mm | 10 | 3 m |
| Concrete interlocking (flat) | 420 x 330 mm | 345 x 295 mm | 10 | 3 m |
| Clay interlocking | 380 x 230 mm | 335 x 200 mm | 12-14 | 3.5 m |
| Clay plain tile | 265 x 165 mm | 100 x 165 mm | 60 | 10 m |
| Spanish slate (500 x 250 mm) | 500 x 250 mm | 210 x 250 mm | 20 | 5 m |
| Welsh slate (500 x 300 mm) | 500 x 300 mm | 210 x 300 mm | 16 | 5 m |
| Fibre cement (600 x 300 mm) | 600 x 300 mm | 265 x 300 mm | 14 | 4 m |

### 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.

| Material | Weight per m2 (Installed) | 70 m2 Roof Total Weight | Structural Notes |
|----------|--------------------------|------------------------|-----------------|
| Metal standing seam | 5-8 kg | 350-560 kg | Suitable for any structure |
| Fibre cement slate | 18 kg | 1,260 kg | Suitable for most structures |
| Natural slate (thin) | 35 kg | 2,450 kg | Check rafter sizing |
| Clay interlocking | 38 kg | 2,660 kg | Standard roof trusses OK |
| Concrete interlocking | 43 kg | 3,010 kg | Standard roof trusses OK |
| Clay plain tiles | 55 kg | 3,850 kg | May need strengthened rafters |
| Natural slate (thick) | 55 kg | 3,850 kg | Requires structural check |
| Concrete plain tiles | 68 kg | 4,760 kg | Strongest structure needed |

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

| Priority | Best Choice | Runner-Up |
|----------|-----------|-----------|
| Lowest upfront cost | Concrete interlocking | Fibre cement slate |
| Longest lifespan | Natural slate | Clay tiles |
| Lowest cost per year | Concrete interlocking | Clay interlocking |
| Lightest weight | Metal standing seam | Fibre cement slate |
| Best for low pitch | Metal (5 degrees+) | Concrete interlocking (15 degrees+) |
| Period property aesthetics | Natural slate | Clay plain tiles |
| Modern aesthetics | Metal standing seam | Flat concrete interlocking |
| Environmental impact | Natural slate | Clay tiles |

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.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the best roofing material for a house?

Concrete interlocking tiles offer the best balance of cost, durability, and availability for most homes. They last 40-60 years, cost EUR 8-18 per m2 in materials, and come in a wide range of colours and profiles. For period properties or premium builds, natural slate or clay tiles provide superior aesthetics and longevity.

### How long do different roof tiles last?

Concrete tiles last 40-60 years. Clay tiles last 60-100+ years. Natural slate can last 80-150 years. Fibre cement slates last 30-40 years. Metal roofing lasts 40-70 years depending on the coating. The underlay beneath the tiles typically lasts 25-40 years and may need replacing before the tiles themselves.

### Are clay tiles better than concrete tiles?

Clay tiles last longer (80+ years vs 50 years), hold their colour permanently (the colour is inherent, not a surface coating), and are lighter per m2 for interlocking types. However, they cost 2-3 times more than concrete tiles. For most budgets, concrete tiles offer better value. Choose clay for aesthetics and longevity.

### Can I put a metal roof on a house?

Yes. Metal roofing (standing seam steel or aluminium) works well on residential properties. It is very lightweight (5-8 kg/m2), works at very low pitches (from 5 degrees), and lasts 40-70 years. It costs more than concrete tiles but less than slate. The main drawback is noise during heavy rain unless insulated properly.

### Is slate roofing worth the extra cost?

Natural slate costs 3-5 times more than concrete tiles in materials alone, plus it requires specialist installation. However, it lasts 80-150 years, looks distinctive, and can increase property value by 5-10% on high-end homes. It is worth it for period properties, conservation areas, or if you plan to stay long-term.

### What is the lightest roofing material?

Metal roofing is the lightest at 5-8 kg/m2 installed. Fibre cement slate is next at about 18 kg/m2. This matters if your roof structure has limited load capacity, such as on some extensions, conservatory conversions, or older timber frames that cannot support the 43-55 kg/m2 weight of concrete or clay.

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Interactive version with calculator: https://renoquant.com/roofing-material-guide. Figures are estimates; final quotes vary by site conditions, materials, and region.