Haverhill Roofers installs new pitched roofs in Newmarket using concrete tiles, clay tiles, natural slate and Suffolk pantiles - here's an honest guide to what each material actually involves.
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When you're having a new pitched roof fitted, the material you choose affects the cost, the look, the weight on your structure and how long the roof performs. There's no single right answer. What works well on one property may be wrong for another, so this page sets out the real pros and cons of each option we offer - without the sales spin.
Concrete interlocking tiles are the most widely used roofing material in the UK and for good reason. They're manufactured to consistent dimensions, sit flat and interlock tightly, which makes them straightforward to lay and relatively quick to source if replacements are needed later.
Pros: Lower cost than clay or slate. Available in a wide range of profiles and colours. Good longevity - typically 30 to 60 years depending on the quality of the tile and the installation. Easy to match if individual tiles need replacing in future.
Cons: Concrete is heavier than clay, so the roof structure needs to be able to bear the load - this matters especially on extensions or outbuildings with lighter rafters. The surface coating can fade over 20 to 30 years, so the colour you choose now may look different in two decades. Concrete also absorbs more moisture than clay, which can encourage moss growth on north-facing slopes.
Concrete tiles suit most standard pitched roofs. For a new extension or garage roof where budget is a priority and planning doesn't require anything specific, they're often the practical choice.
Clay tiles are fired rather than cast, which gives them a different surface quality and longer service life. A good clay tile can last 60 to 100 years without significant deterioration. They're lighter than concrete, more resistant to moisture absorption and less likely to fade.
Pros: Longer lifespan. Better colour retention. Lower weight than concrete, which reduces loading on the roof structure. More attractive to many buyers if you plan to sell.
Cons: More expensive than concrete, both in material cost and because they require closer attention to laying. Older clay profiles can be harder to source for future repairs if the manufacturer discontinues a product. Some planning authorities in conservation areas specify particular clay tile profiles, which can limit your choice.
Clay tiles are worth the extra cost if you're re-roofing a main house and want a material that performs well over a long period without needing attention.
Natural slate is a traditional roofing material with a distinct appearance that suits certain house styles well. It's thinner and lighter than most tiles, which makes it good for roofs where structural load is a concern.
Pros: Very long service life - Welsh slate and good-quality Spanish slate can last 80 to 100 years or more. Slim profile looks appropriate on older property styles. Lightweight. Does not absorb moisture in the way concrete does.
Cons: Considerably more expensive than tiles, both in material and labour - slates are fixed individually and the work takes longer. Sourcing matching slate for future repairs can be difficult if the original material is no longer quarried. Not every roofline suits a slate finish - a shallow pitch generally doesn't work with slate. Quality varies significantly between suppliers; cheap imported slate can delaminate within 20 years.
Natural slate is best suited to houses where the original roof was slate, or where planning requires it. For modern extensions and outbuildings, it's rarely the most practical choice unless appearance demands it.
Pantiles are a rolled clay tile with an S-shaped profile. They have a distinctive look that's particularly appropriate for traditional buildings in this part of the country.
Pros: Very much in keeping with local vernacular architecture. Planning authorities in some parts of the region will specify pantiles for work on older buildings. Good lifespan similar to plain clay tiles. The profile allows for some drainage even on lower pitches where a plain tile would need additional waterproofing.
Cons: Not universally available and can be more expensive than standard plain clay tiles. The profile means they don't suit all roof shapes. They require specific detailing at ridges and verges - a roofer unfamiliar with pantile work can make mistakes that cause problems later.
If you're in a village where the character of the area is important and other roofs nearby use pantiles, it's worth asking whether your planning situation requires or recommends them before you decide on a different material.
The tile or slate is only part of the job. A proper re-roof includes stripping the old covering, inspecting and repairing the rafter structure, replacing battens with new pressure-treated timber, laying a breathable underlay membrane, fitting new lead flashings at every abutment and chimney, and pointing or dry-fixing the ridge and verges. Cutting corners on any of these elements undermines even the best tile.
When you're comparing quotes, check that each one lists all these elements. A quote that covers only the tiles will look cheaper but won't give you a complete, weathertight roof.
We fit new pitched roofs on extensions, new builds, garages and outbuildings for homeowners across the area, working from our base in Haverhill. Call us to discuss the right material for your project and to arrange a survey.
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Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
