There are many types of roofing tiles that you can choose from nowadays. Each varies in its colors, aesthetics, ease of installation, durability etc. Therefore, its suitability also depends on the individual requirements. So which roof tiles are best? That’s exactly what this article will try to address.
What Are The Most Durable Roof Tiles?
One of the most important features to look for when determining which roof tiles are best is its durability. They are highly vulnerable to the harshest of exterior conditions, so it’s important that you pick one that has high resistance to them.
A popular choice is clay tiles. Clay roofing tiles are crafted from naturally occurring clay, making them a durable, eco-friendly and sustainable choice for any home. In fact, clay roof tiles are so hardy that some of the oldest examples in England have recently been discovered to still be as usable and beautiful as they were when they were crafted hundreds of years ago.
On the other hand, slate is one of the most durable roofing materials currently on the market. They are made of 100% quartz and are resistant to fire, heat, water and other chemical or electrical damage. It’s also recyclable and doesn’t emit even a whiff of harmful chemicals, making it the eco-friendly choice for homeowners.
Metal roofing tiles are also ideal for creating a tough and sturdy roof structure that can withstand the harshest weather conditions. It also boasts a greater resistance to fire, rot, mildew, and insect than wood or composite materials.
Which Roof Tiles Last The Longest?
When choosing roof tiles, you should consider the longevity of the material. Which ones will last longest? Concrete, clay and slate are all great choices. Metal is also a long-lasting material but it doesn’t look great. Slate roofs can last well over 100 years with proper care and maintenance!
What Are The Most Cost-Effective Roof Tiles?
If you are on a budget but still want to make an investment in your property and increase the value, then concrete tiles could be the best solution for you.
Concrete roof tiles are available in many different styles and colours. This type of roof tile is manufactured using sand, water and cement mixed together with natural pigments. It’s also possible to buy lightweight concrete tiles that can be used on most structures and buildings. These often come with a 20-year manufacturer’s guarantee. You can check with your roofer on what guarantees are available.
Fibre cement slates are an affordable alternative to natural slate. They are almost indistinguishable from their rock face counterpart, and offer the same aesthetic appeal without impacting on the taste of your wallet.
Additionally, clay roof tiles are another more cost-effective option than slate. They often require little maintenance and will last for many years, making them a wise investment for the future of your property and investments.
Finally, metal roof tiles are a popular choice for both commercial and residential use. And with our straightforward buying process, the cost per m² is reduced considerably. In addition, installation takes only days compared to months with other materials.
Which Roof Tiles Are The Easiest to Install?
An option that is particularly popular amongst UK homeowners is concrete roof tiles. Concrete roof tiles are very quick and straightforward to place. Unlike other types of tile, concrete roof tile comes in large sheets. With modern fitting techniques this ensures that installation and replacement is much simpler. Concrete tiles are the easiest to install, with properties that make them beneficial for almost any structure.
Metal roof tiles are also very simple to install, but they are best used on sturdy buildings. It is a fast and practical choice which produces superior results to other options.
Plastic roof tiles, on the other hand, should be reserved for sturdier buildings as well, and they have the added complication of needing a specific type of adhesive in order to be installed properly.
Which Are The Most Eco-Friendly Roof Tiles?
If you’re looking to create a home with a lighter environmental footprint, investing in materials within your roofing is the single most effective and economical way to reduce the impact of your home on the environment.
Concrete roof tiles are made from a mixture of concrete and sand, which are both natural materials. Concrete is actually more eco-friendly than you may think, as it emits less carbon dioxide than other man-made building materials such as steel.
The life expectancy of these tiles is extremely long, making them the most economical choice in terms of their longevity.
On the other hand, slate tiles such as the IKO Slates, is made with 99% recycled materials. That’s right, these tiles are made of the same stuff you recycle at home. Not only are they recycled materials, they’re also 100% recyclable at the end of their life to eliminate the impact on the environment.
Best Roof Tiles For Increasing Energy Efficiency
This section looks at which roof tiles are best for managing energy efficiency.
When it comes to energy efficiency, few types of roof tiles are better than metal roofing. This type of roof tile reflects heat instead of absorbing it and even transfers the heat out of your home. The cool temperature that metal tiles create can reduce the amount of air conditioning you need by up to 10 percent, which saves you money on monthly bills. Unfortunately, metal roofs tend to be expensive and noisy when rain or other weather is present.
Concrete tiles are another good choice if you’re looking for an energy-efficient roof material. Concrete tiles don’t conduct heat as easily as other materials, so they make the perfect choice if you live in a hot climate. Many concrete roofs also have a coating that helps reflect sunlight, so they keep homes cooler than other options would during the summer months. Asphalt shingles are among the most popular choices in residential housing because they’re affordable and easy to install; however, asphalt shingles may not offer quite as high efficiency as some other types of roof tile.
Best Roof Tiles For Contemporary Style Properties
If you’re looking for a modern or contemporary look, then flat tiles are your best choice. They are available in a variety of different shapes, colours and sizes with many being coated with either granules or coloured coating to give them extra protection against the external elements. The most common colour is grey but they can also be found in black, red and green. You can opt for concrete tiles with their flat smooth surface or clay tiles which have a textured, riven surface and even slate tiles which are naturally occurring stone, split into thin layers.
Metal roof tiles are becoming increasingly popular as they can mimic the appearance of many other materials such as slate, wood and clay. However there is one drawback – metal roofs can become very noisy during heavy rain!
Best Roof Tiles For Traditional Style Properties
Clay tiles have been used for hundreds of years for traditional style properties as they add a touch of elegance to homes across the globe. Clay roof tiles are an attractive, traditional choice for someone who wants classic, timeless beauty. They come in a variety of profiles and colours, allowing you to personalise your home and add a stunning touch to any space.
Metal roofing is made up of durable, rust-free components that don’t require protective coatings. These state-of-the-art products are generally easier to install and more cost effective than clay while still providing the classic aesthetics that homeowners love.
Best Roof Tiles For Windy Areas UK
If you live in an area that experiences storms or high winds, it’s important to choose a tile that will be able to keep up. With incredible durability and versatility, clay tiles are able to withstand all sorts of weather with no problems. These tiles can withstand strong winds and they’re also easy to replace should any damage occur.
Metal roof tiles are also built to stay securely in place when it rains. Plus, they are very sturdy so you won’t have to worry about expensive repairs every time a storm picks up.
Which Roof Tiles Are Best For Various Projects?
This section explores some of the most practical options for various types of roofing projects in the residential and commercial space.
Conservatories
Lightweight roof tiles make a highly practical choice for this kind of project. Weighing less than 20kg per tile, lightweight roof tiles create a beautifully sleek finish for your conservatory without requiring any additional structural roof support. Available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and finishes to coordinate perfectly with any property and conservatory style.
Shed & Garden Outbuildings
A large number of shed owners choose to upgrade their existing sheds by replacing the roofing. Felt shingles are a simple and cheap way to do this, transforming an old garden shed into a beautiful, practical new addition to the garden. They are an attractive and long-lasting option for covering your garden shed roof. There is no mess or time wasted on messy adhesives that can cause the shingles to warp or discolour the wood underneath.
Garages
When you’re looking for something that is low maintenance and a great investment, synthetic roofs are ideal for your garage. Their lightweight design makes them easy to install and practical for even a DIY enthusiast. They don’t require the same kind of maintenance as others that you might find on other structures, like clay and concrete tiles.
How Do I Choose The Best Roof Tiles?
Though there are no straightforward answers as to which roof tiles are best, you could ask yourself certain questions that can determine which ones are good for your situation.
What is the design of your roof?
Flat roofs are essentially just a platform with a slight pitch so that water can run off, and therefore you cannot use slates or tiles on this type of roof. However, you can use single-ply membrane sheets made from synthetic materials.
Do you have a strong view on what material you would like to use?
Each material has its own aesthetics and appearance, so do not get carried away and make any rash decisions before considering the following:
What is your location and climate like?
Some materials are more suitable than others for certain parts of the country. For example, clay tiles work well in drier areas, while slate works better in more humid weather.
Are there any local planning restrictions?
Many local planning authorities have rules about what type of material can be used where. It’s always advisable to check with your local authority if there are any restrictions before buying any products for your roofing project.
How much money do you plan to spend?
The cost of different types of roof coverings varies widely depending on the quality and lifespan required from each material—for example, reclaimed slates may be cheaper than new ones but will require frequent replacing due to their age.
Need Help With Your Project?
Here at SPS Roofing Ltd we provide all aspects of tiled roofing services for pitched roofs for both residential and commercial properties. If you would like any help with selecting roof tiles then please feel free to get in touch for a consultation today.
