The structure of your roof and the pitch it’s built at will both have a bearing on the roof covering you choose. What you cover your roof with will also have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your home. If you’re opting for (or re-covering) a pitched roof then tiles will usually be the roof covering of choice. But there’s more than one option to choose from. There are, in fact, three main categories — concrete, clay and slate with an additional fibre-cement synthetic alternative, too. Before we drill down into each type, there are a few things to consider first.
WHERE TO START?
As we often say in HB&R, it pays to take time to research and investigate options before charging ahead and buying something based on either price or looks alone. Tiles have a big job to do: they are, after all, covering your home and helping to keep it watertight. You want them to be long lasting, so knowing their expected lifespan and how much maintenance you’re likely to be faced with are points to check with suppliers. Speak to specialists, visit showrooms where you can and request samples to assess colour and weight onsite. It’s amazing how different materials look when you see them in natural light.
WHAT WILL INFLUENCE MY DECISION?
There are several factors you need to look into that will ensure you pick the right product for your roof, both in terms of the design and performance. “There are usually three considerations — which tiles look best, which last longest and the budget,” says Patrick Bell from Lifestiles. “For period and listed properties and within conservation areas, there is usually the question of which tiles are permitted by planning officers.” It’s also worth considering the following:
● “The pitch of your roof is a vital factor when choosing the right tile, particularly if it’s either very steep or flat,” says Patrick. Depending on the age of your build, or the style you want to replicate with your roof, the pitch will be slightly different. “Generally
