Clay plain tiles (machine-made)
Small, flat clay tiles laid in overlapping courses. The classic English roof.
- 35°+
- 60–100+ years
- £££ Higher
Tiles, slates and flat roofs
Every common roof covering in one place. Search and filter by material, colour and roof pitch, open any tile for the full details, then ask us to quote with the one you like.
Roof coverings
Showing all 40 roof coverings
Handmade clay plain tiles
Plain tiles with an uneven, hand-formed character for heritage roofs.
- 40°+
- 100+ years
- ££££ Premium
Clay pantiles
S-shaped clay tiles: the red (and black-glazed) roofs of the Yorkshire coast.
- 30°+
- 60–100 years
- £££ Higher
Clay interlocking pantiles
The pantile look with interlocking edges for lower pitches and faster laying.
- 22.5°+
- 60+ years
- £££ Higher
Clay flat interlocking tiles
Large, flat clay tiles with crisp lines for a clean modern roof.
- 15°+
- 60+ years
- £££ Higher
Clay Double Roman tiles
Two rolls and a wide pan in fired clay, on fairly low pitches.
- 17.5°+
- 60+ years
- £££ Higher
Clay Spanish and barrel tiles
Deep, rounded Mediterranean tiles with a strong shadow line.
- 22.5°+
- 60–100 years
- ££££ Premium
Concrete plain tiles
The plain-tile look at a lower cost.
- 35°+
- 50–70 years
- ££ Mid-range
Concrete Double Roman tiles
Large interlocking tiles with two rolls. One of Britain’s most common roofs.
- 17.5°+
- 50–60 years
- £ Budget
Concrete bold roll tiles
A single generous roll for a chunkier, pantile-like look.
- 22.5°+
- 50–60 years
- £ Budget
Concrete flat interlocking tiles
Flat, slate-effect concrete tiles. Neat, modern and economical.
- 17.5°+
- 50–60 years
- £ Budget
Concrete interlocking pantiles
The pantile wave in concrete, quick to lay and very good value.
- 17.5°+
- 50–60 years
- £ Budget
Concrete slate-effect tiles
Thin-edged interlocking tiles that look like slate from the ground.
- 17.5°+
- 50–60 years
- ££ Mid-range
Low-pitch concrete tiles
Specially shaped interlocking tiles for very shallow roofs.
- 12.5°+
- 50–60 years
- ££ Mid-range
Welsh natural slate
Blue-grey or heather slate from North Wales. The benchmark for quality.
- 20°+
- 100+ years
- ££££ Premium
Spanish natural slate
Blue-black natural slate. The most widely used slate in the UK today.
- 20°+
- 75–100 years
- £££ Higher
Brazilian slate
Smooth, dark grey-black slate at a keen price.
- 20°+
- 50–75 years
- ££ Mid-range
Fibre cement slates
Light, uniform man-made slates for a neat look at a sensible price.
- 20°+
- 30–40 years
- ££ Mid-range
Recycled composite slates
Tough, light slates moulded from recycled materials.
- 12°+
- 40–60 years
- ££ Mid-range
Yorkshire stone slates
Heavy sandstone slates in diminishing courses. True Pennine heritage.
- 30°+
- 100+ years
- ££££ Premium
Reconstituted stone slates
The stone-roof look in moulded, lighter units.
- 25°+
- 50–60 years
- £££ Higher
Cedar shingles and shakes
Natural timber tiles that weather to a soft silver-grey.
- 14°+
- 30–40 years
- £££ Higher
Bitumen (felt) shingles
Light, flexible strip shingles for sheds, cabins and small roofs.
- 15°+
- 15–25 years
- £ Budget
Stone-coated steel tile sheets
Pressed steel panels shaped like tiles, very light and strong.
- 12°+
- 40–50 years
- ££ Mid-range
Zinc standing seam
Crisp metal sheets joined by raised seams, for very low pitches.
- 3°+
- 60–100 years
- ££££ Premium
Half-round ridge tiles
Rounded tiles that cap the top of the roof.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- £ Budget
Angular ridge tiles
Crisp, angled ridge tiles for a sharper roofline.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- £ Budget
Bonnet hip tiles
Curved hip tiles that follow plain-tile courses round the corner.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof
- £££ Higher
Dry ridge and dry verge systems
Mechanically fixed ridges and verges: no mortar to crack and fall out.
- Fitting
- Low maintenance for decades
- ££ Mid-range
Segmental ridge tiles
A shallow curved ridge, softer than half round.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- ££ Mid-range
Third-round hip tiles
Rounded tiles that cap the sloping hips of a roof.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- ££ Mid-range
Valley tiles and dry valleys
Tiles and troughs that carry water where two slopes meet.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- ££ Mid-range
Roof ventilation tiles
Tiles with hidden vents that let a roof breathe.
- Fitting
- As long as the roof
- ££ Mid-range
GRP fibreglass
A seamless, hard-wearing flat roof that can be walked on.
- Flat roof
- 25–30+ years
- ££ Mid-range
EPDM rubber membrane
A single sheet of synthetic rubber: flexible and very long-lasting.
- Flat roof
- 30–50 years
- ££ Mid-range
Torch-on felt
Layered bitumen felt with a mineral finish. Tried, tested and cost-effective.
- Flat roof
- 20–30 years
- £ Budget
Liquid rubber coating
Brushed-on waterproofing that seals awkward details perfectly.
- Flat roof
- 15–25 years
- ££ Mid-range
Single-ply membrane (PVC and TPO)
Light, welded sheets for large and modern flat roofs.
- Flat roof
- 25–30+ years
- £££ Higher
Mastic asphalt
Hot-laid, seamless and extremely hard-wearing.
- Flat roof
- 30–50 years
- £££ Higher
Rolled lead sheet
Hand-dressed lead for flashings, bays, dormers and turrets.
- Flat roof
- 100+ years
- ££££ Premium
No tiles match all of those. Try removing a filter, or ask us: we work with plenty of tiles not listed here.
Figures are typical guides. The exact minimum pitch, weight and lifespan depend on the manufacturer, your roof’s exposure and how it’s fixed. We’ll confirm what suits your roof at a free inspection. Pictures are illustrations.
Clay · Plain tile
Clay plain tiles (machine-made)
Small rectangular clay tiles with a slight curve, hung on battens with a double overlap so every point of the roof has at least two layers. Machine-made versions give a neat, even finish and weather beautifully over the decades.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 35° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60–100+ years
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Coverage
- About 60 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Plain tile
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Very long-lasting and colourfast
- Small format suits curves, dormers and turrets
- Colour deepens attractively with age
Things to consider
- Heavier than interlocking tiles
- More tiles per m² means more labour
- Needs a steep pitch
Where you'll see it: Victorian and Edwardian houses, and good-quality new builds.
Clay · Plain tile
Handmade clay plain tiles
Each tile is pressed and fired by hand, so no two are quite alike: slightly irregular shapes, edges and colours give a softer, more textured roof. Often required on listed buildings and in conservation areas.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 40° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 100+ years
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- ££££ Premium
- Coverage
- About 60 tiles per m²
- Style
- Heritage · Plain tile
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Unmatched character and texture
- Exceptionally long-lasting
- Usually accepted by conservation officers
Things to consider
- The most expensive tile option
- Needs a steep pitch
- Heavy
Where you'll see it: Cottages, listed homes and restored period properties.
Clay · Pantile
Clay pantiles
A single S-shaped wave that overlaps the tile beside it. Red clay pantiles, and the black-glazed versions, are a familiar sight on older houses along the Yorkshire coast and in North Yorkshire villages. Traditional pantiles are laid with mortar or clips; modern versions often interlock.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 30° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60–100 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Coverage
- About 15–16 tiles per m²
- Style
- Heritage · Pantile
Colours
- Red
- Orange
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Strong regional character
- Fewer tiles per m² than plain tiles
- Long-lasting clay
Things to consider
- Needs a reasonable pitch
- Traditional laying needs experience to keep watertight
- Original sizes can be hard to match
Where you'll see it: Fishermen’s cottages, farmhouses and terraces across North Yorkshire.
Clay · Interlocking pantile
Clay interlocking pantiles
A modern clay pantile with interlocking side and head locks, so each tile keeps water out on its own. You get the look of a traditional pantile roof on lower pitches, laid quickly and fixed securely.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 22.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60+ years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Coverage
- About 13–15 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Interlocking pantile
Colours
- Red
- Orange
- Brown
Good for
Pros
- Works on lower pitches than traditional pantiles
- Quicker to lay
- Clay durability and colour
Things to consider
- Less irregular than handmade pantiles
- Costs more than concrete equivalents
Where you'll see it: Re-roofs of older pantile houses and new homes in rural areas.
Clay · Flat interlocking
Clay flat interlocking tiles
A large-format flat clay tile that interlocks at the sides and head, giving a smooth, contemporary roof with the colour stability of fired clay. Popular on modern extensions and new builds.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 15° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60+ years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Coverage
- About 12–14 tiles per m²
- Style
- Modern · Flat interlocking
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Crisp modern appearance
- Clay won’t fade
- Fewer tiles than plain tiles
Things to consider
- Pricier than concrete flat tiles
- Less suited to traditional streets
Where you'll see it: Contemporary new builds and extensions.
Clay · Double Roman
Clay Double Roman tiles
The classic Double Roman profile, two slim rolls with a broad flat pan between, made in clay rather than concrete. It keeps its colour for decades and interlocks, so it can go on lower pitches than most clay tiles.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 17.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60+ years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Coverage
- About 15 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Double Roman
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Clay colour that doesn’t fade
- Interlocks for lower pitches
- Fewer tiles per m², so quicker to lay
Things to consider
- Costs more than the concrete version
- Bold profile isn’t right for every house
Where you'll see it: Cottages, bungalows and houses across the south and west, and some Yorkshire re-roofs.
Clay · Spanish / barrel
Clay Spanish and barrel tiles
Half-round barrel tiles, or one-piece S-shaped Spanish tiles that copy the same look, in terracotta clay. They give a warm, sunny Mediterranean roof and are mostly used on feature buildings, extensions and outbuildings rather than terraces.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 22.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60–100 years
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- ££££ Premium
- Style
- Heritage · Spanish / barrel
Colours
- Orange
- Red
- Buff
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Very long-lasting clay
- Distinctive, characterful look
- Sheds water quickly down the deep channels
Things to consider
- Not a typical Yorkshire look, so check local planning
- Heavy, and the rounded tiles need careful bedding at ridges and eaves
Where you'll see it: Villas, garden rooms, porches and some coastal homes.
Concrete · Plain tile
Concrete plain tiles
Made to the same small format as clay plain tiles and laid the same way, concrete plain tiles give the traditional look for less. The colour is applied to the surface, so they mellow over time.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 35° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–70 years
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Coverage
- About 60 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Plain tile
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Cheaper than clay plain tiles
- Traditional appearance
- Hard-wearing
Things to consider
- Surface colour can fade
- Heavy
- Needs a steep pitch
Where you'll see it: Post-war and modern houses with a traditional style.
Concrete · Double Roman
Concrete Double Roman tiles
A large concrete interlocking tile with two rounded rolls and a flat pan between. Quick to lay and good value, it covers a huge number of post-war and modern homes and works on fairly low pitches.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 17.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Coverage
- About 10 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Double Roman
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Low cost per m²
- Fast to lay
- Suits low pitches
Things to consider
- Bold profile isn’t to everyone’s taste
- Colour fades over time
- Can collect moss
Where you'll see it: Bungalows, semis and estate houses built from the 1950s onwards.
Concrete · Bold roll
Concrete bold roll tiles
A large interlocking concrete tile with one bold, rounded roll and a wide pan, giving a deep shadow line similar to a pantile. Economical, robust and suited to lower pitches.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 22.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Coverage
- About 10 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Bold roll
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong shadow lines
- Quick to lay
Things to consider
- Heavier than clay pantiles
- Surface colour fades
Where you'll see it: Modern estates and rural new builds.
Concrete · Flat interlocking
Concrete flat interlocking tiles
A large flat concrete tile that interlocks, giving a smooth, slate-like roof at a fraction of the cost of real slate. Thin-edged versions have a crisper, more slate-like edge.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 17.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Coverage
- About 10 tiles per m²
- Style
- Modern · Flat interlocking
Colours
- Grey
- Blue-grey
- Brown
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Low cost
- Clean, contemporary lines
- Suits low pitches
Things to consider
- Doesn’t have the depth of real slate
- Surface colour can fade
Where you'll see it: Re-roofs of bungalows and semis, and new builds.
Concrete · Interlocking pantile
Concrete interlocking pantiles
A large concrete tile with a single wave, like a clay pantile, and interlocking edges. It’s one of the most common tiles on 1960s to 1990s homes in the north, and it suits low pitches.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 17.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Coverage
- About 10 tiles per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Interlocking pantile
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Low cost per m²
- Fast to lay
- Suits low pitches
Things to consider
- Surface colour can fade over time
- Heavier than clay per tile
Where you'll see it: Post-war estates, bungalows and garages across Yorkshire.
Concrete · Flat interlocking
Concrete slate-effect tiles
An interlocking concrete tile with a thin leading edge and a smooth or riven face, so a finished roof reads like slate. You get the slate look at a lower cost, laid much faster and on lower pitches.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 17.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Coverage
- About 10 tiles per m²
- Style
- Modern · Flat interlocking
Colours
- Grey
- Blue-grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Convincing slate look
- Quick to lay
- Lower cost than natural slate
Things to consider
- Heavier than real slate
- Not usually accepted in conservation areas
Where you'll see it: Modern estates and re-roofs where slate was too costly.
Concrete · Low-pitch interlocking
Low-pitch concrete tiles
Interlocking concrete tiles with deep channels and extra-tight locks, designed for roofs too shallow for ordinary tiles. They let porches, extensions and dormers have a tiled finish instead of a flat roof covering.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 12.5° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Low-pitch interlocking
Colours
- Grey
- Brown
- Red
Good for
Pros
- Tiles where they wouldn’t normally work
- Neat, matching finish
- Robust and good value
Things to consider
- Fewer colours and profiles to choose from
- Details must follow the maker’s low-pitch rules exactly
Where you'll see it: Single-storey extensions, lean-tos and porch roofs.
Natural slate · Slate
Welsh natural slate
Split from quarries in North Wales, Welsh slate is famously hard-wearing, with a fine grain and subtle blue-grey or heather-purple tones. It’s the original slate on countless Victorian terraces and lasts well over a century.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 20° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 100+ years
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- ££££ Premium
- Coverage
- About 20 slates (500 × 250 mm) per m²
- Style
- Heritage · Slate
Colours
- Blue-grey
- Grey
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Outstanding lifespan
- Natural, non-fading colour
- Lighter than tiles
Things to consider
- Premium price
- Fixed slate by slate, so slower to lay
Where you'll see it: Victorian and Edwardian terraces across the north of England.
Natural slate · Slate
Spanish natural slate
Natural slate from Spain gives the real-slate look at a lower price than Welsh. Quality varies between quarries, so we use graded, tested slate from reputable sources for a long, trouble-free life.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 20° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 75–100 years
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Coverage
- About 20 slates (500 × 250 mm) per m²
- Style
- Traditional · Slate
Colours
- Blue-grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Genuine slate for less
- Colourfast
- Light
Things to consider
- Quality depends on the quarry
- Slower to lay than tiles
Where you'll see it: Re-slated terraces and new homes.
Natural slate · Slate
Brazilian slate
A natural slate from Brazil with a very smooth, even face and a deep grey to black colour. It costs less than Welsh or the best Spanish slate, and quality varies between quarries, so it pays to choose a tested, graded product.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 20° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–75 years
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Coverage
- About 20 slates per m²
- Style
- Modern · Slate
Colours
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Real slate for less
- Smooth, uniform finish
- Light on the roof structure
Things to consider
- Quality varies by source
- Shorter life than the best Welsh slate
Where you'll see it: Newer homes and extensions wanting a crisp slate finish.
Man-made slate · Slate
Fibre cement slates
Thin, flat slates made from cement reinforced with fibres. They’re perfectly uniform, very light and quick to fix, giving a tidy slate-style roof for considerably less than natural slate.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 20° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 30–40 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Coverage
- About 13 slates (600 × 300 mm) per m²
- Style
- Modern · Slate
Colours
- Blue-grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Very light
- Uniform and neat
- Lower cost than natural slate
Things to consider
- Shorter life than natural slate
- Can look flat compared with the real thing
Where you'll see it: Extensions, dormers and new builds.
Man-made slate · Slate
Recycled composite slates
Moulded from recycled plastics and minerals with a natural-looking textured face. They’re light, flexible and hard to break, which makes them practical for exposed roofs and awkward access.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 12° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 40–60 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Slate
Colours
- Grey
- Blue-grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Light and impact-resistant
- Made from recycled content
- Textured, natural look
Things to consider
- Newer product with less track record
- Systems vary, so detailing must follow the maker
Where you'll see it: Re-roofs where weight or breakage is a concern.
Stone · Stone slate
Yorkshire stone slates
Thick slabs of split sandstone laid in courses that get smaller towards the ridge. Yorkshire stone roofs are part of the county’s character, especially in the Dales and Pennine towns, and are often protected in conservation areas.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 30° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 100+ years
- Weight
- Very heavy
- Relative cost
- ££££ Premium
- Style
- Heritage · Stone slate
Colours
- Buff
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Centuries of life
- Irreplaceable local character
- Stones can often be reused
Things to consider
- Very heavy, so the roof structure must be suitable
- Expensive and specialist work
- Reclaimed stone can be scarce
Where you'll see it: Farmhouses, mills and stone cottages in the Dales and West Yorkshire.
Stone · Stone slate
Reconstituted stone slates
Made by casting crushed stone and cement in moulds taken from real stone slates, laid in diminishing courses. A more affordable and lighter way to get a stone-roof appearance on new work.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 25° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Style
- Traditional · Stone slate
Colours
- Buff
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Stone character for less
- Consistent supply
- Lighter than natural stone
Things to consider
- Not always accepted on listed buildings
- Still a heavy roof
Where you'll see it: New homes and extensions in stone-built villages.
Timber & shingles · Shingle
Cedar shingles and shakes
Thin tapered tiles of Western red cedar, sawn (shingles) or split (shakes). They start honey-brown and silver over a few years. Light and natural, they suit garden buildings, extensions and contemporary homes.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 14° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 30–40 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Style
- Heritage · Shingle
Colours
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Beautiful natural look
- Very light
- Naturally rot-resistant timber
Things to consider
- Needs more care than tiles or slate
- Fire rules limit where it can be used
- Split shakes need about 20°
Where you'll see it: Garden offices, lodges, eco homes and some period cottages.
Timber & shingles · Shingle
Bitumen (felt) shingles
Strips of bitumen-coated glass fibre with a coloured mineral finish, cut to look like rows of tiles. They’re nailed to a boarded deck and bonded together, which makes them light, quick and good on curves and small roofs.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 15° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Style
- Modern · Shingle
Colours
- Red
- Green
- Grey
- Brown
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Low cost and very light
- Bends round curves and turrets
- Lots of colours and shapes
Things to consider
- Shorter life than tiles or slate
- Needs a solid boarded deck
- Can lift in strong wind if not well bonded
Where you'll see it: Garden buildings, playhouses and timber-framed outbuildings.
Metal · Tile-effect sheet
Stone-coated steel tile sheets
Galvanised steel sheets pressed into a tile profile and finished with a bonded stone-chip coating, so from the ground they look like a tiled roof. Each panel covers several tiles’ worth, at a fraction of the weight.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 12° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 40–50 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Tile-effect sheet
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- About a sixth of the weight of concrete tiles
- Strong in high winds
- Quiet, thanks to the stone finish
Things to consider
- Cut edges must be sealed to stop rust
- Less traditional up close
Where you'll see it: Lightweight re-roofs, extensions, mobile and park homes.
Metal · Standing seam
Zinc standing seam
Long trays of zinc joined by folded upstands (standing seams), giving clean vertical lines. Zinc forms its own protective patina, needs almost no upkeep and works from very shallow pitches up to walls.
- Typical minimum pitch
- 3° and steeper
- Typical lifespan
- 60–100 years
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- ££££ Premium
- Style
- Modern · Standing seam
Colours
- Grey
- Blue-grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Very long life with little upkeep
- Works down to about 3° (5° recommended)
- Light and fully recyclable
Things to consider
- Premium cost
- Specialist installation and good ventilation needed
Where you'll see it: Modern extensions, dormers and architect-designed homes.
Ridges & fittings · Ridge
Half-round ridge tiles
Curved ridge tiles that sit along the ridge where the two roof slopes meet. They can be bedded in mortar or, better on exposed roofs, fixed mechanically with a dry ridge system.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Style
- Traditional · Ridge
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Classic look
- Available in clay and concrete
- Matches most roofs
Things to consider
- Mortar bedding needs repointing over time
Where you'll see it: The ridge of most pitched roofs.
Ridges & fittings · Ridge
Angular ridge tiles
Ridge tiles with a straight, angled profile. They give a sharper finish than half-round ridges and suit slate and flat-tiled roofs especially well.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Style
- Modern · Ridge
Colours
- Grey
- Black
- Red
- Brown
Good for
Pros
- Crisp, tidy finish
- Works with dry ridge systems
Things to consider
- Less forgiving on uneven ridges
Where you'll see it: Slate roofs and modern flat-tile roofs.
Ridges & fittings · Hip
Bonnet hip tiles
Shaped like a bonnet, these clay tiles course in with plain tiles up the hip of the roof, giving a soft, traditional corner instead of a ridge-style capping.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Style
- Heritage · Hip
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Mixed
Good for
Pros
- Beautiful traditional detail
- Weathers with the roof
Things to consider
- Skilled, slower work
- Costs more than hip capping
Where you'll see it: Hipped plain-tile roofs on period homes.
Ridges & fittings · Ridge & verge system
Dry ridge and dry verge systems
Instead of bedding ridges and verges in mortar, these systems clip and screw them in place with weatherproof seals. Nothing to crack or wash out, which makes them ideal for windy, exposed and coastal roofs.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- Low maintenance for decades
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Ridge & verge system
Colours
- Grey
- Black
- Brown
Good for
Pros
- No mortar to repoint
- Secure in high winds
- Neat, consistent finish
Things to consider
- Visible verge units can look modern on older houses
Where you'll see it: Re-roofs and repairs, especially near the coast.
Ridges & fittings · Ridge
Segmental ridge tiles
A ridge tile with a low, curved top that sits neatly over most profiles. It’s the everyday ridge on many concrete-tiled roofs and can be bedded in mortar or fixed with a dry ridge system.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Traditional · Ridge
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Neat, low profile
- Matches most concrete tiles
- Works with dry ridge systems
Things to consider
- Mortar-bedded versions need repointing over time
Where you'll see it: The ridges of most estate houses and bungalows.
Ridges & fittings · Hip
Third-round hip tiles
Rounded cover tiles laid down the hips, the sloping edges where two roof slopes meet. They’re bedded or dry fixed, with a hip iron at the bottom to stop them sliding.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Traditional · Hip
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Clean, rounded line
- Suits most tile types
- Can be fixed dry
Things to consider
- Mortar-bedded hips need checking after storms
Where you'll see it: Hipped bungalows, semis and detached houses.
Ridges & fittings · Valley
Valley tiles and dry valleys
Valleys carry more water than any other part of a roof. Purpose-made valley tiles curve round the internal corner on plain-tiled roofs, while GRP or lead-lined valley troughs suit interlocking tiles and slates.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof, if well fixed
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Traditional · Valley
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Neat, tile-matched look (valley tiles)
- Fast, reliable dry valley troughs
- No mortar to wash out
Things to consider
- Valley tiles only suit plain tiles
- Debris must be kept clear
Where you'll see it: Wherever two roof slopes meet in an internal corner.
Ridges & fittings · Vent
Roof ventilation tiles
Vent tiles look like the tiles around them but have a hidden opening to let moist air out of the loft. Good ventilation prevents condensation, mould and rotting timbers, and is often needed when a roof is re-covered.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Follows the main roof
- Typical lifespan
- As long as the roof
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Vent
Colours
- Red
- Brown
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Stops condensation and damp timbers
- Discreet, matched to the tiles
- Helps meet Building Regulations
Things to consider
- Must match your tile profile exactly
Where you'll see it: Most re-roofed and converted lofts.
Flat roofing · Flat roof system
GRP fibreglass
Glass-reinforced plastic laid as one continuous layer and finished with a tough topcoat. Seamless, rigid and neat, with moulded trims at the edges. Great for roofs that get foot traffic, like balconies.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 25–30+ years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Flat roof system
Colours
- Grey
- Black
- Green
Good for
Pros
- Seamless, so no joints to leak
- Hard-wearing and walkable
- Neat trims and finish
Things to consider
- Needs dry weather to lay
- Can crack if the deck moves
Where you'll see it: Extensions, garages, dormers and bay roofs.
Flat roofing · Flat roof system
EPDM rubber membrane
A tough synthetic rubber membrane, usually laid in one piece on smaller roofs. It stays flexible in heat and frost, copes with movement and has a long track record on flat roofs.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 30–50 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Flat roof system
Colours
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Very long life
- Flexible in all weathers
- Often a single sheet with no seams
Things to consider
- Plain black look
- Not ideal for regular foot traffic
Where you'll see it: Garages, extensions and outbuildings.
Flat roofing · Flat roof system
Torch-on felt
Modern reinforced bitumen membranes are torched on in layers, finished with a mineral cap sheet that protects against UV. Far better than the old felt roofs, and a cost-effective choice.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Weight
- Light
- Relative cost
- £ Budget
- Style
- Traditional · Flat roof system
Colours
- Grey
- Green
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Multi-layer protection
- Easy to repair
Things to consider
- Shorter life than EPDM or GRP
- Laid with a flame, so needs care around buildings
Where you'll see it: Garages, extensions and commercial flat roofs.
Flat roofing · Flat roof system
Liquid rubber coating
A liquid membrane applied by brush or roller that cures into a seamless rubber skin. It wraps around pipes, upstands and awkward shapes where sheets are fiddly, and can renew some existing roofs.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- ££ Mid-range
- Style
- Modern · Flat roof system
Colours
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Seamless around any shape
- Quick, low-disruption install
- Can go over some existing roofs
Things to consider
- Only as good as the surface beneath
- Shorter life than sheet systems
Where you'll see it: Dormers, bays, gutters and small flat roofs.
Flat roofing · Flat roof system
Single-ply membrane (PVC and TPO)
A single layer of tough PVC or TPO sheet, with the joins welded with hot air into one continuous skin. It’s light, quick to lay over large areas, and comes in light colours that keep the building cooler.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 25–30+ years
- Weight
- Very light
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Style
- Modern · Flat roof system
Colours
- Grey
- Black
Good for
Pros
- Welded seams are very reliable
- Light and fast to lay
- Reflective colours stay cooler
Things to consider
- Specialist welding kit needed
- Can be punctured by sharp objects
Where you'll see it: Schools, offices, flats and modern extensions.
Flat roofing · Flat roof system
Mastic asphalt
Asphalt heated and spread by hand in layers to form a seamless, solid surface. It’s heavy and very durable, and it takes foot traffic, so it’s used on balconies, walkways and older flat roofs.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 30–50 years
- Weight
- Heavy
- Relative cost
- £££ Higher
- Style
- Traditional · Flat roof system
Colours
- Black
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Seamless and very durable
- Takes foot traffic
- Can be patched
Things to consider
- Heavy
- Specialist hot work
- Can crack in very cold weather if not protected
Where you'll see it: Older flats, balconies, walkways and commercial roofs.
Lead · Sheet
Rolled lead sheet
Milled lead sheet in different thicknesses (codes), cut and dressed by hand to seal junctions and cover small roofs. Properly fitted leadwork is one of the longest-lasting parts of any roof.
- Typical minimum pitch
- Flat roofs (laid to a fall)
- Typical lifespan
- 100+ years
- Weight
- Medium
- Relative cost
- ££££ Premium
- Style
- Heritage · Sheet
Colours
- Grey
Good for
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Can be shaped to almost anything
- Develops a protective patina
Things to consider
- Valuable, so a theft risk on some buildings
- Needs skilled installation
Where you'll see it: Chimneys, bays, dormers and valleys on most period homes.
Choosing the right roof
-
The pitch of your roof
Every tile has a minimum angle it can keep the rain out at. Low-pitched roofs need interlocking tiles or slate; plain tiles need a steep roof.
-
The weight it can carry
Switching from slate to concrete tiles, or to stone, can add a lot of weight. We check the roof structure before recommending a heavier covering.
-
What’s around you
Listed buildings and conservation areas often have rules about materials. Exposed and coastal roofs need extra fixing. We’ll guide you through it.
Tell us which one and we'll come and look at your roof for free, check it suits, and give you a fixed, written quote. No deposit, ever.
- No depositPay on completion, once you’re happy
- Free inspectionWith a fixed, written quote
- 24/7 call-outsFor leaks and storm damage