Planning on replacing your roof, or building a new home and need to choose roofing materials? You’ll need to decide on the best option for your needs and budget, as well as the finished look of your home. It might be tiles, slates, shingles or something else – there are lots of options to choose from.
In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of 5 of the most popular roofing materials in the UK. This should help you compare what’s out there and make an informed decision.
Option 1 – Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles, also known as bitumen shingles, are made from asphalt – a by-product of the oil industry.
They’re a popular choice in the UK, mainly because they’re relatively affordable and easy to install. However, they’re not necessarily the most environmentally friendly choice, as they’re made from materials derived from petroleum.
Pros:
- Available in a wide range of colours and styles
- Easy to install
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not environmentally-friendly
- Unsuitable for homes in areas which experience high winds
- Not as durable as other roof materials, lasting around 20-30 years.
Option 2 – Clay Tiles
As you’d expect from the name, clay tiles are made from natural clay, which has been fired in a kiln at very high temperatures (just like pottery). This process makes the clay waterproof.
Clay tiles are a very popular choice among UK homeowners, many of whom love the Mediterranean-inspired look. But clay tiles offer more than just good looks, as they are very durable. However, they need maintenance and can be time-consuming to install due to their weight.
Pros:
- Pretty durable, lasting around 50 years on average
- Resistant to fire, insect and rot damage
- Available in a wide choice of colours and styles.
Cons:
- Clay tiles are heavy, which makes them expensive to install
- Regular maintenance is needed to prevent the growth of moss and algae.
Option 3 – Slate
Known as a premium roofing material due to its appearance and higher cost, slate is a natural material. Raw slate is mined from a quarry and cut down using precision tools into smaller slate tiles. It’s known for its very long lifespan, although it requires a strong roofing structure due to the weight of the tiles.
Pros:
- Very durable, lasting up to 200 years
- Resistant to fire, insect and rot damage
- Comes in a variety of colours and styles
- Luxurious aesthetic appeal.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other materials
- Slate is heavy, so requires a strong roofing structure to support it.
Option 4 – Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles look similar to clay tiles, but are made from concrete and tend to be cheaper. They are reasonably durable, although require regular maintenance to limit the growth of moss and algae.
Pros:
- Pretty durable, lasting around 50 years on average
- Resistant to fire, insect and rot damage
- Available in a choice of colours and styles
- Relatively affordable.
Cons:
- Concrete tiles are heavy, so they need a strong roof structure to support them
- Regular maintenance is needed to prevent the growth of moss and algae.
Option 5 – Metal Roofing
The last option is a little more unusual for homes in the UK, but it’s one that is growing in popularity.
Metal roofing comes in many forms, from corrugated or box profile roofing sheets right through to shingles and standing seam roofing. It offers a distinctive look, along with other benefits such as requiring little maintenance. However, they tend to have a higher initial cost than other types of roofing material.
Pros:
- Pretty durable, lasting around 50 years
- Energy efficient
- Striking modern appearance
- Available in many style and colour options.
Cons:
- More expensive to install than other roof types
- Can dent or scratch easily
- Can be noisy during rain or hail.
