When choosing roofing tiles, the decision can feel daunting and as with any decision in roofing refurbishment, there are a number of factors to consider when looking at different roof tile types, including price, durability and even style.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing roofing tiles for your roof.
Type of material
Arguably the most important factor to consider in your roofing tiles decision is the material of the tiles. Whether it is a curved roof or flat roofing structure, there is no one size fits all approach as certain materials will be best for certain projects.
The material of the roofing tile will also play a part in the exterior appearance of the building so it’s important to think about what will look good. Not only this, but taking into account the style of roof tiles in the surrounding area is advised if you would prefer for your building to blend in, rather than stand out.
Certain materials may perform better in certain areas, so it’s important to think carefully about your options. Whether you are wanting metal roof tiles or plain tiles, getting your tile material right is vitally important. Some of the most popular tile options are as follows:
Clay roof tiles
Clay tiles have been used for thousands of years. They are strong and durable and usually weigh between 40 and 50 kg per square metre, making them lighter than a concrete tile with concrete, natural stone however they may be heavier than timber and natural slate tiles.
Although durable, the extra weight that comes with clay roof tiles should be considered in terms of requiring additional structural support.
There is also style choice when it comes to clay roof tiles. Available in shades of red, brown, orange and grey, they can also be bought as hand-crafted tiles or in a machine-made format. There is a difference in price and appearance for hand-crafted vs. machine-made and it really comes down to personal preference and budget.
Concrete roof tiles
Similar in appearance to clay, concrete roof tiles can be a more cost effective choice compared with other materials.
Concrete is durable, low maintenance and fire resistant and is available in similar colour ranges to clay (reds, oranges, greys etc).
Slate tiles
Slate tiles can be seen on millions of properties nationwide and are predominantly a popular choice because of their appearance. They are recognised as a classy, timeless choice.
But what about some of their perks?
Slate tiles are incredibly long lasting. Whereas most conventional roofing systems offer a life expectancy of 20-30 years, slate roofing tiles can last for up to a century. This also makes them an environmentally friendly choice as they do not need to be replaced as often.
One of the biggest cons of slate tiles however, is the cost compared to more traditional tiles. If you are running a tight budget for your project, then slate tiles may not be the choice for you. Often priced at nearly five times as much as other roofing materials, it is still worth keeping in mind that the lifespan of slates can outweigh the initial upfront cost.
Roof Pitch
Although you may prefer the appearance of a certain roof tile material, an important consideration is choosing the right roof tile type for the pitch of the roof. For example, is the roof tile suitable for vertical applications?
If you are unsure then let us know and we can advise on the right tile type for the roof pitch.
Price, Weight, Installation
Overall, the three main things to consider when choosing roofing tiles is: Price, Weight Installation.
Price
As we’ve mentioned, the price of roofing tiles can vary greatly depending on the material, style and quality. Working to your budget is of course, important, but so is considering the value you will receive from your tile choice.
Weight
Although the style is an important consideration to make, you need to be sure that the weight of the tiles you’ve chosen is appropriate for the structural integrity of your roof. For example, if choosing concrete tiles, you may require additional structural support when installing them.
Installation
Each roofing tile type will have a slightly different installation process and it’s therefore something you should consider at the start of your project. For example, metal tiles can be installed directly over an existing roof, whereas tiles such as slate require a specialised installation process.
Roofclad Systems can help you with choose tiles for your roof
Here at Roofclad Systems, we focus on delivering the best customer service to our clients, and that starts with the many decisions involved in commercial roofing. Speak to a member of our team today who would be happy to advise you on your project.