Slate, Clay or Concrete? Choosing Roof Tiles for Your Stafford Home
If you are having a new roof fitted, one of the biggest decisions is what is going to cover it.
For many homeowners, a roof tile is simply a roof tile until somebody starts talking about clay, concrete, slate, profiles, colours and weights.
Then suddenly there is quite a bit to think about.
The right roof covering needs to suit the property, work with the roof itself and provide reliable protection from the weather.
Appearance matters too. Your roof makes up a large part of the outside of your home, so changing the covering can noticeably alter how the whole property looks.
Here are some of the main things Stafford homeowners should consider.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete tiles are widely used on homes across the UK.
They are available in numerous colours and profiles, which makes them suitable for many different styles of property.
One advantage is choice. Depending on the roof, you may be able to select a tile that gives a traditional appearance or something cleaner and more contemporary.
Concrete tiles are also commonly available, which can make future replacement of individual damaged tiles more straightforward when the correct match is still manufactured.
As with any roofing material, correct installation is essential.
The weight, pitch of the roof, fixings and manufacturer’s requirements all need to be taken into account rather than choosing a tile based purely on appearance.
Clay Roof Tiles
Clay tiles can give a roof a distinctive traditional finish.
Their natural colour and variation often works particularly well on older properties or houses where a warmer, more traditional appearance is wanted.
There are many different styles of clay tile, from plain tiles to profiled designs.
A clay roof can look superb, but suitability still needs to be checked carefully.
Changing from one type of roof covering to another is not always as simple as taking the old tiles off and putting different ones back.
The structure, battens, pitch and overall roofing system have to be suitable for the chosen product.
Natural Slate
Slate is another traditional roof covering found on many British properties.
It creates a relatively clean, flat appearance and is particularly associated with period homes, although slate can also work extremely well on modern buildings.
Natural slate varies in colour, thickness and finish depending on where it comes from.
When repairing an existing slate roof, matching the existing slates as closely as possible can make a big difference to the finished appearance.
Slate roofing also requires the correct installation techniques. Individual slates need to be properly fixed and laid at the correct headlap for the roof.
What About Artificial or Fibre Cement Slates?
There are also manufactured slate-style products available that create a more uniform appearance.
These can suit certain homes and projects particularly well.
As with concrete, clay and natural slate, the decision should be based on more than looks alone.
Roof pitch, exposure, weight, fixing requirements and the design of the building all need considering.
There is no single material that is automatically best for every house.
Should You Keep the Same Roof Covering?
Often, yes.
If the existing tiles or slates suit the property and have performed well, replacing them with a similar product can make good sense.
It helps retain the character of the building and can make the finished roof look like it naturally belongs there.
That is particularly worth considering on older streets where surrounding properties have a consistent style.
There are situations where changing the roof covering makes sense, but the implications should be checked first.
Think About the Whole Roof, Not Just the Tiles
A new roof is far more than the material you can see from the street.
Underneath the tiles or slates are components such as battens, membrane and the roof structure itself.
There may also be valleys, leadwork, ventilation, ridge systems, verges, chimneys and roof windows to consider.
That is why selecting a roof covering should form part of the overall roofing specification rather than being treated as a decorative choice.
The nicest-looking tile in the catalogue is not much use if it is unsuitable for the roof it is being fitted to.
Matching Roofing Materials on Extensions
Extensions can be particularly interesting.
In many cases, homeowners want the new section of roof to blend with the original house as closely as possible.
Matching an older roof exactly is not always possible because tiles weather over time and some older products may no longer be manufactured.
However, selecting the right profile, material and colour can help the new roof sit much more naturally alongside the existing building.
Sometimes reclaimed materials may also be considered where appropriate.
What About Older or Character Properties in Stafford?
Stafford and its surrounding areas have a mixture of property styles and ages.
If you own an older property, it is worth giving extra thought to how a replacement roof will affect its appearance.
The cheapest or most readily available tile will not necessarily be the right choice.
And if a property is listed, subject to particular planning restrictions or situated somewhere with additional requirements, it is sensible to check what permissions or specifications may apply before changing roofing materials.
Colour Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Might Think
A roof covers a large visual area.
Changing from a warm-toned tile to a dark slate-effect product, for example, can completely alter the appearance of the house.
It is worth looking at full roofs finished in the product you are considering rather than relying entirely on one small sample.
Think about how the colour will work alongside the brickwork, render, windows, guttering and neighbouring properties.
A roof is going to be there for a long time. It is worth choosing something you will still be happy with once the scaffolding has disappeared.
Ask Before You Decide
You do not need to become a roofing-material expert before having a new roof installed.
A good roofer should be able to explain which coverings are suitable, the differences between the available options and any practical issues that need considering.
At A Stevens, we install and repair roofs across Stafford and the surrounding areas.
If your property needs a new roof, we can inspect the existing roof, discuss suitable materials and explain the options in straightforward terms.
Our aim is to help you choose a roof that suits your property, performs properly and gives you confidence for years to come.
Get in touch with A Stevens for friendly advice and a free, no-obligation quote.