Best Roof Tiles to Use | Concrete & Clay Roof Tile Guide

By james Hill
8 min read
Best Roof Tiles to Use | Concrete & Clay Roof Tile Guide - JJ Building Materials

What Is the Best Roof Tile to Use?

Choosing the best roof tiles for your property is one of the most important decisions you will make during a roofing project. Whether you are constructing a new build, replacing an ageing roof, or carrying out repairs, the type of roof tile you select will directly impact durability, weather resistance, appearance, and long-term maintenance costs. With so many tile materials and profiles available, understanding the differences is essential to making the right choice.

In the UK, roofing systems must withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including heavy rain, frost, high winds, and prolonged UV exposure. Selecting high-quality tiles from trusted manufacturers ensures your roof performs reliably for decades. At JJ Building Materials, we supply industry-leading roof tiles suitable for domestic, commercial, and trade projects nationwide.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Roof Tile

Roof tiles are not just a visual feature; they are a critical protective layer that safeguards your property from the elements. A poor-quality or incorrect tile choice can lead to water ingress, increased maintenance, and premature roof failure. By selecting the correct tile material and profile, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof while maintaining kerb appeal and property value.

Modern roof tiles are designed to meet strict British Standards, ensuring strength, consistency, and compatibility with contemporary roofing systems. Whether your priority is cost efficiency, heritage appearance, or long-term durability, understanding your options will help you make a confident decision.

Concrete Roof Tiles Explained

Concrete roof tiles are one of the most widely used roofing materials in the UK. Manufactured from a blend of cement, sand, and pigments, concrete tiles offer excellent structural strength and weather resistance. Their consistent shape and size make them easy to install, helping to reduce labour time and overall project costs.

Concrete tiles are particularly well suited to large roof areas and housing developments, where uniform appearance and reliability are essential. They are available in a variety of profiles, including plain tiles and interlocking designs, making them suitable for both traditional and modern properties.

Another key benefit of concrete roof tiles is their affordability. Compared to clay alternatives, concrete tiles provide a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance. With proper installation and maintenance, concrete tiles can last 40–60 years, offering excellent value over their lifespan.

Clay Roof Tiles Explained

Clay roof tiles are renowned for their natural appearance and long-lasting performance. Made from kiln-fired clay, these tiles develop a distinctive patina over time, enhancing the character of traditional and period properties.

Clay tiles are highly durable and resistant to fading, meaning they maintain their colour and appearance for decades. They are often specified for heritage projects or properties located in conservation areas, where authenticity and visual appeal are paramount.

While clay roof tiles typically come at a higher initial cost than concrete options, their exceptional longevity and minimal maintenance requirements make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners and developers.

Marley Roof Tiles

Marley roof tiles are among the most trusted products in the UK roofing industry. Known for their quality, innovation, and technical reliability, Marley tiles are widely used by professional roofers across residential and commercial projects.

Marley offers a comprehensive range of concrete and clay tiles, allowing specifiers to achieve the desired look while meeting performance requirements. Their tiles are engineered for consistent sizing and strength, ensuring smooth installation and long-term protection.

Popular options include the Marley Concrete Plain Roof Tile, which delivers a traditional aesthetic, and the Marley Double Roman Concrete Roof Tile, ideal for fast coverage and bold rooflines.

Redland Roof Tiles

Redland roof tiles, part of the BMI Group, are synonymous with quality and reliability. Redland has been supplying roofing products for decades and is trusted by roofers, architects, and developers throughout the UK.

Redland concrete tiles are designed to offer excellent water resistance and durability, making them suitable for exposed locations and challenging weather conditions. Their consistent profiles also make them ideal for roof replacements where matching existing tiles is important.

Key products include the BMI Redland Concrete Plain Roof Tile and the BMI Redland 49 Concrete Roof Tile, both offering proven performance and ease of installation.

Clay Roof Tiles from Redland

For projects requiring a premium or heritage finish, the BMI Redland Rosemary Clay Classic Roof Tile is an excellent choice. This tile delivers traditional charm combined with modern manufacturing standards, making it suitable for both restoration and new-build projects.

Clay tiles from Redland offer long-term colour stability, frost resistance, and natural ventilation properties, contributing to a healthier and more durable roofing system.

Which Roof Tile Is Best for Your Project?

The best roof tile ultimately depends on your project requirements. Concrete roof tiles are ideal for cost-effective builds, extensions, and developments where consistency and durability are essential. Clay roof tiles are better suited to projects where appearance, heritage, and longevity take priority.

Factors such as roof pitch, local planning requirements, and environmental exposure should always be considered before making a final decision. Consulting with experienced suppliers ensures you select tiles that meet both performance and aesthetic needs.

Why Buy Roof Tiles from JJ Building Materials?

JJ Building Materials supplies high-quality roof tiles from trusted manufacturers, ensuring reliability on every project. Our competitive pricing, expert advice, and nationwide delivery make us a preferred supplier for both trade professionals and homeowners.

From Marley roof tiles to Redland roof tiles, concrete solutions to clay classics, we stock everything you need to complete your roofing project with confidence.

Browse our full range of roof tiles today and get high-quality building materials delivered directly to site. Choose JJ Building Materials for trusted products, expert support, and dependable service every time.

How to choose roof tiles for a real UK roofing job

Both clay and concrete tiles are capable of giving excellent service when they are correctly specified and installed. The better option is not always the most expensive tile or the one with the longest headline lifespan. Roof pitch, local exposure, the existing structure, matching requirements and the manufacturer's fitting instructions matter just as much. If you are replacing only part of a roof, compatibility with the original covering can decide the question before colour or price comes into it.

Clay and concrete: the differences that matter

Clay tiles are made from fired natural clay and are valued for their traditional character and colour. Concrete tiles are formed from a cement-based mix and are available in a wide choice of profiles, including large-format interlocking designs. Many concrete tiles represent good value on straightforward roof areas. Some clay products can offer a particularly appealing finish on older buildings, but the cost of the complete installation can be higher depending on tile format and labour.

Neither category has one fixed weight or one universal minimum pitch. A concrete interlocking tile and a small plain clay tile can differ greatly in number of units per square metre, batten requirements and overall roof loading. Always use the specific product's technical sheet. Don't assume a tile can be fitted at a low pitch simply because another tile from the same manufacturer can.

Three questions to ask your roofer before ordering

  1. Will the structure support the proposed covering? Re-roofing with a different tile type may alter roof loading. Any concerns should be checked by a competent professional.
  2. What is the actual pitch and exposure? Measure the slope and check whether the site is particularly exposed to wind-driven rain. The approved pitch is linked to the exact tile, headlap and fixing specification.
  3. Which fittings are required? Ridge, hip and verge details, ventilation, underlay, battens and fixings can affect both cost and performance. Budget for the full system rather than just the field tiles.

How many roof tiles do you need?

Start with the measured roof slope area, then use the manufacturer's coverage rate per square metre. Allow separately for hips, valleys, ridges and any recommended waste, particularly on complicated roof shapes. Dormers, roof windows and several short slopes can increase cutting losses. For straightforward areas, checking the ordered quantity against the roofer's setting-out plan can prevent delays or surplus pallets.

Frequently asked questions about roof tiles

Can you mix clay and concrete tiles on the same roof?

You should not mix types or profiles casually. Tiles need compatible dimensions, laps, fixing methods and weathering performance. Different products may also carry different weight and visual characteristics. Use the roof system guidance and ask the manufacturer about compatibility before making a repair.

Are concrete tiles always cheaper than clay?

Not always. A tile's unit price only tells part of the story. Compare installed cost, which includes the number of tiles per square metre, accessories, fixings, labour and wastage. A more expensive interlocking tile may be quicker to install than an inexpensive small-format tile in a particular design.

Which roof tile looks best on an extension?

For an extension, think first about the existing roof and planning requirements. Matching profile, texture and weathered colour helps the new work sit naturally alongside the original house. Request physical samples where possible and assess them outside. A colour name on a product page rarely tells you exactly how a finished roof will look in daylight.

Compare the available Marley, Redland, clay and concrete roof tiles, and remember to plan the rest of your roofing supplies at the same time.