Types of Roof Tiles

Pantile Roof Tiles

Pantile roofs are always curved in shape and resemble a half-cylinder; flat pan-tile roofs are never curved. Pantiles tend to require more maintenance than conventional clay tile roofs as any damage is difficult to repair without replacing the entire tile and they're not suitable for every type of roof.

The S-tile is a variant on the pantile that curves even further than standard pantiles do. They're often used in areas where rainwater drainage isn't an issue but the curvature helps the tiles to remain watertight all year round.



Conventional clay tiles can be split into two categories: plain and ridge tiles. Plain tiles are normally used on flatter roofs while ridge tiles should be used on steeper roofs or where there's more space between each tile (for example, for a manor house). For extra strength and durability, you should always choose concrete over clay and other materials.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete is one of the most popular types of tiles and there is a wide range available,  including interlocking concrete tiles or larger cut-to-shape tiles. Unlike clay, most modern concrete tiles are made with steel mesh for reinforcement and they will generally withstand most weather conditions. For this reason, most houses use them as they can last anywhere from 50 to over 100 years (with good maintenance). However, they tend to be more expensive than clay due to the extra work involved in making them. Concrete is also heavy which means it is not easy to lift onto roofs – this means that sometimes it may be difficult to find someone who can do the job properly and safely. Clay roof tiles are lighter and cheaper than concrete; however, they come in fewer varieties. Furthermore, they are not suitable for all roofs. This type of roof tile is used when the pitch (the incline) of the roof is less than 30 degrees (34 degrees for larger tiles). They are also much lighter than concrete; hence easier to lift onto the roof. It has been known that clay tiles can sometimes crack or break in cold weather. However, this will not affect its water tightness and they can last anywhere between 40-100 years.

Slate Tiling

Slate roofing tiles are made of natural stone. They are very weatherproof, so they can last for many years. They usually need to be installed with felt or underlay beneath them - these materials protect the roof from any damage that might happen through water penetration. This is because slate tiles cannot allow rainwater in the same way other roofs do, and instead it runs straight off their surface into gutters below.



Slate tiles come in a range of colours, but some prefer white ones for their home. These types of roofing tiles look great when put on top of an old house or cottage as they have a rustic quality which complements this style well.

Slate tiles are one of the most expensive tiles available, and they're also very heavy to carry and difficult to install. This means that you will need a roofer with plenty of experience in slate roofing if you want this type for your home.

Composite roof tiles

Composite roof tiles are one of the newest and most innovative choices for today’s roofing market. Composite roof tiles (eg PVC, Eldan) consist of a polymer skin suspended on top of an organic filler such as paper or chopped glass mat. This combination makes these types of tiles more environmentally friendly than traditional clay or concrete tiles, as well as lighter and less fragile.

Composite roofing is often used in areas where homeowners are looking to upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient. Because composite tiles are light, they allow wind to pass through them—making them aerodynamic—and preventing damage that might result from heavy winds. Composite roof panels also work better in inclement weather because they don't absorb water the way tiles made with organic materials do.


Composite roofing is more expensive than traditional roofing products, but the higher initial cost often is offset by the money saved on heating and cooling costs in a home with such roofs. The long-term durability of composite roof panels also justifies their expense. These types of roofing panels can last up to 50 years, which means homeowners don't have to worry about replacing them any time soon.