Roof Tile Types Explained: Clay, Concrete and Slate Compared

Choosing between the main roof tile types shapes how a roof looks, how long it lasts and how much it weighs on the structure below. For most UK homes the decision sits between concrete tiles, clay tiles and natural slate, with synthetic slate as a lighter, cheaper stand-in. This guide compares the roof tile types on cost, lifespan, weight and appearance, and explains which suits a typical Kent home and streetscape.

Table of Contents

The main roof tile types at a glance

Concrete tiles: the most common and best value, with a 40 to 60 year lifespan.
Clay tiles: longer-lasting and better looking with age, 60 to 100 years, at a higher price.
Natural slate: the premium choice, 80 to 150 years, lightweight but expensive to supply and fit.
Synthetic (composite) slate: mimics slate at lower cost and weight, with a shorter life.

Underneath the choice of material sit two more decisions: the tile profile (interlocking or plain) and whether your roof structure and pitch can carry the weight. Both are covered below.

Concrete roof tiles

Concrete is the default on most post-war UK housing for good reason: it is the cheapest per square metre, widely stocked, and every roofer can fit it. Interlocking concrete tiles lock together at the edges, so fewer tiles cover each square metre and installation is quick. The trade-offs are weight and colour. A concrete tile roof can weigh 40 to 70 kg per square metre, which the roof timbers must be designed to carry, and the colour is a surface pigment that can fade or grow moss over decades. Expect a realistic service life of 40 to 60 years.

Clay roof tiles

Clay is the traditional choice across much of Kent and the South East, and it ages better than any other tile. Its colour is fired all the way through rather than coated on, so it does not fade; many clay roofs look better at 40 years than they did new as they weather and mellow. Clay plain tiles suit period and conservation-area homes where appearance matters, and they typically last 60 to 100 years when maintained. The downside is cost and, for plain tiles, the sheer number needed per square metre, which raises both material and labour. Clay is more brittle than concrete, so walking a clay roof for repairs needs care.

Natural slate

Natural slate is the longest-lasting and most prestigious covering, with a life of 80 to 150 years. It is also comparatively light, often 25 to 35 kg per square metre, which can matter on older structures. The catch is price: slate costs the most to supply and is slower and more skilled to lay, as each slate is holed and nailed individually. For a home on a slate-roofed street, matching slate protects both the look and the resale value. Over a long ownership its annualised cost can actually beat cheaper tiles you would replace twice in the same period.

Interlocking versus plain tiles

Profile affects cost as much as material does. Interlocking tiles (common in concrete and some clay ranges) overlap at the sides, so around 10 tiles cover a square metre and fitting is fast. Plain tiles (traditional clay, and slate laid in the same way) are smaller and double-lapped, so you need roughly 60 per square metre, which multiplies both the tile count and the labour. Plain tiling looks finer and more traditional, which is often exactly what a period property or a conservation area calls for, but you pay for that finish.

Weight, pitch and structural limits

You cannot always swap one tile type for another. Two constraints matter:

Weight: if you move from lightweight slate to heavy concrete, the roof structure may need strengthening. A structural engineer or building control officer should confirm the timbers can take the load.
Pitch: each tile has a minimum roof pitch below which it will not shed water reliably. Plain tiles and slate generally need a steeper pitch than large interlocking concrete tiles, so a shallow roof limits your options.

Re-roofing with a similar material is usually classed as permitted development, but conservation areas, listed buildings and any change of material can need permission. Check the current rules on the Planning Portal roof pages before you commit.

Cost per square metre compared

As a 2026 supply-and-fit guide for UK homes:

Concrete tiles: around £40 to £70 per m²
Synthetic slate: around £50 to £90 per m²
Clay tiles: around £60 to £100 per m²
Natural slate: around £80 to £140 per m²

These figures cover the covering itself; a full re-roof also includes stripping the old roof, new battens, breathable membrane, ridge and verge work, scaffolding and disposal, which are priced separately. For a full breakdown of those extras, see our new roof cost guide and how it compares with a roof repair.

Which roof tile is right for your home?

Budget and speed: concrete interlocking tiles give the lowest cost and widest installer availability.
Looks and longevity on a period home: clay plain tiles age beautifully and last generations.
A slate street or long ownership: natural slate protects the look and the resale value and lasts longest.
Slate look on a budget or a weight-limited roof: synthetic slate is a sensible compromise.

Whatever you choose, use a roofer accredited by a recognised body. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors lists vetted members at nfrc.co.uk, and matching your new roof to the local streetscape keeps a Kent home looking right and selling well.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of roof tile in the UK?

The four common choices are concrete tiles, clay tiles, natural slate and synthetic (composite) slate. Concrete is the cheapest and most common, clay lasts longer and ages well, natural slate lasts longest and looks most prestigious, and synthetic slate offers the slate look at lower cost and weight.

Which roof tile lasts the longest?

Natural slate, at 80 to 150 years. Clay tiles last 60 to 100 years, and concrete tiles 40 to 60 years. Synthetic slate has the shortest life of the group but a lower upfront cost.

Are clay or concrete roof tiles better?

Clay lasts longer and keeps its colour because it is fired through rather than coated, making it the better choice for period homes and appearance. Concrete is cheaper, heavier and quicker to fit, which makes it the better value where budget is the priority.

How much does a tiled roof cost per square metre?

As a 2026 supply-and-fit guide, concrete is about £40 to £70 per m², synthetic slate £50 to £90, clay £60 to £100 and natural slate £80 to £140. A full re-roof adds battens, membrane, ridge work, scaffolding and disposal on top.

Can I switch from slate to concrete tiles?

Not automatically. Concrete is much heavier than slate, so the roof structure may need strengthening to carry the extra load. Have a structural engineer or building control officer confirm the timbers can take it before switching.

Do I need planning permission to re-roof my house?

Re-roofing with a similar material is usually permitted development, but conservation areas, listed buildings and any change of material or roof height can require permission. Check the Planning Portal or your local council before starting.

Roof Tile Types Explained: Clay, Concrete and Slate Compared

The main roof tile types at a glance

Concrete roof tiles

Clay roof tiles

Natural slate

Interlocking versus plain tiles

Weight, pitch and structural limits

Cost per square metre compared

Which roof tile is right for your home?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of roof tile in the UK?

Which roof tile lasts the longest?

Are clay or concrete roof tiles better?

How much does a tiled roof cost per square metre?

Can I switch from slate to concrete tiles?

Do I need planning permission to re-roof my house?

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