Roof Tile: Ultimate Guide
Today we’re talking tiling. Roof tiles are very common in the UK; they’re a great way to keep your home warm and dry, even during the wettest winter months.
But there are a few different types to choose from, and your tiles need looking after if you want them to be at their best.
Types of Roof Tile
What sets your roof tiles apart is the material they’re made from. Here are the most common:
- Slate
- Clay
- Concrete
- Cedar Shake
- Composite
- Metal
- Solar
- Copper
Some of these you’ve probably never heard of, but they are out there if you know what you’re looking at. Copper and metal tiles, for example, are becoming more popular on new builds and renovations thanks to their unmatched durability and unique look.
Slate, clay, and concrete tiles are still as popular as ever. They’re tough, look great, and are all easy to take care of (more about that later!). But just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they should be the only tiles you consider when it’s time for a change.
Cedar shake tiles are one of our favourite types. These are made from cedar wood, giving the roof a rustic look that suits a wide range of architectural styles. If you’re renovating an older building, and want to keep that old-school style, this is a great way to protect the roof without ruining its iconic look.
Despite being made from wood, cedar’s natural oils protect it from insects and decay. However, wood is still not as tough as the other materials we’ve mentioned, so cedar shake tiles will need regular inspection and maintenance. Keep this in mind before you commit to it.
The Best Roof Tiles
So which material is best for your roof? Well if you’re having a new one fitted, it’s mostly down to personal preferences, as well as your budget.
This may sound like a bit of a cop-out, but all the materials we listed are great for roofs, and all have their pros and cons.
Let’s use slate tiles as another example. This is one of the toughest roofing materials, with excellent insulation and a 100-year lifespan if you keep it well-maintained. But all this comes with a cost; quite literally! Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials, so it’s not ideal if you have a lot of roof and not a lot of budget.
If you’re redoing your roof, some people prefer to stick with the same tiles already in place. This can simplify the process and means you can keep any old tiles still doing their job, giving you more budget for your other redecorating projects.
With energy bills rising every year, investing in an eco-friendlier roof tile can save you a lot of money long-term. Some materials have better insulation than others, but for the biggest savings, solar tiles are the way to go. These will have to be fitted by specialists, and they aren’t cheap, but they look nicer and will work better than having full solar panels fitted to your new roof.
All types of roof tile will look different too. If you have a certain image for your home in mind, make sure you choose the tiles to match. Even tiles that are the same material, but a slightly different colour, will have a big impact. It’s best to be 100% sure what they’ll look like before work begins. This is where composite roof tiles shine, as they can be made to look like any other type of tile and are light and easy to install.
But no matter which type of tile you choose, ripping out your existing roof and replacing every tile is an expensive and time-consuming job; one many people would rather avoid. If this sounds like you, read on because we have the perfect solution.
Roof Tile Thermal Coating – The Best Alternative to Replacing Roof Tiles
Instead of replacing your tired roof tiles, our incredible thermal coating solution will give them a new lease on life.
Your roof is the centrepiece of your home’s exterior; it deserves to look its best. Regular cleaning will help with this, especially if you call in the professionals to do it. However, cleaning only does so much, and your tiles will still wear away over time. In winter, when more rain, snow, and grime build up on your roof, you’re more likely to experience leaks or feel like the insulation isn’t working as well as it should be.
Our thermal coating isn’t just cosmetic. Not only will it enhance the look of your tiles, but it also improves insulation and energy efficiency. With winter closing in fast, it’s more important than ever to prevent excess heat from escaping through your roof. No one wants to be chilly on Christmas morning!
With a range of colours available, we can match your existing tiles or freshen them up with something new. No matter which colour you choose, we guarantee your roof will be free from moss and lichen, and the sealant needs 0 maintenance!
This coating can be used on a wide variety of roof tile materials, meaning it’s accessible for most homeowners. If your home is an investment, and you’re looking to add kerb appeal before it’s time to sell, this is a great way to improve the look of your roof without costly renovation work.
We do much more than just apply the coating too. Before we begin, we’ll always conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to check for damage and excess wear. And if we find anything that needs addressing, we’ll sort it for you, replacing and fixing tiles and flashing wherever necessary.
Why Choose Improve A Roof?
We’re one of the best roofing specialists in the North West, and it’s not just because of our incredible roofing care solutions. We understand that your roof means a lot to you, so we take the time to chat with you and establish your exact needs. This builds trust and ensures the finished product is exactly how you imagined. And during the job, we’ll keep you in the loop with regular updates.
If you’re looking to improve your roof, but don’t want to splash out on a full tile replacement, we’re here to help.