Roof Tiles

What are roof tiles?

Tiles are the most popular form of roofing and have been used by many homeowners over the years. It is a vital part of a property, and with so many types of roofing tile available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one would be best for your property.

How do roof tiles work?

Roof tiles work by using their ability to cover the roofing and encourage water to run down them, with no areas for pooling. This makes them appealing to customers, as there’s then no risk of water damage or leakages.

What types of roof tiles are there?

Originally, most roofing tiles were made from terracotta, however nowadays stone-based materials like clay, concrete and slate are more common. This is because stone is harder than terracotta - making it more durable. As well as terracotta, there are a wide range of different roof tile materials within the marketplace.

Concrete

One of the most used tiles for roofing and is a man-made material so it creates a strong alternative to natural tiles. They are widely popular because they are well-known for being durable and long-lasting. Concrete tiles also contain water locks which prevent water infiltration and are resistant to hard types of weather like hail and wind. They also last for a very long time, with a life expectancy of around fifty years.

Clay

Clay is a popular choice because it not only looks good due to its unique look, but clay tiles offer a high-performance. The orange colour of clay is vibrant and ages well, so it doesn’t fade. Like concrete, they are also good in bad weather. However, clay roof tiles frequently get dirty, so make sure you use a suitable roof tile cleaner to remove any algae and dirt.

Slate

Unlike clay and concrete, slate roofing tiles are on the higher end of cost, but they are a valuable investment and as a result last a lot longer and require very little maintenance during their life span. They also provide excellent fire protection, as well as being both storm and wind resistant. They also absorb a miniscule amount of water. Slate roof ridge tiles also tend to vary widely in colour pigmentation, but most slate tiles are often grey, as well as green or purple. Ridge tiles on the roof are also considered to be the most lightweight of roof tiles.

Plastic

Plastic roof tiles have several advantages, making them an excellent choice for modern homes. These types of plastic tile roofing combines durability and sustainability, as they are frequently made from recycled materials, which reduces the impact on the environment. Plastic tiles survive longer than traditional options due to their exceptional durability to adverse weather conditions.

Felt

Designed to withstand the harshest elements, felt roof tiles offer unparalleled durability, providing your home with reliable protection for years to come. Whether it's scorching sun, driving rain, or heavy snowfall, rest assured that your roof is fortified with the best of roofing felt tiles. But durability doesn't have to mean compromising on aesthetics. Roof felt tiles come in a range of colours and styles to suit any architectural design, from grey roof tiles to red roof tiles.

Likewise at Howarth, we also offer a wide range of roof tile vents, which are available for your roof tiles underneath the category of roof ventilation. These discrete roof vent tiles, which are designed to integrate smoothly into your roofline, transmit very important ventilation to your attic, providing ideal air circulation and temperature management.

Vented roof tiles are designed with accuracy and durability in mind, allowing them to survive the environment while performing optimally year after year. Say goodbye to pricey moisture-related repairs and welcome to a healthier, happier home!

We also offer roof tile clips, which can prevent roof tiles being blown off the roof from any large winds or storms.

For further expert advice and guidance on which material of tile would be the best for your property, please contact your friendly local Howarth branch.