Clay and concrete tiles can both be options for a replacement roof. The right choice depends on the appearance you want and the roof itself. Compare specific products and a complete installation specification, rather than choosing from a material name alone.
Start with the look of your home
Consider tile profile, colour, texture and the scale of the roof. A small-format plain tile produces a different pattern from a larger interlocking tile. Ask to see samples and completed roofs using the proposed product; a close-up photograph can look different from a whole roof viewed from the street.
Our Ashford roof rebuild used Redland Rosemary clay tiles. Our Wembley roof replacement used Redland 49 concrete interlocking tiles. The case studies show two real finishes, rather than a promise that either suits every home.
Check suitability before settling on a tile
Roof pitch, exposure and the manufacturer's specification matter. Different products have different requirements: a tile that works on one roof may not be suitable for another. Marley explains that minimum roof pitches vary by tile or slate product. Ask your roofer to identify the exact product and check its current specification.
If a change of covering affects the roof load, the structure also needs consideration. The Planning Portal re-roofing guidance explains why a different covering can require a structural check. This is a separate question from which tile looks best.
Compare the complete installed scope
The cost of tiles alone does not give the cost of a finished roof. Include stripping, scaffold, membrane, battens, fixings, ridges, verges, ventilation and leadwork. Ask whether any timber or insulation work is included or provisional. Those details can matter as much as the covering choice.
Our roof replacement cost guide includes real project ranges, including VAT. They illustrate different job scopes, so should not be used as a direct clay-versus-concrete price comparison.
Think about maintenance and matching
Ask which product and colour will be recorded on the quotation and handover information. This makes it easier to identify the covering if a tile needs attention later. Check what the manufacturer warranty covers and how it differs from the contractor's workmanship guarantee. Avoid relying on one blanket lifespan figure for every roof.
Questions to take to your survey
- Which specific tile is proposed, and why does it suit this roof?
- Can I see a sample and a completed example?
- Does the change need any structural or approval checks?
- How will the ridge, verge, valleys and ventilation be finished?
- What is the total price including VAT, with the same scope for each option?
For an early budget, try the roofing cost calculator without entering contact details. For advice on your property, you can go straight to a free roof survey and written quote.