CLAY ROOF TILES
Clay roof tiles are suitable for both traditional and modern homes, and come in an attractive spectrum of colours. Rebecca Foster looks into the detail
Clay roof tiles come in an array of sizes and profiles, from widely used plain and S-shaped pantile units to more decorative designs, such as bullnose and club tiles that sit beautifully atop heritage homes.
If you want your house to harmonise with the character of surrounding homes, use that as your starting point when choosing the size and colour of your tiles.
SUITABLE ROOF PITCH
Clay tiles are versatile and can be used with all construction methods but roof pitch is the main structural factor to think about. Roofs with a gradient of 35° or steeper are considered suitable. Some interlocking products are now available for roof pitches as shallow as 15°, but it’s always worth checking with the supplier’s recommendations for suitability.
THE PROS AND CONS
Clay tiles are made from a natural material so tiles will weather naturally and will deepen in colour over time. They are long lasting and durable, with an impressive lifespan, providing they’re laid correctly and well maintained. Most manufacturers guarantee their products for between 30 and 50 years, and it’s not unreasonable to expect them to last 60 years or more.
Being a natural material, clay is also full of character and texture — plus it can be moulded into all kinds of shapes and styles before it is baked. Add to that the fact that it can withstand a good deal of adverse weather and is a fairly good insulator to boot and it isn’t hard to see why it remains such a popular roof tile material. In fact, in certain areas, planners will insist on clay roof tiles being used.
They are heavier than some alternative roof tiles, which can make transportation and installation more difficult. Like all roof tiles, they are relatively fragile, and shouldn’t be walked on.
While they stand up to inclement weather well, they may become loose and fall off in high winds, but this is something common to most roof tiles. Clay roof tiles are not necessarily the cheapest option, so aren’t suitable for all budgets.
Any tiles you purchase should meet the performance requirements laid out under BS EN 1304. This will ensure they’ve been rigorously tested to meet the necessary standards, particularly regarding their performance in frosty conditions. Also, check your tiles are covered by a product guarantee — 30 years is standard.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
A key factor in the cost of your clay tiles is whether they’re hand or machine made. “The cost of clay roof tiles can vary from £27/m2 for the most cost-effective machine made tiles, rising to £81m² for some handmade plain tiles,” says David Sherry from Dreadnought Tiles. “You should consider the cost of haulage, too, and whether it’s a part load or needs to be craned off the load, which will also affect the price.”
Labour costs will depend on the tile profile you’re using. Simple interlocking units are likely to come with labour costs between £25 and £30/m2, whereas for handmade tiles, labour could be as much as £60/m2. The cost of hiring scaffolding and installing insulation and rooflights will inevitably add to the cost, but most roofing contractors will factor these elements into their quotes.