Slate Vs Tile Roofs - What’s The Best Choice For Your New Roof?
When it comes to replacing or installing a new roof, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right material. In the UK, slate and tile remain the two most popular choices for pitched roofing, each with its own strengths, aesthetics and ideal use cases. But which is the better fit for your project?
Empire Roofing is one of the largest roofing companies in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, with certified specialists in both slate and tile roofing, and we regularly offer customers advice on whether a slate or tiled roof is best for their property. In this blog, we provide a clear comparison of these two options to help you choose the best fit for your project or home.
Slate and Tile: What actually is the difference?
The first key difference between the pair is how they’re made. Slate is a natural stone (except for synthetic slate), while tiles are a manufactured, man-made product, which is typically created from either concrete or clay.
As a result, they have different strengths and weaknesses across key areas, including how long they last, how much they cost and how they look.
| Slate roofs | Tile roofs |
|---|---|
| Lasts longer | Cheaper to install |
| More durable | More cost-effective |
| Less environmental impact | More customisable |
| Traditional look | Modern look |
Lifespan and Durability
When it comes to how long the two materials last, slate has the edge, but this depends on the type of slate you use.
Slate Roof Lifespan
Slate tiled roofs can last anywhere between 50 and 200 years, depending on the quality of slate.
Hard slates like Welsh, Cornish or Spanish slate will usually last over 100 years, but when maintained and cared for properly, they can last up to 200 years.
Meanwhile, softer (and cheaper) slates like Chinese slate typically last between 50 and 100 years.
Find out more about how long slate roofs last
Tiled Roof Lifespan
In comparison, tiled roofs can have a shorter lifespan, depending on which tile you opt for.
Clay tiles are durable and have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
Concrete tiles, meanwhile, typically last only 30 to 75 years.
Costs
A tiled roof usually costs less than a slate roof, but it depends on the material quality.
A Spanish or Brazilian slate will be at least £75㎡, while the premium Welsh or Cornish variety could be over £180㎡.
In contrast, a concrete tile option is likely to set you back between £40 and £50 per square metre, while a clay tile roof could be between £40 to £60 per square metre.
There is a budget slate option, synthetic slate, priced between £20 to £60 a square metre.
However, it’s important to note this is a man-made form.
The cost of more weight
A new roof can be heavier, which could mean additional support to facilitate an installation.
This can further increase costs, potentially in the thousands, and can affect both tile and slate roofs.
Aesthetics:
Do you want a more natural, traditional look? Or do you want a more modern, customisable look?
Slate is your go-to for natural visuals that reflect the traditional Cotswold aesthetic (find out more about our Cotswold stone slate roof services).
The typical slate hue is grey, though there’s potential for dark blue, purple, black or green alternatives.
Alternatively, tile is your choice for a modern, colourful aesthetic.
The most popular colours are red, brown, grey or black, but there are a wide variety of shades available.
Maintenance
Both slate and tiled roof will require some maintenance, but slate comes out on top for requiring less.
Slate is stronger than tile, making it more durable against potential damage from the elements.
On the other hand, a tiled roof will require regular maintenance, because tiles are prone to breaking or coming loose.
We recommend having professional inspections for both types of roof, ideally once a year or after severe storms, to detect damage early and prevent expensive repairs.
Sustainability
While a tiled roof may be green in colour, in environmental terms, slate is the greener option.
This is because slate (excluding synthetic slate) is a natural product that requires minimal mechanical processing and no chemical treatment. Meanwhile, tile is man–made, and can require chemical treatments, binders, or high-energy kiln firing.
Although some tiles are made from clay, which is a natural source, this still requires energy to refine.
How much does a Slate roof actually cost?
We’ve already looked at the initial key monetary factors, but there are other financial considerations to make.
A key point for slate is the cost of labour: Because a slate installation is more complex, workers require a higher skill level, and the installation generally takes longer.
However, slate can be positive for a long-term investment.
Its superior weather resistance, traditional aesthetic and longer lifespan can increase the value of UK homes.
Find out more from us on the cost of slate roofs
How much does a Tile roof actually cost?
A tiled option will incur some labour costs, but two things to consider are ongoing maintenance costs and additional roof layering.
Because tiles are more prone to damage, they will likely require more maintenance, which increases rolling costs.
Secondly, while layering will increase weather protection, this will inevitably inflate the price compared to the standard offering.
So, which one should you choose?
In conclusion, both slate and tile roofs have their advantages, but also their drawbacks.
Pros of a Slate Roof
Overall, a slate roof is best for:
- Longevity
- Durability and weather resistance
- Less ongoing maintenance
- Less environmental impact
- A traditional aesthetic
Find out more about slate roofs
Pros of a Tiled Roof
In contrast, a tiled roof is best for:
- A smaller cost to buy and install
- A more modern look
- More customisable colour options
Find out more about tiled roofs
Discuss your roofing needs today!
Have you decided what type you want, or want to discuss it further and get some more expertise? Empire Roofing is a local specialist in both slate and tile roofing, and we can create new roofs and conduct replacements and repairs for both homes and commercial venues.
FAQs
A slate roof costs more to install, is available in fewer colours than other roofs and is less customisable.
A tile roof can have a limited time span compared to other types of roof and is likely to require some ongoing maintenance due to tiles being prone to damage.
A clay tile roof will likely last anywhere from 50-100 years, while a concrete roof can last from 30-75 years.
Clay roof tiles are best for longevity and aesthetics, but concrete roof tiles are a more cost-effective short term option, and could provide greater versatility.
Yes, a tile roof is a good choice for UK consumers. It is ideal for those seeking a modern look for their homes, and is an affordable and often cheaper option. Although it doesn’t last as long as some materials, a quality roof should have a good lifespan and durability.
