What Type of Roof Tile Do I Have?
Are you considering installing solar panels on your home
and need to identify your roof tiles?
Understanding your roofing material is crucial for a smooth and efficient solar panel installation. We're here to help you identify the type of tiles on your roof, ensuring your transition to solar energy is seamless. The three most common roof tiles are:
Clay Tile
- Traditional roofing material
- Extremely popular for domestic properties
- Comes in plain tile or large interlocking varieties
- Also a variety of popular colours/finishes
- 70 ā 90 year lifespan
Concrete Tile
- More modern and/or cheaper roofing material
- Popular for both domestic and commercial buildings
- Comes in many varieties, from flat to ridged
- Comes in a large variety of colours/finishes
- 50-60 year life span
Slate Tile
- Traditional roofing material
- Offers an exceptional finish
- 80 ā 120 year lifespan
Clay Tile
A traditional roofing material giving a high quality finish, this type of tile is very popular on many domestic properties. Often referred to as a Plain tile, some of the most popular types of clay tile are known as Rosemary, Acme or Staffordshire Blue.
We also install large interlocking clay tiles, offering the quality of standard size clay tiles at a slightly cheaper cost. Made from natural clay, these tiles are environmentally friendly and fully recyclable. They offer excellent resistance to harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, frost, and strong winds.
Some manufacturers of clay tiles include Marley, Wienerberger, Sandtoft, Keymer, BMI Redland, Rosemary, Forterra, Cradley, Dreadnought Tiles, Tudor Roof Tile Co, William Blyth, Hinton Perry & Davenhill, Edilians, Crest Roof Tiles, Lifestiles.

Plain Tile
The plain tile is the more traditional and smaller variety of clay tile. Coming in a variety of colour options including the popular Rosemary, Acme or Staffordshire Blue. Usually rectangular, plain clay tiles come in standard sizes but can be found in various shapes and patterns to suit different roofing styles.

Large Interlocking Tile
The large interlocking tile is the newer, larger and more cost effective variety of clay tile, offering the look and feel of the traditional plain tile at a lower cost. Individual tiles can be easily replaced if damaged, without disturbing the surrounding tiles.

Interlocking Flat Tile
A flat interlocking tile that can offer a slate like appearance at a lower price. It comes in a variety of colours from Light Reds to more slate-like Smooth Greys. They are designed to interlock with adjacent tiles, ensuring a tight, secure fit and enhanced stability, with a sleek, flat profile that provides a modern and clean look to roofs. Their larger size compared to traditional tiles means fewer tiles are needed.

Pantiles
Pantiles offer a distinctive āSā shaped profile creating a more elegant look to the roof. Many concrete pantiles are designed to interlock with each other, ensuring a secure fit and simplifying the installation process. They are available in a wide range of colours, allowing homeowners to match or contrast with their overall building design.

Double Roman Tiles
These tiles feature two distinctive rolls, giving them a traditional, Roman-inspired look, and are available in a wide range of colours, including traditional terracotta and modern shades. Many Double Roman tiles are designed to interlock with each other, simplifying the installation process and ensuring a secure fit. They are suitable for roofs with a low pitch, making them a versatile option for various architectural styles.

Concrete Tiles
A more modern roofing material introduced as an economical alternative to the smaller clay tile. They are extremely popular for both domestic and commercial properties, especially homeowners on a tighter budget while still offering a similar aesthetic appeal. Concrete tiles come in a variety of styles from the Flat Profile Tiles to more ridged varieties such as Pantiles or Double Roman Tiles.
Some manufacturers of concrete tiles include Marley, BMI Redland, Wienerberger, Sandtoft, Russell Roof Tiles, Forticrete, Breedon Group, FP McCann, Mannok, Condron Roof Tiles.

Slate Tiles
Slate is a traditional roofing material which provides an exceptionally high quality finish and is extremely popular on many domestic properties. Installed properly, a slate roof can last as long as 100 years. There are a variety of Slate tiles, varying in thickness from 8mm to 4mm, and varying in quality, from the higher-end Welsh Slate to the lower-end Chinese or Brazilian imports.
Once installed, slate tiles require very little maintenance. They are resistant to moss and algae growth, which helps maintain their appearance over time. Slate is a natural, environmentally-friendly material that can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. They can be cut into various shapes and sizes to fit different architectural styles and roofing designs.
Slate tile types can include Welsh Slate (Penrhyn, Ffestiniog, Cwt-y-Bugail), Burlington Stone (Westmorland Green), Delabole Slate, BMI Redland (Cambrian), Marley (Rivendale, Birkdale), SSQ (UK-owned/Spanish quarries), SIGA Natural Slate, UK Slate, Grey Slate & Stone, Galex Iconic Slate.
| Feature | Welsh Slate | Spanish Slate | Brazilian Slate | Chinese Slate | Canadian Slate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Colours | Heather Purple, Blue-Grey, Dark Grey | Black, Dark Grey, Blue-Grey | Grey-Green, Graphite, Purple | Weathered Grey, Multi-colour | Blue-Grey (Glendyne) |
| Typical Lifespan | 100+ Years | 75 ā 100 Years | 50 ā 80 Years | 40 ā 75 Years | 75 ā 100 Years |
| Geological Type | True Metamorphic Slate | True Metamorphic Slate | Mudstone / Phyllite | Often Phyllite / Mudstone | True Metamorphic Slate |
| Strength | Very high (durable) | High to Very High | Brittle (prone to snap) | Variable (can be soft) | Very High |
| Uniformity | Low (requires grading) | High (very flat/even) | High (very flat) | Low (variable thickness) | High |
| Best Use Case | Heritage & Listed buildings | Standard New Builds | Budget-conscious projects | Rustic/Agricultural | Alternative to Welsh |