SLATE & TILED ROOFING
Good quality roofing materials are essential to protect the roof from water leaks and weather damage, providing a sturdy roof structure for your home. Tiles and slates are the most commonly used roofing material, yet many buyers can be unsure as to what the differences are between the two.
Supreme Roofing believe that you need all of the relevant information to ensure you purchase the most suitable material for your home and your budget, which is why we’ve outlined the differences below.
TILE ROOFING
Tile roofs have been around for centuries. Like any roofing product, they were created to provide a barrier between the inside of a structure and the harsh outside elements. Roof tiles are made of local, natural and recyclable materials such as terracotta (also known as clay), slate and concrete. All three of these roofing materials offer lifelong durability and fireproofing; two superior qualities that continues to set them apart from the competition. Concrete roof tiles, like those manufactured by Marley Eternit, Readland and Sandtoft offer additional benefits including: versatility in design and colour, energy efficiency, greater protection against high winds, hail and freeze/thaw climates, and they are less expensive than genuine clay or slate.
SLATE ROOFING
Slate is one of the longest-lasting roof materials, sometimes lasting more than 100 years. It is a natural rock that is mined and cut to become a form of ‘shingle’ (a thin, tapered piece of material used as a roof and wall covering). Slate has been used for hundreds of years as a roof covering but only after the industrial revolution and the construction of the railway network did they become common outside of the slate mining areas. Roof slates are often mistakenly referred to as ’tiles’ and vice versa. Roof tiles are made from materials such as clay or concrete rather than slate. Slate is strong and has very good weather resistance as well as low water absorption, meaning that it withstands freezing temperatures well. However, the initial cost of a slate tile can be higher than other types of roof covering, as can repairs and maintenance. Slate roofs are also relatively heavy.