A roof isn’t just for keeping the rain out and the heat in – it’s also your home’s crowning glory.

Yet all too often, it’s the last thing homeowners think about when planning an extension or a new build.

These days, newer lightweight roof tiles come in a multitude of natural colours and tones, as do older types of tile. Read on for our top tips on how to ensure your roof complements your brick walls, creating a building that’s pleasing to look at as well as secure to live in.

Brick colours and tones

To create a visually cohesive home, it’s essential that your roof tiles go with your walls. So start your quest for the perfect roof tile with a good look at your brickwork.

While red or terracotta is the most traditional brick colour, you will also find grey, yellow, cream, and even black.

You may think that one red brick is much the same as another. Far from it.

Bricks have varying tones or casts, which come from the natural materials used as well as the manufacturing process.

By inspecting your brickwork closely, you should be able to pick out variations in colour and shade.

Stand back and look at your wall as a whole too. Which colours and tones do you notice? Which ones might work on your roof?

Matching your walls and roof

There are as many shades and blends of roof tiles as there are of bricks.

Even if you have special roof considerations, such as a low pitch, you’ll find an excellent range of lightweight roof tile colours and shades.

As a general rule, you want to bring out the colours and tones of your brickwork in your tiles rather than match them exactly.

Colour expert Kate Smith has the following tips for choosing complementary bricks and tiles:

If the tone is tan, gold or brown, then you should pick a warm colour or a blend of roof tiles that includes the tone of your bricks.

If the brickwork is grey, then choose cooler or grey tones to enhance the appearance of your walls.

For soft, white-tone bricks, go for a mid-tone roof rather than a darker one, which might overwhelm your walls.

Roof tile blends can include up to seven colours, so you should be able to find a mix that brings out your primary brick colour.

Matching your surroundings

You also want your home to look harmonious with its surroundings.

So take a good look at houses in your neighbourhood, and make sure your choice of tile colour and profile blends in with local building materials and styles.

Gathering ideas

Maybe you’ve already got a clear picture of how your roof should look, or maybe you haven’t got the first idea where you should start.

Either way, try setting up a Pinterest board to get inspiration or hone in on your perfect rooftop. See what other home owners have done, and discover what retailers are offering.

Google Images is another great source of top tile trends and roofing ideas.

Ordering samples

Once you’ve decided your colour scheme, you can order sample tiles from most retailers for a small price.

Pick out several colours and profiles, but avoid ordering too many as it’s easy to become spoilt for choice.

Look at them under bright light to discern the colours and tones, and take them outside to view them in natural light too. Hold them against your brickwork to assess how well they complement one another.

Don’t limit yourself to traditional clay or concrete tiles. These days, lightweight roof tiles made of metal, such as Metrotile, are an excellent and versatile option, and come in a wide range of natural-looking colours and profiles to give your home the visual appeal you want.