A roof’s material is an incredibly important aspect of a home as it serves multiple purposes. It needs to keep its inhabitants dry and warm, is expected to last a long time and can make a big difference to the look of your home.

There are so many options in this day and age dependent on what you’re looking for and your budget. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to choosing the best roofing material for your home.

Slate tiles

Slate has been traditionally known as the ultimate in luxury when it comes to roofing materials for many homes in the UK and other parts of the world. Slate tiles carry a higher cost than a lot of the other options as slate is an expensive material made from natural stone. It is the look of slate that tempts people into choosing the material as it can work well on both modern and more traditional homes, due to its classic but minimalist style.

Slate should be installed by trained craftsman so that it overlaps properly which will ensure it is watertight. If installed well and maintained over the years, slate can last for a long time, potentially over 100 years. It’s important to repair any tiles that suffer damage and wear or tear as soon as possible.

Concrete tiles

Concrete tiles come in a large range of colours and styles and are strong and impermeable. This makes them a reliable choice for homes, however, they can become discoloured, worn and chipped over time due to the natural effects of weather. Concrete tiles are manufactured in different shapes and sizes. They can vary in price and can work out as relatively inexpensive.

Clay tiles

Clay tiles are chosen mainly because of their excellent durability qualities and the fact that they require little maintenance. They’re hard wearing in all weather conditions but do come at a higher cost than some of the other tile options.

The look of clay tiles suits a traditional looking home, and they are referred to as “Spanish” due to the widely used Terracotta style of clay that is favoured in the Mediterranean. A downside of using clay tiles is that they may not provide a completely wind-proof roof and there is a chance they could move around in particularly windy conditions.

Shingle roofing

Asphalt shingles have been popular with homeowners over the years as they are low cost and are relatively easy to install. Asphalt shingles are comprised of a mat made from fibreglass or paper with a layer of asphalt on top. Generally, they don’t last as long as composite shingles.

Composite shingles have become more popular as they are known for having better durability than their asphalt counterparts. They can last up to 50 years, with warranties often being given for this length of time. Composite shingles are usually made from a base of fiberglass and a top layer made from a mix of materials. They tend to be lighter than asphalt shingles and can mimic the look of most roofing materials making them an attractive choice.

Metal tiles

Metal tiles are lighter than other tiles and have become well-liked in recent years, due to the innovative design and manufacturing process of tiles like Metrotile’s. Metal tiles are recognised for their long-term durability and ability to resist harsh outdoor elements, meaning they can last a lifetime. They’re also more environmentally friendly, providing a low carbon footprint. Steel is 100% recyclable which positively impacts the environmental consciousness of the building industry.

One of the highlights of metal tiles is that they are incredibly light which in turn means they don’t need the structural support that more traditional tile roofs require. If a low pitch roof is required, metal roofing is ideal because it weighs only around one-eighth of a concrete tile.

It is quicker and therefore cheaper to install a Metrotile steel roof, making it the go-to choice for homeowners looking for a durable, cost-effective and attractive roof.

Lightweight roof tiles from Metrotile

Metrotile offer Europe’s no.1 steel roofing tile which comes with a list of benefits that makes it worth considering for every roof. To find out more about Metrotile’s range of lightweight roofing products, call today on 01249 658 514 or use our contact form for a quick response.