Tiled Roofs Explained

Marley concrete roof tiles installed on a housing estate
Training and Technical Support Manager
Kevin is a training and technical support manager, specialising in roof tiles and slates.

A tiled roof is a pitched roof system finished with tiles covered in clay, concrete or other suitable materials. Roof tiles are available in a wide range of colours, ranging from reds and browns to various shades of grey, and styles to suit any architecture. A tiled roof is a versatile choice for homes and buildings of all shapes and sizes, as well as being a cost-effective choice compared to alternatives like natural slate roofs.

The roof tiles are mechanically fixed to the roof structure in an overlapping pattern which helps to keep your building weatherproof and durable for at least 60 years and more in many cases. Our collection of roof tiles includes pantiles, flat and interlocking designs and products that mimic natural slate.

Typical materials used on tiled roofs

Most tiled roofs are generally pitched at between 15 and 45 degrees and constructed from wood and wood-based elements. The tiles themselves generally come in three types:

Clay roof tiles

Clay roof tiles are a traditional favourite and have been used for thousands of years. They are available in a range of browns, reds and greys and are provided as variegated blends that create a traditional and high-end look, providing kerb-side appeal. They are also ideal for heritage properties and locations where the aim is to have a new roof which looks suitably aged.

Concrete roof tiles

Concrete roof tiles often look very similar to clay, with a similar life span, however they tend to be more cost-effective than other kinds of roof tiles. They are also low maintenance and meet the B Roof (t4) fire rating as required by the building regulations, which means the tiles ensure no penetration or spread of fire within 60 minutes.

Solar roof tiles

Finally, we also offer our Marley SolarTile® which acts as a roof covering while also generating renewable energy. They provide a low profile and streamline appearance, so they fit in perfectly with your roof design.

All our tiles are made to conform to modern building standards (BS 5534:2014+A2:2018, the code of practice for slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding, as well as NHBC guidelines) without losing that traditional look.

What are the main considerations when choosing a tiled roof?

Choosing the right kind of roof tile involves consideration of many factors, including:

  • Aesthetics
  • The roof pitch
  • The weight of the roof once complete
  • Weather resistance
  • The sustainability of the tiles
  • Project budget
  • Local planning requirements
  • Whether it is a heritage project or in a conservation area

Every project is different and all these considerations should be considered when choosing the right tiled roof system.

We offer more than 20 different types of roof tiles, including clay and concrete tiles, to suit any project and design. All our tiles are compatible with Marley roof systems so you can enjoy complete creative freedom, no matter what your considerations or local planning constraints.

Explore our range of roof tile products and get technical guidance for your next pitched roof project.

 

Disclaimer - The information shared in this blog is correct at the time of publication. Guidance, standards, and best practices may change over time, so if you’d like further clarification or the latest updates, please get in touch with the Marley Technical Advisory Team, who will be happy to help.