Low pitch roofs : Types of roof tile material

March 10, 2025

Low pitch roofs: Types of roof tile material

There are several choices of material when it comes to low pitch roof tiles.

At the forefront of tile materials for the last few hundred years here in the UK, clay tiles have many advantages.

Clay roof tiles have been used for centuries, with some examples dating back to 10,000 BC. They are made from natural clay and are environmentally friendly, as they can be recycled and reincorporated into the manufacturing process.
Clay roof tiles are highly durable and can last for over 100 years with proper care and maintenance.
They are resistant to extreme weather conditions, including wind, rain, and snow.
Clay roof tiles are visually pleasing, available in a range of styles, colors and textures, making them a versatile roofing option for any architectural style.
They have good fire-resistant properties
They are easy to install and require little maintenance

One such example of a quality clay tile is the La Escandella Planum range of low pitch roof tiles

Concrete interlocking tiles are typically made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water and have several advantages.

Designed to interlock with each other without the need for mortar or any other bonding material.
Available in a wide range of colors and styles, including flat, angled, and s-shaped pantiles.
Highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions.
Require little maintenance and are resistant to fading, cracking, and bird/insect damage.
Environmentally friendly, as they can be recycled and reused.
A cost effective alternative to other materials, such as slate

Metal roof tiles have a number of advantages.

Long lasting durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to endure heavy winds, rain, hail, and snow.
Energy efficient - can help reduce energy costs by reflecting the sun's heat &, keeping the roof space cooler.
Ease of installation
Compared to slate & concrete, metal roof tiles are lightweight, which makes them easier to handle and transport.
Require little maintenance and are resistant to mold, mildew, and insects
Low pitch metal roof tiles are available in different styles, colors, and textures
Fire resistant which makes them a safe choice for homes and commercial buildings.

Some man made slates can be used on pitches as low as 15 degrees and have several advantages:

Highly durable, and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures.
Low maintenance, -they do not warp, crack, or rot
Lightweight, making them easy to install and transport.
More cost-effective and freely available than natural slate tiles.
Greater variety of colors and designs, than natural slate
Certain artificial roof slates are designed to reflect sunlight, making them energy efficient and thus extending the life of the roof.
Environmentally friendly, often using recycled plastics in their manufacture