7 minWhen it's time to replace or repair roof tiles, the choice between clay and concrete affects appearance, longevity, weight, and cost. Both materials are proven performers with different characteristics suited to different situations.
This guide compares clay and concrete tiles to help you make informed decisions for your Surrey property.
Clay Tiles: The Traditional Choice
Clay tiles have been used for centuries - many Surrey buildings retain their original Victorian or Edwardian clay tiles. Made from natural clay fired at high temperatures, they develop their colour throughout the material rather than as a surface coating.
Advantages of clay tiles:
Exceptional longevity: Quality clay tiles routinely last 100+ years. Many tiles on period Surrey homes are original and remain serviceable.
Colour permanence: The colour is integral to the material. Clay tiles weather gracefully without fading or colour loss. They may develop attractive patina over decades.
Frost resistance: Properly fired clay tiles withstand freeze-thaw cycles without damage. They're proven in Surrey's climate over generations.
Character and appearance: Clay tiles have a warmth and depth of colour that concrete doesn't replicate. For period properties, they maintain authentic appearance.
Disadvantages of clay tiles:
Higher cost: Clay tiles typically cost 2-3x more than concrete equivalents. Premium handmade or specialist clay tiles cost significantly more again.
Weight: Clay tiles are generally heavier than concrete, potentially requiring roof structure assessment for new installations.
Brittleness: While durable in service, clay tiles can crack from impact. Care is needed during installation and maintenance.
Concrete Tiles: The Modern Alternative
Concrete tiles became common from the 1960s onwards as a cost-effective alternative to clay. Made from cement, sand, and aggregate, they're coloured with pigments and often given a surface coating.
Advantages of concrete tiles:
Lower cost: Concrete tiles cost significantly less than clay, making them popular for budget-conscious projects.
Consistency: Factory production ensures uniform dimensions and appearance. Concrete tiles are predictable and easy to work with.
Strength: Concrete tiles are robust and handle foot traffic during installation and maintenance better than clay.
Variety: Many profiles and colours are available, including designs mimicking clay or slate appearance.
Disadvantages of concrete tiles:
Shorter lifespan: Concrete tiles typically last 40-60 years rather than clay's 100+. Surface coatings may deteriorate within 20-30 years.
Colour fading: The surface colour fades over time, especially on south-facing roofs. After 20-30 years, fading may be significant.
Moss and algae: Concrete's textured surface is more hospitable to moss and algae growth than smooth clay. Regular cleaning may be needed.
Weight: Concrete tiles are heavy - similar to or heavier than clay depending on profile. Roof structure must support the load.
Appearance: Even quality concrete tiles lack clay's visual depth. On period properties, concrete can look incongruous.
Tile Profiles
Both materials come in various profiles:
Plain tiles: Simple flat tiles with slight camber, laid in overlapping courses. Traditional appearance, used for centuries. Available in both clay and concrete but clay is more traditional.
Interlocking tiles: Modern profiles with edges designed to interlock, allowing lower pitch installation and faster coverage. Predominantly concrete, though some clay interlocking tiles exist.
Pantiles: S-shaped profile creating a distinctive wavy appearance. Traditional in some areas though less common in Surrey. Available in both materials.
Roman tiles: Alternating flat and curved tiles creating a traditional Mediterranean appearance. Available in both clay and concrete.
For Repairs and Matching
When repairing existing roofs, matching the existing tiles is usually preferable:
Clay roofs: Repair with clay tiles. Reclaimed tiles may match older roofs better than new tiles. Many traditional profiles remain available new. See our tile matching guide.
Concrete roofs: Match existing concrete tiles where possible. Older discontinued profiles may require reclaimed tiles or visual compromise.
Mixing materials: Generally avoid mixing clay and concrete on the same roof - they weather differently and the mismatch becomes increasingly obvious over time.
For Complete Re-Roofing
When replacing an entire roof covering, you have freedom to choose:
Period properties: Clay tiles maintain character and value. The additional cost is justified by appearance and longevity.
1960s-80s properties: These often have concrete already. Like-for-like concrete replacement is usually appropriate unless you want to upgrade appearance.
Modern properties: Either material works. Balance budget, desired appearance, and expected ownership period.
Extensions: Match the existing main roof unless undertaking complete re-roofing. Mismatched extensions are obvious and affect property appearance.
Weight Considerations
Both clay and concrete are heavy materials. When changing tile types or replacing old coverings with modern tiles, roof structure assessment ensures adequate support.
Original roof structures were designed for their original covering - Victorian roofs for slate or clay, 1970s roofs for concrete tiles. Significant changes may need structural reinforcement.
Lightweight alternatives exist (composite, metal, fibre-cement) but rarely suit traditional Surrey properties aesthetically.
Costs Comparison
Material costs per square metre (supply only):
Basic concrete interlocking tiles: £15-25/m². Premium concrete tiles: £25-40/m². Standard clay tiles: £40-70/m². Handmade clay tiles: £80-150+/m².
Labour costs for installation are similar regardless of material, typically £40-60/m² for complete re-roofing including battens, underlay, and fittings.
For a typical semi-detached house roof (approximately 80-100m²), complete re-roofing might cost £8,000-12,000 with concrete tiles, £12,000-18,000 with standard clay tiles.
Making Your Decision
Consider these factors:
Budget: If cost is primary concern, concrete offers good performance at lower price. But consider total ownership cost - cheaper tiles needing replacement in 40 years may cost more than clay tiles lasting 100 years.
Property type: Period properties deserve clay tiles. Modern properties can use either. Conservation areas may require specific materials.
Appearance priority: If how your roof looks matters to you, clay's appearance advantages are significant.
Ownership plans: If you'll own the property long-term, investing in longevity makes sense. If selling soon, the market may not reward premium materials proportionally.
Get Expert Advice
LT Leadwork & Roofing can assess your roof and advise on appropriate tile options. We work with both clay and concrete tiles and can source suitable materials for repairs or replacement.
For roof tile advice or quotations, call us on 07566 234868. We serve Reigate, Epsom, Dorking, Banstead, Leatherhead, and surrounding areas throughout Surrey.
See also our guides on slate roofing and ridge tile repairs.
