Particularly on traditional roofs with steep pitches, the roof tiles you choose will be form a large part of the way your home will look. Concrete interlocking tiles work out a inexpensive option. Nevertheless, high-quality concrete tiles (similar in price to low-end clay tiles) can seem remarkably alike to clay when laid. These will look equivalent when first laid but will look very dissimilar after ten years. Although they are hard-wearing, concrete tiles will fade. Clay roofing tiles are the perfect alternative and why so many people in the UK prefer them to other, perhaps less pricey modes of roofing. Prices vary considerably between clay products. Handmade plain tiles are the most expensive. Machine made tiles which emulate the unique effect of handmade are available at a lower price and are often described as ‘handcrafted’.
What effect are you hoping to cause with your roof? Do you want it to look recent or weathered to blend in with older surrounding buildings? Do you want a variegated effect (colour and shade variation between tiles) or a solid, even colour? Does the surface need to be coarse (sand faced) or smooth? What will your requirements be in ten years time? Long term appeal should also be considered.
Clay roofing tiles look better with age. They hold their warm colours and eventually produce a weathered and mellowed look. Some manufactures even provide specially made clay tiles with a ready-made ‘weathered’ look to give your home some immediate antiquity. Clay roof tiles come in a variety of earthy colours. The clay roof tiles will cover a massive component of the seeable area of your property – so choosing a colour you like is crucial as the colour will make a huge difference to the overall look of your home. Clay roofing tiles range from dark, earthy browns to brigh, burnt reds. If you select two or three colour types to compliment your home then this will give a range of warm hues to your roof. Check with your local planning authority before choosing a tile as they may have retrictions on the type of clay that you are allowed to use.
The shape of the clay roofing tile will also affect the overall look of your roof. The three shapes that are most popular are: Roman, flat and barrel tiles. Flat clay tiles, the simplest shape, are set in even overlapping rows. Roman shaped clay tiles are curved at each end to allow interlocking to the next tile. Finally, barrel shaped clay tiles are semi-cylindrical tiles that lock into the next one along. If the roof has intricate shapes such as dormers, plain clay tiling may be the most suited selection. If the roof is a simple gable to gable design, then a tile with a large profile, such as a clay Pantile roll tile may be equally appropriate. Clay roofing tiles tiles give a building warmth and character as they are so versatile and enable creative detailing.
Several reputable tradesmen rely on recommendations from satisfied customers. Try to find a friend or someone who has had work done who can recommend a roofing contractor to you.
To download our good roofing practise guide and find out further information about our handmade clay roof tiles, visit the Keymer website, where you can also see photos of our products and request samples.