Slate vs Tile Roof. UK Comparison.
Choosing between slate and tile for a reroof? Here are the differences that actually matter, including the ones the salesman might not mention.
Key takeaways
- Slate lasts longer (60 to 100 plus years vs 50 to 60 for concrete tile).
- Slate costs roughly twice as much as concrete tile.
- Slate is heavier and may need timber checks on older roofs.
- Slate looks better on period and high spec property.
- Concrete tile is fine for most 1930s and later semis.
What affects the cost
Material is the main difference on an otherwise identical job. Concrete tile is the lowest of the three, Spanish slate sits above it and Welsh slate above that, so slate roughly doubles the bill for the same roof. Everything else, area, pitch, scaffold and the number of valleys and details, applies to both the same way. Boardman Roofing prices the roof in writing once Dave has seen it.
Lifespan
Welsh slate, 100 plus years. Spanish slate, 60 to 80. Concrete tile, 50 to 60. Clay tile, 80 plus. Slate wins on lifespan but at higher upfront cost.
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Weight and structure
Slate is heavier than concrete tile. On a property that was originally slate, no problem. On a house built for tile, you cannot just switch to slate without checking that the rafters and purlins can take it. Concrete tile is also heavy. Lightweight options like fibre cement slate exist for difficult cases.
Looks
Slate looks better on Victorian, Edwardian and traditional housing. Concrete tile is fine on 1930s onwards and most modern housing. Clay plain tile gives a traditional look at lower cost than slate. Pick what suits the property.
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About the author
David Boardman founded Boardman Roofing in 2018. Dave has 25 years on the tools. Read 150+ Google reviews or call 07879 736629.
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150+ Google reviews. Dave has 25 years on the tools.
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