The decision of which type of roof you want is usually not difficult as most houses already have either a pitched or flat roof. The bigger decision involves picking out the roofing material. This decision has a far greater impact on the final price than anything else and it can also determine how long your new roof will last and how much maintenance it will need.
This guide compares all common UK roofing materials so you can weigh up cost against lifespan instead of just selecting whatever your roofer suggests first.
The comparison at a glance
Pitched roofs are covered with concrete tiles, clay tiles, natural slate and composite slate. If you’re looking for replacement costs by roof shape, you should take a look at our pitched roof replacement cost guide.
| Material | Installed cost (per m²) | Typical lifespan | Weight (per m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete tiles | £40 to £110 | 30 to 60 years | 40 to 70kg |
| Clay tiles | £60 to £160 | 50 to 100 years | Lighter than concrete |
| Composite or synthetic slate | £50 to £120 | 20 to 50 years | 7 to 20kg |
| Natural slate (imported) | £80 to £200 | 80 to 150 years | 25 to 40kg |
| Natural slate (Welsh) | £180 to £300 | 80 to 150 years or more | 25 to 40kg |
| Standing seam metal | £80 to £150 | 40 years or longer | Lightweight |
| EPDM rubber (flat roofs) | £50 to £100 | 25 to 40 years | Lightweight |
| Felt (flat roofs) | £40 to £80 | 10 to 20 years | Lightweight |
The price alone doesn’t always tell the whole story as the roof may cost more to put up but if it lasts a lot longer before it needs to be replaced, it may be cheaper in the long run. That’s why natural slate is still a popular choice among homeowners. It’s one of the most expensive materials to buy but can easily outlast cheaper alternatives making it a good investment in the long run.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles are a widely used option for roof replacements across the whole of the UK because they are cheap, easy to source and come in a huge variety of colours and styles. Most roofing contractors install them on regular basis so finding someone with experience is not usually a problem.
The main disadvantage is the weight as concrete tiles are heavier than any other type of roofing tiles so it makes sense to check that the roof structure meets requirements, especially on older properties. They also tend to show their age earlier than clay or slate. The colour slowly fades with time and the surface is more likely to attract moss as it holds more moisture.
Caring for a concrete roof is simple and straightforward. You just need to keep the gutters clear and remove any moss every few years and it will last longer. You should also avoid pressure washing as it can damage the surface and reduce the lifespan of the tiles.
Best for: Homeowners looking to keep costs down, modern homes built from the 1960s onwards and anyone who wants the lowest upfront price.
Clay tiles
Clay tiles have been a feature of UK homes for generations and still remain one of the most popular choices. They are more expensive than concrete but they tend to hold their colour much better and last much longer. Many homeowners also prefer their traditional look especially on older properties.
Clay tiles are lighter than concrete but still heavy enough to add to the load on the roof structure. If you are replacing an old roof on an older home, it is essential to verify that everything beneath the new tiles is in good condition.
One of the benefits of clay is that it is a low maintenance material. But as a rule, inspecting your roof every couple of years and replacing a tile or two that has slipped or cracked is enough to keep it in good condition.
Best for: Traditional homes, period properties and homeowners who plan to remain in their property for many years. Clay is also the preferred choice in conservation areas where matching neighbouring roofs is important as per the law. If you’re considering a clay tiled conservatory roof, see our conservatory roof replacement cost guide for a full cost comparison.
Natural slate
Natural slate is at the upper end of the market and is known for its appearance and outstanding longevity. A properly installed slate roof can last well over a century, which is why you can find it on older buildings that are still in great shape today.
There are two main categories that you’ll see in the market today. Imported slate is usually priced between £80 and £200 per m² while Welsh slate may range between £180 and £300 per m². The higher price reflects the long held reputation of Welsh slate for quality.
The main drawback of getting slate tiles is the initial cost. Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market and it takes experience to fit as not all roofers specialise in slate work. You should also make sure your roof structure can support the added weight before work begins.
Slate is more expensive initially but can be very good value in the long run because it lasts much longer than most other materials and many homeowners never have to replace it again. If you plan to be in your home for decades, the higher installation cost can pay for itself in the long run.
Best for: Period homes, listed buildings, conservation areas and anyone who wants a roof that’s built to last.
Composite or synthetic slate
Composite slate is designed to give you the look of natural slate but without the same weight and cost associated with it. It is made from modern materials including recycled plastics rubber or fibre-based composites and has become more popular over the past few years.
Something to be aware of is that there is quite a bit of variation in quality. Some cheaper products have a much shorter lifespan while better products can last for decades. It’s always worth checking a product’s warranty and expected lifespan before you buy.
Composite tiles are a good choice for older roofs that are unable to deal with heavier materials as they are much lighter than natural slate. They also resist moss and are less prone to cracking if knocked during installation or maintenance.
Best for: Homeowners who want the look of slate but a lighter roof with a lower cost of installation.
Standing seam metal
Standing seam metal roofing is less common than tiles or slate but is growing in popularity on modern homes, extensions and architect designed properties. It gives a clean contemporary look and works particularly well on lower pitched roofs where traditional tiles may not be suitable.
It is a durable roofing system that can last for several decades with little or no upkeep. The main drawback is the higher upfront cost and it won’t suit every property. Metal roofing can look out of place on older or more traditional homes sometimes.
Best for: Modern homes, extensions, low-pitch roofs and anyone looking for a contemporary finish.
EPDM rubber and felt
If you’ve got a flat roof, your material choices are quite different. The two most popular choices are EPDM rubber and felt.
EPDM is popular with many roofers because it is fitted in large sheets with very few joins. Less joins means less places for water to get in, making it last much longer. A high-quality EPDM roof can last for 25 to 40 years and needs very little maintenance.
Felt is still very widely used as it is the cheapest and works well on garages, sheds and smaller flat roofs. The bad part is that it doesn’t last as long.
If you are replacing a garage roof, you will usually be choosing between these two materials. Our garage roof replacement cost guide explains the average costs in the UK and also covers asbestos which is common on older garages. If you’re looking specifically at flat roofs, our flat roof replacement cost guide goes into more detail about each material.
How to choose the right roofing material
Price matters but it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider while choosing the roofing material. Following are a few simple questions that will narrow your options down very quickly.
What’s the roof pitch?
Some materials are only good for steeper roofs. Standard concrete and clay tiles are usually installed on roofs with a pitch of more than 30 degrees. Lower pitched roofs often call for interlocking tiles metal roofing or other specialist systems. Flat roofs use completely different materials like EPDM or felt.
Is your home in a conservation area or listed?
If so, you might not have any control over the material you can use for the roof. Some local authorities require that replacement roofs must match the original roof or those of neighbouring properties. It is worth checking before you make any decisions.
Can the roof support the extra weight?
Concrete, clay and natural slate are heavier materials that place more load on the roof structure. It makes sense to have the roof checked on older properties before choosing one of these materials.
How long do you plan to stay?
If you are in it for the long haul, spending more money on a material that lasts longer can be a smart financial decision. Many homeowners want to keep the upfront cost low because they expect to move within a few years, so they opt for concrete tiles.