Roof tiles are overlapping elements made of fired clay (ceramic) or concrete that are laid on a pitched roof to protect the building from rain, wind, and sun. They are hung on tile battens and keep each other watertight through their overlap.
Types of roof tiles
Ceramic roof tiles (fired clay)
- Traditional material, used for centuries
- Colour-fast (the colour runs through the entire material)
- Longer lifespan (80-100 years)
- Lighter than concrete tiles
- More expensive to buy
Concrete roof tiles
- Cheaper than ceramic
- Heavier (roof structure must support this)
- Colour may fade over time
- Lifespan 40-60 years
- Most commonly used for new builds and DIY
Tile profiles
| Profile | Description | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Flat tile | Smooth, no profiling | Modern |
| Pantile | Gentle curve, traditional Dutch | Classic |
| Interlocking tile | Deeper wave, fast drainage | Traditional |
| Large-format tile | Large tile, fewer tiles per m² | Efficient |
| French tile | French profile, flat with edge | Rustic |
Roof pitch
Not every tile is suitable for every pitch:
| Tile type | Minimum pitch |
|---|---|
| Flat tile | 30-35° |
| Pantile | 25-30° |
| Large-format tile | 25° |
| Interlocking tile | 25° |
With too little pitch, rainwater can be blown under the tiles (wind uplift).
Roof tiles for self-build projects
For a shed, garden room, or garage with a gable roof, roof tiles are a solid choice:
Requirements per m²
| Component | Quantity per m² |
|---|---|
| Roof tiles (standard) | 10-14 pieces |
| Tile battens | 3-4 pieces |
| Tile clips | For edge tiles and in windy areas |
| Ridge tiles | Along the ridge |
Installation
1. Install rafters — At the correct centre-to-centre spacing
2. Roofing underlay — Waterproof membrane over the rafters (optional but recommended)
3. Nail tile battens — At the correct batten gauge (varies per tile)
4. Lay tiles — From bottom right to top left, row by row
5. Ridge tiles — Last, on the ridge
6. Clips — Clip edge and corner tiles against wind load
Alternatives
For lighter structures or lower budgets:
- Bitumen shingles — Cheaper, lighter, less durable (20-30 years)
- Steel tile-effect sheets — Metal sheets that look like tiles. Light, quick to install
- EPDM or bitumen — For a flat roof or very low pitch
Related terms
- Tile batten
- Ridge
- Rafter
- Roof truss
- Gable roof
- Fascia board