Clay roof tiles are renowned by homeowners and roofing professionals for their durability, natural beauty, and timeless appeal. With a variety of styles and a wide range of colours available, clay tiles offer a versatile roofing solution. They can complement both traditional and modern architectural designs. 

Selecting the right clay tile for your roof requires understanding the different options, their benefits, and how they fit your roofing project’s needs. Take a look at what we cover in our comprehensive Clay Roof Tiles Buyer’s Guide.

What Are Clay Roof Tiles?

Clay roof tiles have a rich history, dating back to Roman times. By the 12th century, clay tiles were increasingly valued for their fire safety, and in 1477, their size was standardised to 10½" x 6½" x ½" during the reign of Edward IV. Their popularity surged in the medieval period, and after the 1666 Great Fire of London, the banishment of thatched roofs in the city led to the widespread adoption of clay tiles as a strong, fire-proof alternative.

This tradition continued into the Georgian period, where the growth of a distinct architectural profession and the widespread use of pattern books led to the proliferation of Georgian-style buildings across England and beyond. Many of these structures, especially in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, originally featured clay roof tiles. Even today, many Georgian buildings have been restored with traditional clay tiles to maintain their historical authenticity.

While architectural styles have evolved, clay roof tiles remain a popular choice among private home builders. Contemporary and modern homes frequently incorporate clay tiles due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. The ongoing demand for period-style homes, such as Georgian and Victorian designs, ensures that clay roof tiles continue to be used widely in both new builds and restorations. This blend of historical significance and modern practicality keeps clay roof tiles at the forefront of roofing choices in the UK and Ireland.

Clay tiles are normally manufactured in a press and extrusion process. The tiles are then baked or fired in a kiln at temperatures over 1,000 degrees.

In recent years, they have lost some market share to cheaper concrete roof tiles alternatives. Despite this, clay tiles are generally considered to be the higher-quality, more eco-friendly option compared to concrete tiles and many other man-made alternatives.

Because they’re manufactured to strict European Standard regulations and designed specifically to withstand a wide variety of harsh weather conditions, traditional clay roof tiles tend to last longer, provide superior protection from the elements and require less maintenance.

Why Choose Clay Roof Tiles?

With advancements in technology and modern manufacturing techniques, today’s clay roof tiles are stronger and more reliable than ever, making them an ideal choice for contemporary and traditional homes. But what exactly makes clay tiles so popular? Let’s delve into the key benefits that have made clay roof tiles such a popular roofing option.

Types of Clay Roof Tiles

There are various types of roof tiles, each with unique characteristics and applications. Some common types of clay tiles include:

Plain Clay Tiles

Clay Plain Tiles combine modern manufacturing techniques with a traditional look. Available in both sandfaced and smoothfaced finishes, these tiles come in a range of permanent, natural clay colours that resist fading over time.

Dreadnought’s Clay Tiles

Dreadnought’s clay tiles, crafted from natural Etruria Marl, have been produced at the same site in England for over 200 years. The colours in these tiles are created without using any artificial paints or pigments. Instead the colours are created in the traditional way, by adjusting the levels of oxygen into the kiln. These colours may weather and mellow over time, but never fade.

Available in seven classic colour options, Dreadnought tiles offer timeless elegance and unmatched durability, making them ideal for both modern and historic projects. Backed by a 50-year guarantee and compliant with BS EN 1304:2013 standards, they are a trusted choice for architects, builders, and homeowners across the UK and Ireland.

Terreal’s Clay Tiles

With over 150 years of expertise, Terreal's clay tiles blend craftsmanship and innovation. Known for their durability and resilience, these tiles offer long-lasting protection and timeless elegance in two distinct colour options. Eco-friendly and sustainable, Terreal tiles are crafted with minimal processing, ensuring consistent quality.

Terreal tiles are backed by a 30-year guarantee and are compliant with BS EN 1304:2013 standards.

Interlocking Clay Tiles

In recent years, the evolution of clay tile manufacturing has led to the development of interlocking clay tiles. Also known as Slate Effect Tiles, they are made to emulate a more traditional appearance.

These tiles offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional slate roofing. They are fitted together using a single lap interlock system, which significantly reduces the quantity required per square meter (m²) and minimises labour time.

Snowdon® Tile

A large-format, slate-effect clay tile that offers a natural slate appearance with the benefits of modern manufacturing techniques.

Snowdon® XL

The largest clay roof tile available, offering extensive coverage and a bold, modern slate-effect appearance.

Shetland® Tile

A smooth interlocking clay tile designed for a sleek and contemporary look.

Shetland® XL 

Another large-format option that provides the smooth, interlocking clay tile aesthetic with enhanced coverage.

Low Pitch Clay Tiles

Another innovation in clay tiles includes profiled clay tiles, like the Sperrin is a Marseille style roof tile, which are designed for low-pitch roofs with slopes as low as 12.5 degrees. These tiles offer one of the most affordable low-pitch roofing solutions on the market.

Sperrin

The Sperrin is a Marseilles-style clay roof tile, ideal for low-pitch roofs down to 12.5°. It offers exceptional durability with a 50-year guarantee. Choose from two colours—Graphite and Red—while enjoying a sleek, weather-resistant design that’s trusted by architects and builders across the UK and Ireland.

Key Testing Standards for Clay Roof Tiles

The current standard for clay roof tiles is BS EN 1304:2013. This European standard outlines the requirements and testing methods to ensure the quality and performance of clay roof tiles under various conditions.

To ensure you are buying top quality, look for Independent Testing Reports and Declarations of Performance (DoP) Issued Within the Last 12 Months.

Clay Tile Installation Considerations

• Structural Support: Ensure your building's structure can handle the weight of clay tiles. Consulting a structural engineer may be necessary to confirm adequate support.
• Roof Pitch: Consult with a roofing expert to determine the minimum pitch required for your specific tile type.

Alternatives to Clay Roof Tiles

If clay roof tiles don’t seem like the right fit, there are several alternatives to consider:

• Synthetic Slates products like TapcoSlate Classic offer the look of natural slate with the benefits of synthetic materials. These slates are lightweight, easy to install, and come in a variety of colours.
• Fibre Cement Slates options such as Ardonit and Cromleigh are durable and cost-effective alternatives. These slates are resistant to weathering and provide a traditional look suitable for many architectural styles​
• Natural slate is a premium roofing material known for its longevity and beauty.

These alternatives provide various options depending on your specific needs, such as cost, durability, and aesthetic preference.

How to Choose the Right Clay Tile Supplier

Selecting a reputable supplier is essential for obtaining high-quality clay tiles that will last for decades. When selecting a clay tile supplier, it's important not to be swayed by unrealistic claims, such as 100-year warranties. Instead, consider the following factors to ensure you're making a reliable choice:

• Company Reputation: What is the reputation of the company you are dealing with? Check reviews, testimonials, and industry standing.

• Expertise: Look for suppliers with extensive experience and a strong reputation in the industry.

• Business Longevity and Stability: How long has the company been in business, and are they financially stable? A long-standing, financially secure company is more likely to be around in the future if any issues arise.