Overview
Most concrete tiles are large interlocking tiles, which means fewer tiles cover a given area and installation is quicker and more economical than small plain tiles or slates. Their colour, however, is a surface pigment rather than through the material, so it can fade or gather algae over the years even while the tile itself remains sound.
Weight is the key consideration
Materials & construction
Like clay, concrete tiles hang on battens by nibs and are nailed or clipped as exposure requires. Interlocking side and head locks channel water and reduce the number of tiles needed. Because they are dense and heavy, the supporting structure must be sized to carry them.
- Interlocking tiles — large profiled tiles with locking edges that cover more area per tile.
- Pigmented surface — colour applied to the surface, which can weather over time.
- Fixing — hung and clipped like clay tiles, but on a structure designed for the extra weight.
Typical lifespan
| Element | Typical design life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete interlocking tiles | 40–60 years | — |
| Concrete plain tiles | 40–50 years | — |
| Surface colour finish | 15–25 years | Fades before the tile itself fails |
Indicative only. Concrete tiles commonly have a design life of several decades, but their actual lifespan depends on exposure, pitch, installation quality and maintenance.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Lower cost than clay or slate
- Very strong and impact-resistant
- Wide range of profiles and colours
- Large interlocking tiles are quick to lay
- Readily available for matching and repairs
Things to consider
- Heavy — needs a structure designed to carry the load
- Surface colour can fade and attract algae over time
- Shorter typical lifespan than clay or natural slate
- Can absorb more water than clay, favouring moss on shaded slopes
Maintenance
Looked after well, this roof type rewards you with a long, trouble-free life. The key things to keep on top of are:
- Confirm the structure can carry the load before re-covering with concrete
- Replace cracked tiles promptly to protect the underlay
- Keep shaded slopes clear of heavy moss, which concrete favours
- Check clips and fixings on exposed elevations after storms
Related problems
Related guides
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