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Picking the right roofing shingles or tiles is one of those home decisions that pays off for years. It affects curb appeal, insulation, and how well your roof stands up to wind, rain, and the occasional cold snap. Think of your roof as your home's umbrella — choose a flimsy one and you’ll feel the draughts; choose a sturdy one and you’ll sleep easier. Whether you’re repairing a small patch or re-roofing the whole house, understanding materials, suppliers, and costs will save time and money.
There’s no one-size-fits-all roof. Different materials suit different budgets, aesthetics, and structural setups. Let’s walk through the most common options so you can picture what each one will look and feel like on your house.
Asphalt shingles are popular for a reason: they’re lightweight, affordable, and come in many colours and styles. In the UK market you’ll also find composite shingles that mimic slate or cedar but weigh considerably less. A typical asphalt shingle roof might weigh around 2 to 3 lb per square foot, which is gentle on older rafters. If you want a cost-effective option with quick installation, these are usually the way to go.
Slate has a timeless, premium look and can last decades — often 50 years or more if properly installed. It’s heavy, though: natural slate can weigh upwards of 10 to 12 lb per square foot, so check your roof structure before choosing slate. The aesthetic payoff is high, with deep greys and natural textures that weather beautifully over time.
Clay tiles add Mediterranean charm and concrete tiles offer a similar profile at a lower cost. Both are durable, fire-resistant, and provide good thermal mass. Clay and concrete tiles usually weigh between 8 and 12 lb per square foot, so structural support and professional fitting are common requirements. They’re ideal for homes where a classic, long-lasting look matters more than the initial outlay.
Metal sheets and tiles, along with modern synthetic options, are gaining traction for their longevity and recyclability. Metal roofs are lightweight — often 1 to 2 lb per square foot — and shed water and snow well. Synthetics, made from recycled plastics or composites, can mimic slate or tile appearance without the weight, making them a great choice when you want style without major structural work.
The UK is famously wet and windy in places, and your roofing choice should reflect that. Heavy rain and strong winds demand secure fastening and water-resistant underlays. Materials that absorb water can lead to freeze-thaw issues in colder months, so look for tiles and shingles rated for wet climates.
If you live near the coast or on a high, exposed ridge, stain-resistant and wind-rated products are a must. Look for wind uplift ratings and corrosion-resistant fixings — galvanised or stainless steel nails and clips — to protect against salty air. For high-wind zones, interlocking tiles or fully bonded shingles add an extra layer of security.
Roofing choice affects heat retention. Heavy tiles often provide better thermal mass, making homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter, while some composite and metal roofs can be paired with reflective layers to reduce heat gain. Check the roof’s compatibility with insulation materials and ventilation needs to avoid condensation problems.
Where you buy matters as much as what you buy. Local stock, delivery options, specialist advice, and availability of matching ridges and accessories make a difference. Below are well-known UK suppliers to consider, each with its own strengths.
Wickes is a go-to for DIYers, offering a solid range of roofing shingles, underlays, and accessories. You’ll find affordable asphalt and felt options alongside roofing tools. If you’re tackling a small re-roof or repair, Wickes is convenient for quick pickups in feet-sized quantities and standard accessories.
B&Q covers most basic roofing needs and stocks competitive priced tiles and composite shingles. Their stores are widespread, so you can often source materials quickly. They also list approximate coverage in square foot units and provide guides to help plan small projects — handy if you’re working with a tight footprint.
Screwfix serves builders and DIYers with speedy availability and pro-level products. You’ll find a strong selection of roofing fixings, underlays, sealants, and specialist shingles. Click-and-collect from local branches means you can pick up heavy items without waiting for lengthy delivery windows.
Travis Perkins is aimed at tradespeople and often stocks larger quantities and a broader range of professional products, including slate and clay tiles from leading brands. If you need bulk orders in squares (100 sq ft) or pre-packed pallets, this is a practical place to look.
Jewson provides building merchants’ expertise and a range of commercial-grade products. For larger roofing jobs where you need scaffolding-grade supplies and matched accessories, Jewson’s trade-orientated service helps ensure consistency across a full roof replacement.
Tile Mountain specialises in tiles and roof slates with a huge catalogue, including clay, concrete, and slate options. They often sell by the box and list coverage in square foot measurements, making it easier to estimate how many boxes you’ll need for a roof of a given size.
Roofing Superstore is an online specialist focused entirely on roofing products: shingles, slates, ridges, and solar-ready options. Their product filters let you search by pitch and coverage in square foot, and they often supply specialist advice for unusual roof shapes.
Marley and Redland are well-known manufacturers of clay and concrete tiles in the UK. Buying directly from a manufacturer or an authorised distributor often ensures better availability of matching ridges and verges, and the confidence that you’re getting original replacement tiles for repairs.
Wolseley is an established merchant for trade professionals, while Toolstation can be good for smaller tool and accessory needs. Both can be practical options depending on whether you’re managing a large re-roof or finishing touches.
The provided data lists Tyres.net, a name many recognise for vehicle tyres and related products. If you see non-roofing retailers in a roofing context, it’s worth double-checking — sometimes aggregated product lists can include unrelated vendors. Use Tyres.net’s presence as a reminder to verify the seller’s specialisation and stock before buying roofing materials there.
Ordering materials by square foot is common. A “square” covers 100 sq ft. Measure the length and width of each roof plane in feet, multiply to get a square footage, then add a waste allowance — usually 10 to 15 percent for complex roofs with hips and valleys. For example, a 20 ft by 30 ft single-plane roof is 600 sq ft; with 10 percent waste you’d order 660 sq ft, or about 6.6 squares.
Don’t forget ridges and hips: these often need separate capped tiles or special ridge tiles sold by linear foot. For a roof with multiple ridges, measure the length in feet and add a small contingency to account for cuts and overlaps. Making a simple sketch and noting each linear measurement in feet can save costly last-minute trips to the merchant.
Costs vary wildly. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest per square foot upfront, while natural slate or high-end clay tiles can be several times more expensive. Factor in labour: roofers typically charge by the square or by the day, and complex work — such as changing pitch or strengthening rafters for heavy tiles — will add to the bill. Always get a few quotes from qualified roofers and compare material warranties as part of your decision.
As a rough guide, basic shingles might cost a few pounds per square foot, mid-range tiles several pounds, and premium slate much more. Remember that heavy materials can increase installation time and labour costs because of extra handling and safety measures like scaffolding. When budgeting, convert everything into a per-square-foot figure to compare apples to apples.
Small repairs — like replacing a few broken tiles or a patch of shingles — can be a weekend DIY job if you’re comfortable on a ladder. But full re-roofs, heavy materials like slate, and any structural changes are best left to professionals. A proper install affects warranty validity, roof longevity, and your home’s weatherproofing. If in doubt, book a pro for an inspection; a quick quote can prevent costly mistakes later.
Working at height demands safety equipment. For anything beyond a single-access ladder, plan for scaffolding and certified harnesses. Professional installers factor in scaffold hire into their quotes, and it’s often a non-negotiable cost for larger jobs. Skipping suitable access and safety is a false economy you don’t want to risk.
Consider how long you want the roof to last and whether sustainability matters to you. Slate and clay can last 50 years or more, while good-quality metal roofs can last 40 to 60 years with minimal maintenance. Composite options made from recycled materials can reduce environmental impact, and many manufacturers now offer recycling schemes for old tiles and shingles.
A brief annual check for slipped tiles, blocked gutters, and damaged flashings will keep a roof performing well. Replace or repair small issues quickly — a missing tile or tiny gap in flashing can let in water and create much bigger problems in a matter of weeks during heavy rain.
Buy the right quantity, choose materials compatible with your roof’s pitch and structure, and don’t skimp on underlay and fixings. Incompatible tiles or poor fastening are the usual culprits behind leaks and wind damage. Also, beware of buying non-branded or surplus tiles of uncertain origin — a slightly cheaper box may cost more in the long run if they fail prematurely.
Choosing roofing shingles and tiles for a UK home is a balance of style, budget, structural suitability, and long-term performance. From economical asphalt to timeless slate, the right product depends on your roof’s structure, exposure, and aesthetic goals. Use reputable merchants — from large builders’ merchants to specialist tile stores — verify measurements in square foot, and hire qualified installers for complex work. A little planning now will protect your home for decades and make every storm feel less dramatic.
| Roofing Shingles & Tiles | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Roadian Ht | £ 141,25 |
