Roof Types
Knowing what kind of roof you have makes every conversation about it easier — what it should cost, what tends to go wrong, and whether a problem is serious. These guides explain the main roof types found on UK homes, without the jargon.
How the classic sloping roof works — and why it works so well.
The hundred-year covering — what owning one means.
Clay and concrete — Britain's most common roofs, explained.
Not actually flat — and better than their reputation.
Why the roof type matters
A cracked tile means something different on a 1930s clay-tiled semi than on a 1970s concrete-tiled estate house, and a slipped slate on a Victorian terrace is a different conversation again. The covering determines the lifespan you can expect, the failure modes to watch for, and the right way to repair — which is why we've written these guides for the roofs we actually work on: pitched roofs in general, natural slate, clay and concrete tile, and flat roofs.
Each guide covers the same ground
What the system is and where you'll find it; its honest strengths and weaknesses; the typical lifespan and what shortens it; the problems that show up in practice and what they look like from the ground; and the repair and replacement options when something does go wrong — with links to the relevant repair and replacement services.
Not sure what you've got?
Send us a photograph from the street and we'll tell you. It's genuinely useful to know before you ever need work done — and if you're comparing quotes for a job, knowing your covering keeps everyone honest. Our advice article on slate versus tile is a good place to start if you're weighing up a replacement.
Roof Types — your questions answered
What type of roof lasts longest? +
Can you mix materials when replacing part of a roof? +
Which roof type is cheapest? +
Not sure what your roof needs?
Send us photos of the damage — our team will assess and recommend, at no cost or obligation.