Wymondham Roofers fits new roofs in Costessey and the surrounding area, and part of choosing the right contractor is choosing the right material for your home.
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A new roof is not just a like-for-like swap. When you are replacing a roof that is 40 or 50 years old, the materials available today are different from what was laid originally. Some are better in certain situations, some are cheaper upfront but cost more across their lifespan, and some simply suit certain properties better than others. Getting the material right at the start is one of the most important decisions in the whole job.
We fit new roofs in Costessey and the wider area around Wymondham and Norwich, on everything from post-war semis to newer detached houses. Here is an honest look at the main options.
Concrete tiles are a widely used roofing material. They are made by pressing a sand and cement mix into a mould, then applying a surface coating. Modern concrete tiles from established manufacturers carry long manufacturer finish periods, often 30 years or more, though the tile itself can remain weathertight for considerably longer if laid and maintained properly.
Pros: Lower cost than clay or slate. Widely available. Good range of profiles and colours. Suitable for pitches from around 22.5 degrees depending on the product.
Cons: Heavier than some alternatives, so the roof structure needs to be in good condition. The surface coating eventually weathers, and once it goes the tile becomes more porous. Cheaper concrete tiles can be susceptible to frost spalling in cold winters. Colour can fade or change over time.
Concrete tiles are a sensible, cost-effective choice for many homes, but the quality difference between product ranges is significant. Avoid the cheapest options if longevity matters to you.
Clay tiles are the traditional choice and have been used on British roofs for centuries. They are kiln-fired rather than moulded from concrete, which gives them a different texture and a longer natural lifespan. A good clay tile does not have a surface coating to degrade - the colour runs through the material itself.
Pros: Excellent longevity; clay tiles on older properties can remain serviceable for 80 to 100 years when the fixings and felt are maintained. Natural appearance that suits older or character properties well. Resistant to frost once properly fired. Colour tends to be stable over time.
Cons: More expensive than concrete, both for the tiles and for the installation, as they typically require more precise laying. The weight is comparable to or greater than concrete, depending on the profile. Not always the best match for newer homes where a concrete tile looks just as appropriate at lower cost.
For properties in and around Costessey that were built in the early to mid twentieth century, clay tiles are often the most appropriate choice and may help maintain property value.
Natural slate is quarried stone, most commonly from Wales or Spain, and it is the premium end of the pitched roofing market. Genuine Welsh slate has a characteristic blue-grey colour and, when correctly fixed, a lifespan that can exceed 100 years. Spanish slate is slightly softer and more varied in colour but is still a quality material at a lower price point than Welsh.
Pros: Outstanding longevity when properly sourced and fixed. Thin profile and natural appearance suit a wide range of property styles. Lighter than concrete tiles of comparable coverage. Adds aesthetic value to a property.
Cons: Significantly higher material and labour cost than concrete or clay. The slate itself can be sound while the original fixings (copper or iron nails) have corroded, causing slates to slip - known as nail sickness. Requires a roofer experienced in slate work; incorrect fixing shortens lifespan considerably. Not all slate sold as Welsh actually is - ask to see the source documentation.
Natural slate suits character properties, older homes, and any situation where longevity is the priority over upfront cost. If you are investing in a property for the long term, it is worth considering seriously.
Reconstituted or artificial slate is made from a mix of fibre, cement, and pigment, shaped to resemble natural slate. The better products have improved significantly in recent years and offer a reasonable alternative where natural slate would be too costly but the appearance of slate is still wanted.
Pros: Lower cost than natural slate. Consistent sizing makes laying easier. Some products carry long manufacturer periods.
Cons: Does not match the appearance of real slate at close range. Lifespan is generally shorter than natural slate - typically 25 to 40 years for the better products. Not all products perform equally; quality varies widely by manufacturer.
If your project includes a flat roof element, the two main options today are EPDM rubber membrane and modern torch-on felt systems. EPDM is a single-ply rubber sheet that is bonded or mechanically fixed to the deck. It is flexible, handles thermal movement well, and a properly installed EPDM roof can be expected to last 20 to 30 years in normal conditions. Modern felt systems use multiple layers of reinforced bitumen membrane, with the top layer usually mineral-surfaced. Both are significant improvements on older single-layer built-up felt, which often failed within 10 to 15 years.
Whatever tile or slate goes on top, the underlay beneath it is the secondary line of defence. Modern breathable underlays allow moisture vapour to pass out of the roof void while stopping liquid water getting in. This is important for both weathertightness and ventilation compliance under current building regulations. Older bitumen felt does not breathe and, when it fails, condensation can become a problem even before the felt cracks. On any new roof, a breathable underlay is the right choice.
The pitch of your roof, the style of the property, the weight the structure can carry, and your budget all affect which material is right. A roofer should be able to give you a clear recommendation with reasoning, not just a price for whichever product they happen to stock. Ask what the minimum pitch requirement is for the tile being proposed, and confirm that your roof meets it.
We cover Costessey and the surrounding area including Wymondham and nearby villages. If you want a straightforward conversation about which material suits your property, call us to arrange a roof survey and we will give you an honest assessment.
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Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
