How Long Do Concrete Roof Tiles Last?

Found atop millions of properties right across the country, concrete roof tiles are a much-used, and much-trusted roofing choice for a variety of reasons. They are manufactured using a top-quality mix of sand, cement, and water which is expertly moulded under high levels of heat and pressure.

This highly popular tile boasts a multitude of benefits, ranging from impressive durability and strength to a professional appearance that leaves your home looks effortlessly stylish. With many colours and profiles to choose from, concrete roof tiles give you the freedom to style your home with a design that is original for you.

When choosing a roofing tile, there are a number of factors you must consider to ensure you achieve the best results. One of the questions it is vital to ask is ‘How long will this tile last?’ Understanding the longevity of a roofing tile will allow you to determine whether it is the right option for your property. In this article, we will talk you through just how long concrete tiles really last and give an insight into a few of the fantastic options that are out there to buy.

How Long Do Concrete Roof Tiles Last?

Generally, the average concrete roof tile has a lifespan of 50 years if cared for correctly. Like with any roofing choice, the lifespan of your roof will heavily depend on how well you look after it. This level of care starts right from installation, so it is important that your roof tiles are correctly fitted by a professional roofing expert using high-quality materials and underlayment.

Fitting high-grade underlayment is essential as it helps protect the roof from moisture penetration and extreme weathering as well as ensuring your tiles stay securely in place during wind. Concrete roof tiles should also be inspected in regular intervals and especially after storms to check for possible maintenance that needs tending to.

What If My Concrete Roof Is Damaged?

To enhance the longevity of your concrete roof, it is key to fix any damages that you find as soon as possible to prevent the condition worsening. Although highly durable, extremely stormy weather can break, crack or even completely remove some of your roofing tiles. If this is the case, replacing the tiles is generally pretty straightforward for both DIYers and roofing professionals and can be done with little impact on the rest of your roof.

What can Affect the Lifespan of Concrete Tiles?

As well as stormy weather, there are a variety of other issues that can lessen the lifespan of your concrete roof tiles.

Colour Loss – A known issue about concrete tiles is that they can be affected by heat which can be an issue in very hot areas. The darker the colour of your tile, the more heat it will absorb from the sun which can cause a level of discolouration, pre-empting replacement sooner than the 50 years.
Damp – When concrete tiles are not correctly inspected and maintained, cracked or loose tiles can leave your roof and attic space susceptible to damp. This can compromise the structure of your roof, reducing its longevity.
Moss – Although not extremely dangerous, moss can have an effect on your concrete roof tiles. When enough is growing, moss prevents rainwater from flowing down the roof which can again cause moisture problems and water damage.
Efflorescence – Efflorescence is a white deposit of calcium carbonate that can form when concrete is exposed to water. When the water evaporates salt deposits are left behind, leaving a grey or white tint. It is more commonly noticed in periods of wetter weather such as in winter and can often be mistaken for fading tile colour.

How Long Do Different Brands of Concrete Tiles Last?

Of course, you will usually find that different manufacturers produce concrete tiles with varying lifespans and levels of durability. When searching for concrete roof tiles, we recommend using Redland tiles, Marley tiles or Sandtoft tiles. These brands each manufacture millions of roof tiles per year, which can be seen on millions of homes throughout Europe.

Unlike other manufacturers, each of these major brans utilise high quality materials and proven manufacturing techniques. They also craft some iconic profiles, including plain tile, double roman and pantile. Here are some examples of their long-lasting concrete tiles.

Redland

Taking the Redland Renown Tile as an example, this high-quality tile is widely recognised for its fantastic durability and enhanced lifespan that lasts for decades after installation. With rigorous extreme weather testing, this best selling concrete tile can easily endure even the harshest storms and will withstand driving rain easily.

Another best-selling tile comes in the form of the Redland Plain Tile. Manufactured using top-quality techniques, this concrete tile offers impressive longevity with an expense of weather testing behind it that ensures your concrete roof will stay secure and weathertight for decades into the future. Redland tiles also fully conform to various British Standards so you can be sure they are constructed with full durability in mind.

If you want a roof that lasts, why not also look into the Redland 50 Double Roman Tile. Ideal for a variety of roofing projects, these Redland tiles are incredibly sturdy with unique manufacturing techniques and extensive testing under tough wind conditions. They are guaranteed to last well into the future and offer no doubt about matching the average 50 year lifespan.

Marley

Practical and durable with fantastic certifications, the Marley Ludlow Plus are a reliable and long-lasting choice for your roof. Guaranteed for a full 15 years of use, these sturdy concrete roof tiles boast a thickness of 25mm to ensure a fully robust structure that can easily withstand the effects of external conditions. Likewise, the Marley Plain Tile also are manufactured to provide a 15-year lifespan with high levels of performance and excellent certifications. They have a lightweight 12mm build yet offer top standards of resilience and robustness, perfect for those who want a high-quality roofing structure that lasts.

With a 28mm thickness, let’s not also forget the brilliant Marley Double Roman Tile. Versatile and long-lasting, this high-quality roofing tile is again ensured for a complete 15 years of use and incorporate a timeless design that has been spotted for other 2000 years in roofing construction.

Sandtoft

Simple in design yet incredibly durable in structure, the Sandtoft Standard Plain Tile is an ideal option for those who want sleek style and fantastic longevity in one. This cross-camber concrete tile conforms to various British Standards to ensure top-quality manufacturing plus although measuring up to only 1.3kg in weight, offers fantastic resilience against the harsh effects of outdoor conditions.

A highly popular choice, the Sandtoft Double Roman Tiles provide guaranteed durability and can be utilised on pitches as low as 17.5°. They create a clean and very long-lasting finish that requires easy installation and only minimal maintenance to keep your roof to a high standard of quality.

Lastly, for those planning into the future, the Sandtoft Lindum Tile is another excellent choice that boasts a long lifespan. Specially manufactured to ensure top levels of durability, these Sandtoft tiles can easily endure even the toughest of weather conditions without faltering in quality. They create a clean and stylish finish that will last for many years to come.

To Conclude

Now you have a better idea of just how concrete tiles really last, it is highly possible that you are considering this top-quality roofing choice for your home. If you are on the search for long-lasting concrete tiles from a trusted supplier, take a look at our fantastic range of concrete roof tiles.

If you have any other questions or queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team by calling 01295 565 565 or leaving us a message in our handy live chat.