Walk down almost any housing estate in Lincolnshire and most of the roofs you see will be covered in large, flat or gently profiled concrete tiles. They are a practical, widely used covering, and they suit a huge range of houses, from semis built in the seventies to new extensions. They are not all the same, though, and fitting matters as much as the tile itself.
This guide is about Concrete Tile Roofing and Interlocking Roof Tile Installation: what makes these tiles different from small plain tiles, what sits beneath them, how a re-roof is carried out and what to ask a roofer before saying yes. It is general advice, written to help you plan sensibly and to understand a quotation when it arrives. Hopefully it leaves you better prepared.
Interlocking tiles have a rebate or groove along their sides, so each tile overlaps its neighbour and locks into it. That gives a weather-resistant joint, and it means fewer tiles are needed to cover a given area than with small plain tiles, because each one is much larger. It also usually makes laying quicker. The tiles hang from timber battens fixed across the rafters, and they are held in place with nails or clips in addition to their own weight, especially along edges and in exposed spots. Profiles vary from nearly flat to deeply curved, so the look of the roof depends on which you choose. Weight matters as well. Concrete tiles are heavy, so the roof structure should be sound before a new covering goes on. A roofer should check rafters, purlins and bearing points during the survey, not afterwards.
Tiles are only the visible layer. Below them sit battens, a roofing membrane or underlay, and then the rafters. The membrane is the second line of defence that catches wind-driven rain and condensation, and it should be lapped and fixed correctly, with the right clearances at eaves, hips and valleys. Batten size and spacing must suit the tile, because gauge errors cause slipped tiles and poor overlap. At the edges the roof needs verge and ridge details, which may be mortar bedded or dry fixed, and lead or a suitable alternative where it meets walls and chimneys. Eaves protection and ventilation also matter. A new covering is the right moment to deal with all of these items together, since access is already in place. Ask the roofer to explain each layer, rather than simply quoting for tiles.
A typical job begins with scaffolding around the house, which gives safe access and protects the people working below. The old covering is stripped and taken away, battens are inspected or replaced, and any rotten timber is dealt with. The membrane then goes on, followed by new battens and the tiles themselves, working up from the eaves. Ridges, hips, verges and flashings are completed last, along with any roof windows. If you want a Velux roof window, it is easiest to fit it during the re-roof rather than cutting through a finished covering later. Gutters and fascias are often easier to renew at the same time. The duration depends on the size and shape of the roof and on the weather. Rain delays are normal, and an honest roofer will not promise a fixed date before seeing the job.
Concrete tiles are generally heavier than slate and often more affordable to supply, which is why they are so common on large roofs. They are durable and need little attention beyond occasional moss removal and checks of the ridge and flashing. Their colour can fade or weather over time, and the surface can become rough and hold moss in shaded areas. Natural slate and clay look more traditional and may be required on some older or protected properties. If you are replacing an existing concrete roof, your choice may be like for like, or you may want a different profile or colour, subject to any planning or conservation rules. Ask what is allowed for your property before ordering. A roofer should be willing to show you a sample of the proposed tile and explain how it would look once the whole roof is covered.
The total depends first on the area of the roof and its complexity. A simple gable is far easier than a roof with hips, valleys, dormers and chimneys, because every junction needs cutting and flashing. The pitch matters for access and safety. Scaffolding is a significant part of most jobs. The condition of the timbers underneath, whether the battens and membrane are being renewed, and whether the old tiles can be disposed of easily all affect the work. Your choice of tile profile and colour, plus extras such as roof windows, ventilation, new fascias or lead details, change the scope. Ask for a written quote that lists materials, what is being replaced, and what will happen if rotten timber is found. That makes it much easier to compare offers fairly.
If you are thinking about a new concrete tile roof or a re-roof, we offer free quotations. Tell us the type of house, whether it is an existing roof or a new build or extension, and any problems you have noticed such as leaks, slipped tiles or sagging. Photographs of the roof and the loft are very helpful. We cover Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Grantham, Louth, Skegness, Spalding, Gainsborough and the surrounding villages. We will look at the roof, talk through the options and put everything in a written quote with no pressure to proceed. Use the call or WhatsApp buttons on this page, or send the contact form, and we will arrange a convenient time to visit.
For concrete tile roofing and interlocking roof tiles anywhere in Lincolnshire, call or WhatsApp 07561 405402, or use the form below and tell us about the job.
Pictures are for illustration purposes only.
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Generally no. Covering over an old roof adds weight and hides defects in the battens and rafters. The usual approach is to strip the old covering, check the structure and then lay a new roof properly. Ask your roofer to explain what they found under the old tiles before work goes ahead.
In most cases yes. Scaffolding gives safe access to the whole roof and edge protection for the workers, and it helps with removing old materials. It is normally included in the quote, but ask to be sure. The extra weight, hidden damage and fixings are the reasons, and your roofer can explain them on site.
It depends on the quality of the tiles, how well the roof is fitted and how it is looked after. Regular checks, clearing gutters and sorting small faults early help a lot. We cannot give a fixed figure, but a properly laid roof should last for many decades.
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