Types of roof tiles explained: How to choose the best roof tiles for your home

oak frame house with clay roof and slate roof car port
(Image credit: Richard Kiely/Oakwrights)

Choosing the right types of roof tiles is essential in order to complete your project in style. This is one element that it really pays to do your research on. Whether you are building, renovating or extending, this is your chance to add some crowning character to your project. 

Roofs occupy such a prominent and obvious position meaning that your choice of roof covering is just as important as the way you choose to clad your property and the windows you fit. Not only will it form a protective shield over your home but it also needs to look good.

Mark Brinkley

Mark is the author of the ever-popular Housebuilder’s Bible and an experienced builder. The Housebuilder’s Bible is the go-to hardback for self builders; originally published in 1994, it is updated every two years with up-to-date build costs and information on planning and building regulations, and is currently in its 14th reiteration.


He has written for publications such as Homebuilding & Renovating for over three decades. An experienced self builder, his latest self build, a contemporary eco home built to Passivhaus principles, was created on a tight urban brownfield plot.