The top 10 roofing materials and their pros and cons

Choosing the right roofing materials is a crucial decision in any construction or civil engineering project. You need to balance cost, lifespan, weight, appearance, insulation, maintenance, and suitability for the UK climate. Below are the top 10 roofing materials used today, with their advantages and disadvantages, to help you make an informed choice.

1. Natural slate

What it is & where it’s used
Natural slate is a fine‑grained, durable metamorphic rock, quarried in regions such as Wales, Cumbria and elsewhere. It has been used in traditional British architecture for centuries, prized for its aesthetic qualities and longevity.

Pros

• High durability & lifespan: Often lasts 75 to well over 150 years with proper maintenance.
• Excellent resistance to moisture and UK weather: Low water absorption, robust against rain, wind and frost.
• Prestige and increase in property value: The look and authenticity are highly valued, particularly in heritage and conservation areas.
• Fire resistant and resistant to rot / pests: Because it’s stone, not organic material.

Cons

• High upfront cost: Both the material itself and the skilled labour required are expensive.
• Heavy weight: Roof framework must be robust to support slate; may need strengthening.
• Fragile under impact: Can crack or break with hail, falling debris etc.
• Complex installation: Skilled installers required; more time‑consuming.

2. Clay tiles

What it is & where it’s used
Clay tiles are moulded and fired, often glazed or unglazed, available in many shapes and colours. Common in traditional and period homes, cottages, or areas where a more classical look is desired.

Pros

• Long lifespan (50‑100+ years) if well made and maintained.
• Wide aesthetic range: colours, glazes, shapes to match architectural styles.
• Good fire resistance; resistant to insects and decay.

Cons

• Heavy; structural support needed.
• More expensive than many modern alternatives (both material & labour).
• Glazes may fade; surface wear and moss/algae can build up in damp climates.

3. Concrete tiles

What it is & where it’s used
Concrete tiles are made from cement, aggregates and sometimes pigments. Often used for newer builds, or where the visual look of tile is wanted without the full cost of clay.

Pros

• More affordable than natural slate or high‑end clay.
• Decent lifespan (often 30‑60 years), depending on quality & maintenance.
• Many modern designs mimic clay or slate for aesthetic appeal.

Cons

• Heavier than many lighter roofing options.
• Can be more porous than slate; potential for moisture absorption, moss, freeze‑thaw damage.
• Colour fade and surface wear over time.

4. Metal roofing (steel, aluminium, zinc, copper etc.)

What it is & where it’s used
Metal roofing includes sheet‑metal panels, standing seam systems, corrugated sheets, etc., in various metals like coated steel, aluminium, zinc or premium metals such as copper. Used on modern builds, extensions, commercial buildings, and occasionally residential roof pitches.

Pros

• Long service life: many systems last 40‑70 years or more (depending on metal, coating).
• Lightweight compared to heavy tile or slate roofs—less load on the structure.
• Strong resistance to extreme weather; good wind resistance.
• Good recyclability; potential for lower environmental footprint with recycled metals.

Cons

• Higher initial cost, especially for premium metals or specialised finishes.
• Can be noisy in heavy rain/hail unless insulation or damping is well designed.
• Risk of corrosion if coatings fail or in coastal/marine environments.
• Thermal expansion/contraction can lead to movement, potentially causing leaks if joints/seams aren’t well detailed.

5. Synthetic / composite slate

What it is & where it’s used
Synthetic or composite slates are manufactured materials (fibreglass, resin, polymers, sometimes including recycled components), designed to mimic natural slate. Used where the appearance of slate is desired but cost, weight or availability of natural slate are limiting.

Pros

• Much lighter than natural slate—less load on structure.
• Cheaper than slate; easier & quicker to install.
• Typically comes with warranty; engineered for durability.

Cons

• Shorter lifespan compared to natural slate (often 40‑60 years depending on product).
• Appearance may not fully replicate the premium look or ageing characteristics of real slate.
• Possible degradation: fading, impact/scratch vulnerability, UV exposure issues.

6. Asphalt shingles

What it is & where it’s used
Asphalt or bituminous shingles include an underlayer (fibreglass or organic) coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules. Common in the US; less so in older UK buildings but used in new small‑scale roofs, garages, sheds, or modern developments.

Pros

• Low cost initially; material + installation are relatively affordable.
• Wide selection of styles, colours; versatility.
• Lightweight; relatively easy to replace individual shingles or patch areas.

Cons

• Shorter lifespan (typical 15‑30 years depending on quality and exposure).
• Vulnerable to storm damage, UV, granule loss, wind uplift etc.
• Not always viewed as premium; may be less desirable in certain markets or heritage settings.

7. Flat roof membranes & systems (EPDM, GRP, bituminous felt, single‑ply etc.)

What it is & where it’s used
Flat or low pitch roofing systems use various membranes: EPDM rubber, GRP (glass reinforced polyester / fibreglass), bituminous felt, or modern single‑ply systems. Used on flat roofs (garages, extensions, commercial buildings).

Pros

• Versatile: can cover complex shapes, low slopes.
• Some systems are low maintenance once correctly installed.
• EPDM and GRP can offer good service life (20‑30+ years) with quality installation.

Cons

• Risks of pooling water, leaks, frost damage. Drainage must be very well designed.
• Felt and some cheaper membranes degrade more quickly; more maintenance.
• Thermal insulation and ventilation issues; condensation risk if poorly detailed.
• Flat roof failures are often due to installation or detailing, rather than the material alone.

8. Thatch

What it is & where it’s used
Thatch is one of the oldest roofing materials, made from water reed, straw, heather or similar vegetation. Used almost entirely on heritage, rural or very traditional properties in the UK.

Pros

• Excellent insulation, natural material, sustainable if sourced well.
• Strong heritage/aesthetic appeal; iconic look in many rural and conservation areas.
• Can be locally sourced; low embodied energy if transportation is minimal.

Cons

• High maintenance: periodic thrift replacement, ridge work, fire safety treatments.
• Vulnerable to fire (though modern treatments help), pests, moisture; need regular inspections.
• Shorter practical lifespan compared to slate or tile, especially under harsh weather exposure.
• Insurance/legislation may impose more strict standards; cost implications.

9. Green roofs / living roofs

What it is & where it’s used
Green or living roofs are covered with vegetation over a waterproof membrane, usually including root barrier, drainage and substrate layers. Used in urban settings, extensions, eco‑builds, or for environmental benefits (biodiversity, storm water management etc.).

Pros

• Environmental benefits: good insulation, rainfall attenuation, improved urban biodiversity, reduction of heat island effect.
• Protection of waterproofing membrane from UV, temperature extremes, thus potentially lengthening life of the underlying structure.
• Aesthetic and amenity benefits; can enhance building value in certain contexts.

Cons

• Higher initial cost and complexity: waterproofing, root barriers, drainage, substrate, structural load for saturated soil and plants.
• Maintenance requirements: plant care, watering, weed control etc.
• Risk of leaks if waterproofing fails or drains become blocked. Careful design and installation essential.

10. Fibre cement & other lightweight composite / modern materials

What it is & where it’s used
This category includes fibre cement slates or tiles, lightweight composite panels and other new or hybrid materials designed to combine lighter weight, lower cost, acceptable aesthetics and durability. Used in both residential and commercial projects.

Pros

• Lighter weight makes installation easier and reduces structural requirements.
• Generally less expensive than natural stone or heavy clay.
• Some composites are low maintenance, resistant to rot, insects, and have varied appearance options.

Cons

• Lifespan often shorter or more variable than traditional long‑life materials (natural slate, high‑quality clay).
• Aesthetic wear: colour fading, surface weathering may be more visible.
• May not be suitable for heritage or conservation areas where historical authenticity is required.
• Long‑term performance depends heavily on quality of manufacture and installation.

Key considerations & trade‑offs

When choosing among roofing materials, these trade‑offs often determine which is best for your project: