Materials guide
Roofing materials guide: costs, lifespan, pros and cons
Choosing the right roofing material is a balance of upfront cost, how long it lasts, the look you want, and what suits your property (and, sometimes, what your local planning rules allow). Here's an honest comparison of the main UK roofing materials. Every material below is covered the same way: cost, lifespan, pros, cons, and what it suits.
Concrete tiles
Cost: ~£120–£175/m² installed · Lifespan: 40–60 years
Pros: most affordable, widely available, easy to match and repair.
Cons: heavier than some coverings, shorter life than clay or slate, colour can fade over decades.
Suits: the majority of UK pitched roofs where budget is the priority.
Clay tiles
Cost: ~£90–£140/m² installed (material costs more per tile than concrete) · Lifespan: 60–100 years
Pros: traditional appearance, holds colour well, long-lasting.
Cons: more expensive than concrete, can be brittle if walked on.
Suits: period and traditional homes, and anyone wanting a longer life than concrete.
Natural slate
Cost: ~£160–£260/m² installed (Welsh slate at the top; Spanish/imported lower) · Lifespan: 80–100+ years
Pros: the longest-lasting common material, premium appearance, often the historically correct choice for period homes.
Cons: highest upfront cost, needs a skilled slater, heavy (the structure must take the weight).
Suits: period properties, conservation areas, and owners taking a long-term view.
Synthetic / composite slate
Cost: ~£60–£90/m² installed · Lifespan: 30–50 years
Pros: the slate look at a lower price, lighter than natural slate.
Cons: shorter life than natural slate, quality varies by product.
Suits: homeowners who want the slate aesthetic on a tighter budget.
Flat-roof systems (EPDM / GRP / felt)
Cost: ~£75–£120/m² (EPDM/GRP); ~£40–£65/m² (felt) · Lifespan: EPDM 25–35 yrs, GRP 20–25 yrs, felt 10–20 yrs
Pros: the practical choice for flat sections; EPDM is durable and good value.
Cons: shorter life than pitched coverings; felt especially so.
Suits: extensions, dormers, garages, and flat-roofed properties.
Metal (steel / aluminium / zinc)
Cost: varies widely by system; get a specialist quote · Lifespan: often 40–70 years
Pros: lightweight, long-lasting, modern look, good for low pitches.
Cons: premium pricing (especially zinc standing-seam), needs a specialist installer.
Suits: contemporary homes, extensions, and structures where weight matters.
Once you've settled on a material, get a tailored figure: try the roof replacement cost calculator, the flat roof calculator or the metal roof calculator, or read the full new roof cost guide.