Why would one use roofing tiles instead of roofing sheets? The choice of which to use can depend on several factors, including the style of the building, the climate, the budget, and personal preference.
Roof tiles are individual pieces of material made from materials such as clay, concrete, or slate. They are typically installed in overlapping rows, with each tile held in place by a combination of its weight and the weight of the tiles above it.
These are some of the reasons why I would personally install roof tiles
- Enhances the visual appeal of a building
- They are durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They are resistant to fire and insects, and rot
- Keeps room cool in hot climates by reflecting sun rays.
Types of roof tiles
Below are the types of roof tiles typically found in South Africa?
- Clay tiles
- Concrete tiles
- Slate tiles
- Metal tiles
- Composite tiles
- Bituminous tiles
Clay tiles are the most popular due to their aesthetic appeal. They come in different range of colors and styles and can be used in a variety of roof slopes.
Roof tiles types and prices
| Type of tile | Cost per tile |
| Clay | R10 – R15 |
| Concrete | R10 – R15 |
| Slate | R10 – R13 |
| Metal | R13 – R16 |
| Composite | R16 – R18 |
| Bituminous | R17 – R19 |
| terracotta | R12 – R15 |
Important points to note
What’s the installation price for roof tiles?
The typical average cost for installing roof tiles in South Africa is R140 per square meter. The total may depend on:
- The type of roof tile
- Weight
- Location of building
- Size of building
- Nature of road to building site