Slating & Tiling
Slating and tiling encompass many different options, with tiles being divided into clay and concrete and then sub-divided into plain or profiled. Slates are divided into stone or man-made (Eternits).
Tiles
Interlocking concrete tiles are perhaps the most cost effective of the roof coverings. These are large tiles that cover around ten per square metre. They are laid as a single lap, side by side with the grooves on the underside of the one tile resting within those on the upper side of the preceding tile.
Plain tiles come in both concrete and clay forms with the hand made clay tiles being the most expensive. The coverage rate is around sixty per square metre, therefore resulting in an increase in labour. 
Additionally as the tiles are laid double or treble lapped (i.e. each tile has part of up to two other tiles beneath it) there is a great deal more battening needed and the weight on the roof is significantly increased. Plain tiles are often used for tile hanging.
Slates
Slates are usually laid treble lapped with each slate nailed to a timber batten. Nowadays slates are imported from countries such as China, Spain and Canada. Additionally there are many man-made slates on the market made from either fibre cement (Eternits) or moulded with a mixture of slate dust and glass fibre resin.
Perhaps the most expensive, but traditional roofing option is to use stone slates. These are large, heavy slabs of natural stone laid in slightly different patterns from region to region. They are quite expensive to both buy and lay, but will create an amazing roof structure.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I know if my roof requires replacing?
Answer: If patch repairs are regularly necessary, it may be time for the roof to be re-covered. It is difficult for an amateur to judge whether a new roof is required. A general rule, if more than 20-25% of the tiles/slates are cracked, broken, dislodged or missing – it is likely to be more practible to strip and re-roof. If you need advice about the soundness or safety of your roof, contact Tecta Roofing for a free quotation.
What is the best way to insulate a new roof or re-roof project?
Answer: The ideal solution for a new build or re-roof project is to have insulation between and under the rafters. Ideally it needs a continuous surface for the breathable membrane so that it can be installed in horizontal runs under counter battens with laps sealed. The next best solution is to have insulation between and under the rafters with no continuous surface for the breathable membrane. In this instance the membrane is installed in vertical runs with laps sealed under counter battens.