FAQ’s

What guarantees do roof tiles have?

All roof tiles manufactured over the past decade come with a 50 Year structural performance guarantee that the tiles will not warp, become porous, corrode or be affected by salt or frost.

What pitch can I put roof tiles on?

Roof tiles can be layed at a minimum roof pitch of 15 degrees; however, consideration needs to be given to the rafter length, wind speed, terrain category and the tiles profile.

How long will a roof last?

A good quality Welsh slate roof can last for generations to come, which can be hundreds of years. It is often the type of roofing covering that will determine the length of life, but most manufacturers give long guarantees on their products.

What's the cheapest option?

The flat concrete roof tile (a Marley Modern or Russell Grampian, for instance) tends to be the most economical type of roof covering around.
What type of slate/tile should I choose?
The type of roof coverings available to you may be restricted to your site and the roof design, but we will happily propose a number of alternatives for you to consider, one of which may simply be to repair the current roof you have.

Are there any 'hidden extras'?

The only hidden extras are those which could be genuinely hidden from all of us. In the case of old buildings where the plasterboards are attached to the underside of the rafters, it is difficult it determine the state of the rafters beneath them. Often it is not expensive to replace a few of the structural timbers that have rotted, but it is something that you do need bear in mind as a possible additional cost.
Generally speaking, if a roof has not been leaking, the timbers do tend to be in a good state. Other possible problems are infestation of beetle or woodworm but this is something we can treat and, in most cases the roof requires very little or no additional work.

Do concrete tiles fade?

Yes, the color of your concrete tiles will fade and weather over time. This coating is purely decorative, and plays no role in any protective or waterproofing function. Over several years, the color coating of your tiles may take on a more subdued, matt appearance because of the effects of air pollution and powerful UV rays from the sun. This change in appearance has no effect on the tiles performance or its structural adequacy.
Do concrete roof tiles become porous as they age?
Concrete roof tiles like all concrete products become stronger and less porous over time, provided they were manufactured to the appropriate Standard.

Does lichen growth affect the durability of roof tiles?

In some climates, moss and lichen can grow on your tiles. They will not affect your tiles in any way, and can add character to your roof. However, if you prefer the clean lines of your tiles, both moss and lichen can be easily removed with high pressure water jet cleaning or by using other commercially available cleaning products. (Always consider the environment when using chemical products)

Leaking roof?

Leaks are most often confined to small areas and usually occur as a result of one or more of the following problems:
Blocked gutters (including valley gutters) and downpipes. These should be cleaned out.
Cracked or broken cement mortar bedding to the ridge or hip capping. Capping should be re-bedded or re-pointed.
Cracked or broken roof tiles. Individual roof tiles should be replaced.
Roof tiles displaced. Displaced tiles should be put back in their proper position.
Blocked drainage channels under the 'sidelaps' of individual tiles. Any buildup of dirt or debris should be removed.
Flashings blocked, damaged or displaced. These problems should be corrected.
If your roof has a leak, it is always best to employ an expert tradesperson to undertake the work for you, as accessing and walking on roofs can be dangerous.

What are the white marks on my roof? How can they be removed?

Occasionally, the natural salts within a concrete tile can migrate to the surface as a whitish grey discoloration called efflorescence or 'bloom'. This has no effect on the performance of the tile. Although common to many concrete products, efflorescence does not always occur and should disappear naturally over time.

Do tiled roofs require ongoing maintenance?

There is no such thing as no maintenance when it comes to roofs. Although your roof tiles are structurally guaranteed to perform their function for 50 years, there are still some things to look out for when it comes to caring for and maintaining your roof.
The number one maintenance issue is cleaning the gutters, downpipes and valleys of your roof. Gutters, downpipes and valleys can become easily built up with debris such as leaves and twigs from trees.
When gutters, downpipes and valleys become blocked, you get a buildup of water that overflows back into your roof, which can create an enormous amount of water damage. This kind of buildup also represents a potential fire hazard, as dry leaves and twigs are extremely combustible. This is easily preventable by a regular check to make sure your gutters, downpipes and valleys are free of debris. You should try to check and clean your roof at least once a year, twice if you live in a particularly tree lined area.
By regularly maintaining your roof you will go a long way to preventing any major problems occurring.

Are roof inspections necessary?

Every five to seven years you should have your roof checked by an expert tradesperson.

What is Sarking and what are the benefits?

Sarking is a flexible membrane that is layed under the roof battens during the installation of a new roof. Alpha Roofing recommended the use of sarking for all new roofs irrespective of roof pitch, terrain category or prevailing wind speeds.
Benefits of using Sarking:
Reflects up to 95% of radiant heat entering your roof space
Provides added thermal insulation all year round
Stops condensation - minimizing the chance of staining and mould growth on your ceilings
Effective dust barrier - reducing airborne dust entering your home
Fire safety - prevents burning embers entering the roof space
Provides additional weather protection during severe storms

Can Concrete and Terracotta tiles be used in coastal environments?

Concrete and terracotta roof tiles can be used in all kinds of environments and are ideal for coastal locations that endure the wind, spray and salt of the ocean. In fact, Monier and Wunderlich roof tiles are guaranteed not to warp, become porous or rust for 50 years.

Is water collected off a tile roof safe to drink?

The raw materials used to manufacture tiles are non-toxic, so the water that runs off a tiled roof is potable, however, other factors including atmospheric fallout needs to be considered and the inclusion of a 'first flush diverter system' is recommended.

Can terracotta tiles be painted?

The painting of terracotta tiles is not recommended; however, unglazed terracotta tiles can be painted but once painted will require ongoing recoating.