Which roof covering should you choose?

Roof tiles, slates, bitumen roofing and EPDM compared

Choosing a new roof covering is not something you do every day. The material must protect your home against rain, wind, frost and heat for many years. It also plays a major role in determining the appearance, maintenance requirements and lifespan of your roof.

Many homeowners begin their search by asking which material is the cheapest. However, the initial purchase price tells only part of the story. A roof covering that seems inexpensive today can cost more in the long term if it requires additional maintenance or needs to be replaced sooner.

The best choice depends on the type of roof, the existing structure, your budget and your expectations. Roof tiles and slates are mainly used on pitched roofs. Bitumen roofing and EPDM are primarily intended for flat and low-pitched roofs.

In this article, we compare these four popular solutions to help you determine which roof covering is best suited to your home.

Which factors determine the right roof covering?

No single roof covering is automatically the best choice for every property. Several factors must be considered together before appropriate advice can be given.

The roof type and pitch

A pitched roof drains rainwater differently from a flat roof. Roof tiles and slates are installed with a precise overlap and require a minimum roof pitch. Bitumen roofing and EPDM, on the other hand, form a continuous waterproof layer for flat and low-pitched roofs.

The technical requirements of the selected system and manufacturer must always be followed.

The load-bearing capacity of the roof structure

Not all materials have the same weight. Particularly when renovating an older property, the existing structure must be checked to ensure that it can safely support the new roof covering.

If the structure is weakened, deformed or damaged, repairs or reinforcement may be required before installation begins.

The existing roof build-up

The visible roof covering is only one part of the entire roof. The underlay, vapour barrier, insulation, ventilation and rainwater drainage are equally important for achieving a durable result.

Installing a new covering without inspecting the underlying structure can conceal existing moisture or insulation problems instead of resolving them.

The appearance of the property

The roof covers a large visible area and therefore has a major influence on the architecture of the property. A traditional rural home will often require a different solution from a modern building with clean, minimalist lines.

The colour, shape and dimensions of the roof covering will also affect the final result.

Maintenance and lifespan

Some materials require little maintenance, while others need more frequent inspections or cleaning. The expected lifespan also varies according to the product, installation and exposure to weather conditions.

You should therefore consider not only today’s price, but also the total cost throughout the roof’s service life.

Your future plans

Would you like to install solar panels, a green roof, additional insulation or roof windows in the future? These plans should be considered before selecting the new covering.

Doing so can prevent a recently completed roof from having to be altered again.

Roof tiles, slates, bitumen roofing and EPDM at a glance

These lifespans are indicative. Product quality, roof construction, installation, detailing, maintenance and exposure to weather conditions all have a significant influence on the actual service life.

1. Roof tiles: a versatile solution for many homes

Roof tiles remain one of the most popular choices for pitched roofs. They are available in numerous shapes, colours and sizes, making them suitable for both traditional and modern properties.

There are two main types: clay roof tiles and concrete roof tiles.

Clay roof tiles

Clay roof tiles are manufactured from fired clay. They retain their colour and shape well and are resistant to changing weather conditions. Correctly installed, high-quality clay tiles can have a particularly long service life.

Their initial cost is generally higher than that of concrete tiles, but this can be offset by their long lifespan and limited maintenance requirements.

Concrete roof tiles

Concrete roof tiles are usually less expensive and can be installed efficiently. They often provide a clean and uniform appearance.

They are generally heavier and may become more susceptible to discolouration, dirt and moss over time. The load-bearing capacity of the roof and future maintenance requirements must therefore be considered.

Advantages of roof tiles

• Wide choice of colours, shapes and styles

• Suitable for traditional and modern homes

• Individual damaged tiles can be replaced

• Work well with roof insulation and solar panels

• Attractive balance between price, appearance and lifespan

Points to consider

• Not suitable for every roof pitch

• The structure must be able to support their weight

• A reliable underlay and correct ventilation remain essential

• Fixing and anchoring must be adapted to the wind load

When should you choose roof tiles?

Roof tiles are often a good choice for a pitched roof if you want a versatile, reliable and affordable solution. Clay tiles are particularly attractive when longevity and colour stability are priorities. Concrete tiles may be suitable when the initial budget is more important.

2. Slates: elegant and suitable for complex roof shapes

Slates give a roof a refined and timeless appearance. Their relatively small size also makes them suitable for complex roof shapes, facades and areas with numerous junctions.

A distinction is made between natural slates and manufactured fibre-cement slates.

Natural slates

Natural slates are split from natural stone. Each slate therefore has its own colour, texture and character. High-quality natural slates can last for a particularly long time when they are installed correctly.

They are generally positioned in a higher price category. Careful selection and an experienced roofer are essential for achieving a consistent and durable result.

Fibre-cement slates

Modern manufactured slates are generally made from fibre cement. They have a uniform appearance, are relatively lightweight and are available in different sizes and colours.

They are usually less expensive than natural slates, but generally have a shorter service life.

Older manufactured slates may contain asbestos. Suspicious materials should always be assessed before renovation and safely removed in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Advantages of slates

• Elegant and high-quality appearance

• Suitable for complex roof shapes

• Relatively lightweight

• Can also be used as facade cladding

• Choice between natural character and a more uniform finish

Points to consider

• Installation is more labour-intensive

• Skilled workmanship is essential for correct overlaps and fixing

• Natural slates have a higher initial cost

• Damaged slates must be replaced carefully

• Older manufactured slates may contain asbestos

When should you choose slates?

Slates are particularly suitable when appearance, refined detailing or a complex roof shape are important. Natural slates work well for characterful and high-end renovations. Fibre-cement slates provide a more uniform and generally more affordable alternative.

3. Bitumen roofing: a proven solution for flat roofs

Bitumen roofing is a waterproofing membrane manufactured from bitumen reinforced with polymers and a supporting layer.

It is mainly used on flat and low-pitched roofs. Depending on the selected system, the waterproofing may consist of one or more layers.

Advantages of bitumen roofing

• Proven technique for flat roofs

• Strong and resistant to mechanical loads

• Suitable for complex roof details and junctions

• Local repairs are often possible

• Certain systems can later receive an additional layer

• Often competitively priced

Points to consider

• Quality varies significantly between systems

• Seams, upstands and roof edges require careful detailing

• Certain installation methods require specific safety measures

• The roof should be inspected periodically

• Outlets and gutters must remain clear

When should you choose bitumen roofing?

Bitumen roofing is often a logical choice for flat roofs, extensions, garages and renovations of existing bituminous roofs. It is particularly suitable when you want a strong and repairable waterproofing system with a good balance between price and performance.

4. EPDM: flexible and low-maintenance

EPDM is a synthetic rubber developed for use as a waterproof roofing membrane. It is elastic and resistant to ultraviolet radiation, ozone and major temperature fluctuations.

EPDM can be installed in large sheets or membranes. On a suitably shaped roof, this can limit the number of seams.

Advantages of EPDM

• Long expected service life

• Flexible during temperature changes and structural movement

• Good resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weather conditions

• Relatively little maintenance required

• Can be installed with a limited number of seams

• Suitable for flat and low-pitched roofs

Points to consider

• The substrate must be prepared correctly

• Junctions, corners and penetrations require skilled workmanship

• Repairs must be completed with compatible materials

• The initial cost may be higher than that of a basic bitumen system

• Protection is needed in areas where people regularly walk

When should you choose EPDM?

EPDM is often suitable for flat roofs when you want a durable, flexible and low-maintenance solution. On relatively simple roof areas, the limited number of seams can be an important advantage.

Bitumen roofing or EPDM: which should you choose for a flat roof?

Both materials can provide a high-quality solution. The best choice depends on the existing roof build-up, the shape of the roof and the preferred installation method.

Bitumen roofing is often suitable when:

• A bituminous waterproofing layer is already present

• The roof contains numerous complex details

• Local repairs or the option of applying an additional layer are important

• A competitive budget is required

EPDM is often suitable when:

• The roof area is relatively simple

• Large sheets with few seams can be used

• Flexibility and low maintenance are priorities

• A long service life is required

The material alone does not determine whether a flat roof remains watertight. The detailing of upstands, roof edges, outlets, rooflights and penetrations is equally important.

Installation is as important as the material

Even the best roof covering can cause problems if it is not installed correctly. A durable roof requires a complete build-up in which every component works together.

Important considerations include:

• A stable and suitable load-bearing structure

• Correctly installed insulation

• A continuous air and vapour barrier where required

• A reliable underlay for pitched roofs

• Correctly designed rainwater drainage

• Careful junctions around chimneys, roof windows and penetrations

• Suitable fixing and anchoring

• Protection of the waterproofing during and after the work

A professional roofer therefore considers not only the visible covering, but the entire roofing system.

What determines the final price of a new roof?

An accurate price comparison involves more than a cost per square metre. The total cost is influenced by:

• The area and shape of the roof

• The accessibility of the property

• Removal and disposal of the existing covering

• The condition of the roof structure

• Installation of a new underlay

• The type and thickness of the insulation

• The number of roof windows, chimneys and penetrations

• Finishing of gutters, ridges and roof edges

• The possible presence of asbestos

• The selected material and installation method

Always compare quotations based on the same work and materials. A lower price may mean that certain essential components have not been included.

Which roof covering is best for your home?

In summary:

• Choose roof tiles if you want a versatile and reliable solution for a pitched roof.

• Choose slates if refined appearance or a complex roof shape is important.

• Choose bitumen roofing if you want a strong and proven waterproofing solution for a flat roof.

• Choose EPDM if you want a flexible and low-maintenance solution with relatively few seams.

The final decision should ideally be made after a professional assessment of the existing roof structure and your future plans.

Have your roof assessed by Faccader

Are you unsure whether to choose roof tiles, slates, bitumen roofing or EPDM? You do not need to make that decision alone.

At Faccader, we assess the existing roof build-up, the condition of the structure and your requirements. We compare the technically suitable options while considering appearance, lifespan, maintenance, insulation and budget.

Instead of standard advice, you receive a roofing solution that matches your property and plans.

Contact Faccader for professional advice and a no-obligation quotation. Together, we will create a strong, watertight and carefully finished roof you can rely on for many years.