Choosing the right kind of natural looking roof tile for your building project can be a tricky subject, however we believe that you can’t get any better than choosing one of the options below. If you are looking for that natural look then these popular tiles do just that and can give any grand project a classically beautiful finish. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of tiles, so if you are thinking of embarking on a roof project and wanted the full lowdown on what roof tile to choose then why not get in touch or contact us on 01482 306555.
Westmoreland slate
Westmoreland slate originates from the Lake District and Cumbria and has been quarried there for over 250 years. It is olive green in colour and has a beautiful rugged texture formed from hundreds of millions of years old volcanic ash. The olive tone results from chlorites within the rock which are salts of chlorous acid. The slates are generally random in form and are used to compliment rural areas in buildings such as church halls, cottages, country estates and hotels.
Westmorland slate is well known throughout Britain and the World often and quite expensive to source and as such Balmoral Green Slate and Fesco Lake Green tile can be a cheaper alternative.
Welsh slate
Welsh slate is said to be the toughest natural slate in the world. It is believed to have the longest lifecycle (over 100 years) when compared to any other slate and is available in a wide variety of colours, although the most popular is in it’s natural state which is dark grey and rugged in texture. Welsh slate has been quarried for hundreds of years and in the 1500 became the principle export of Wales. It is a very popular roof tile and is often used on cathedrals, libraries, offices and public buildings, again suiting but not exclusive to a rural setting.
Spanish slate
The Northern slate producing region of Spain has unique geological characteristics that are evident in the durability and natural aesthetics of Spanish slate. Spanish slate is used throughout the Britain for most projects including residential developments, commercial and retail buildings, hotels and leisure projects, and are all regularly specified with natural slate roofing. Its natural aesthetics and durability make it the perfect roofing material.
It is affordable and easily available alternative to domestic slate and it has similar characteristics to locally quarried slate and is long lasting. Spanish slate is also suitable for the restoration and repair and is often chosen by councils and public authorities for this purpose.
Rosemary tiles
The Rosemary tile adds distinction and character to any pitched roof and has been in use for over 160 years. Produced from Etruria Marl, Rosemary comes in a range of red tones that create attractive and striking roofs. The distinctively random look of the Rosemary Craftsman tile offers a more hand craft clay style and typically vintage.
The Rosemary tile is relatively new compared to the previously mentioned slates, however, is used throughout the UK and very popular on both new builds and new housing estates as well as more traditional buildings.
