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Reclaimed Roof Tiles

It is possible to use second-hand tiles or slates on a roof instead of brand new ones. They are called reclaimed roof tiles or slates, and can have a multitude of benefits.

This blog aims to explore the benefits of using reclaimed roof tiles, and the things you need to consider when opting for reclaimed tiles on your own roof.

The benefits of reclaimed roof tiles and slates

There are many advantages in opting for reclaimed roof tiles or slates for your home, including:

Benefits to the environment: When you choose reclaimed roof tiles, you are preventing tiles from going to landfill.

In keeping with older style architecture: Many opt for reclaimed roof tiles to match the style of a period property. Heritage building projects in sensitive planning locations often require a roof to blend with surrounding properties, which can usually mean reclaimed tiles are your only choice.

Long lasting: Even though a tile may be 50 years old or more, they may have another 50 years of life, provided they are in good condition. Clay roof tiles and natural slates in particular are incredibly durable and long lasting.

Price: Depending on who you buy the tiles or slates from and how rare they may be, reclaimed tiles can often work out cheaper overall to new tiles.

Things to consider

If you are considering using reclaimed tiles or slates for your roof project, there are some important to consider the following:

How many do you need to complete your project? It’s all well and good using reclaimed tiles or slates, provided you have enough of the same style to complete your project. As may reclaimed tiles are discontinued by their brands, you are limited by how many of the same style are available and matching these from different suppliers can be tricky.

Do they meet current building standards? – As tiles were traditionally laid onto tile battens without fixings, some tiles such as the old traditional clay pantiles were made without fixing holes. These would not be accepted under todays roofing standards as building standards require tiles to be fixed securely to resist the wind.

How watertight are they?  As traditional, old clay pantiles were made by hand, the consistency of the dimensions were not accurate. This means in fitting the tiles, inaccuracy of size and dimensions could risk the tiles not fitting together accurately causing gaps, meaning the roof may not be completely watertight.

How old are they?  As it is impossible to guess a tiles age just by looking at it, unless your supplier can tell you the age of the tiles, you will never know how old the tiles are, and how long they could last.

Send in the professionals!

If you need advice on a an upcoming roof project Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd can help! Whether you are looking to have new or reclaimed tiles, we can offer a free, no obligation quotation for any upcoming project you have.