If you’re planning to re-roof your home, you’ll be faced with an enormous selection of different roof tile models. There are now over 100 different types of roof tiles and shingles available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Choosing the right roofing material depends not only on personal taste but also on local building regulations and the existing roof pitch. To help you navigate the search for suitable roof tiles, our blog post will explain which roof tiles and covering options are available and for which roof pitches they are suitable.
Which roof tiles are suitable for which roof pitch?
The roof pitch plays a crucial role in choosing the right roofing material, as not just any roof tile is suitable for different roof pitches. Generally speaking, the shallower the roof pitch, the greater the risk of rain or even snow getting under the roofing material. With an incorrect roof, the entire attic can be damaged. This is precisely why there is a standard roof pitch. This is the minimum roof pitch at which the roof covering will still be considered watertight. The following roof pitches are distinguished:
- Flat roof : The roof pitch is between 0° and 10°.
- Suitable roof : The roof pitch is between 10° and 22°.
- Pitched roof : The roof pitch is between 22° and 30°.
Example: Different roofing options for different roof pitches
- Bitumen shingles: Suitable for roof pitches from 15° to 85°
- Metal roofing made of copper, aluminum, or steel: Suitable for roof pitches from 7°
- Flat roof tiles: Suitable for roof pitches from 22°
- Concrete roof tiles: Suitable for roof pitches from 22°
- Natural slate: Suitable for roof pitches from 22°
- Double Roman tiles: Suitable for roof pitches from 25°
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The different types of roof tiles and roofing options
Basically, the possibilities when choosing new roof tiles are almost unlimited and they are available in numerous colors:
concrete roof tiles
Concrete roof tiles are suitable for roof pitches of 22° and above and are also known as shaped tiles. They are industrially manufactured using a process called extrusion, specifically for roofing. Especially in the United States, concrete roof tiles are among the most frequently used roofing options.
Beaver tail tiles
Beaver tail tiles are suitable for roof pitches of 30° and above and are available in a wide variety of cuts. The classic cut is the round-cut beaver tail tile. However, these roof tiles are also available in hexagonal, straight, segmental, and Gothic cuts. Beaver tail tiles are primarily used for double and crown coverings. In some regions of the United States, roofing with beaver tail tiles is even traditional and therefore included in regional building regulations.
Flat roof tile
Flat roof tiles are suitable for roof pitches of 22° and above and are made of clay. As the name suggests, they are primarily designed for roofs with shallow pitches. Thanks to their excellent shape and reliability, they offer optimal protection and perfect load-bearing capacity against noise, storms, rain, and snow. It’s also worth noting that these roof tiles have been used for covering roofs with shallow pitches for over 50 years.
slate roofs
Slate roofs are suitable for a roof pitch of 22° and are incredibly valuable, especially from an ecological perspective. After all, slate is a completely natural stone. When roofing with slate, you have several options: shingle-like tiles, rectangular tiles, as well as pointed and curved cut tiles. Slate offers particularly creative roofing possibilities because the natural stone can be split individually. Furthermore, slate roofing is available in a variety of colors. However, it should be noted that this type of roofing is not suitable for all latitudes.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are suitable for roof pitches as low as 7° and are typically made of aluminum, copper, or zinc. Due to the surface properties, metal roofs are not susceptible to overloading from sliding snow. However, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation during installation, as metal roofs are completely vapor-impermeable.
Besides the roofing options listed above, there are of course many other possibilities for covering a roof. For example, in the far north you’ll find roofs made of thatch or straw. But wood and glass are also suitable for roofing. We would be happy to advise you in detail on the optimal roofing solution for your home and show you the creative possibilities available.
