Concrete and clay tile re-roofing for pitched roofs
Tile Roof Re-Roofing
Tile roof re-roofing is stripping an existing pitched roof back to the rafters and covering it with new concrete or clay tiles, new breathable membrane and battens, and new flashings and ridge detail.
Definition
What Tile Re-Roofing covers
Re-roofing in tile is the most common way to renew a pitched roof at the end of its life. Concrete tiles are the most economical option and widely used; clay tiles cost more but offer a different appearance and are often specified to match older or higher-status properties. Both are laid over new membrane and battens once the existing covering is stripped.
Suitable for
- Roofs at or beyond their expected lifespan needing full replacement rather than patch repair
- Properties where concrete or clay tile is the existing or planning-approved covering
- Re-roofing following widespread storm or wind damage
- Roof renewal as part of a wider extension or loft conversion project
Not suitable for
- Small isolated repairs — a handful of slipped or cracked tiles is a repair, not a full re-roof — see our roof repairs service
- Listed or conservation area properties where natural slate is required rather than tile
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Survey and specification
Assessing roof structure and batten condition, and agreeing tile type, colour and profile.
- 02
Access and strip
Scaffolding installed and the existing covering stripped back to rafters, exposing any timber needing repair.
- 03
Re-covering
New breathable membrane, battens and tiles fixed course by course, with new flashings, valleys and ridge.
- 04
Completion
Final inspection, site clearance and guarantee documentation.
Typical timescale
A full tile re-roof on an average semi-detached house typically takes one to two weeks on site once scaffolding is up, weather permitting.
Cost guidance
Tile roof re-roofing typically costs £120–£250 per m² in our area, with concrete tile at the lower end and clay tile pushing toward the top of that range, plus roof complexity such as valleys, dormers and multiple chimneys. We provide an itemised quotation after a roof survey rather than a fixed headline price.
Limitations and exclusions
- Scaffolding is priced as a distinct cost from the re-roofing itself
- Underlying rafter or batten decay found once the roof is stripped is priced separately as it's identified
- Exact tile matching isn't always possible for older or discontinued ranges — alternatives are agreed with you before ordering
Areas we cover
Tile Re-Roofing across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for tile re-roofing in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Tile Re-Roofing FAQs
Should I choose concrete or clay tile for my re-roof?
Concrete tile is the more economical, widely available option and suits most properties; clay tile costs more but gives a different colour and texture often chosen to match older or higher-status buildings. We advise on the right choice for your property and budget during survey.
How long does a tile re-roof last?
A well-installed concrete or clay tile roof typically lasts 40-60 years or more, though underlay, battens and flashings usually need attention before the tiles themselves do. We flag realistic lifespans for each component at survey stage.
Will you reuse my existing tiles?
Sometimes — sound tiles from a stripped roof can occasionally be reused on a lower-visibility area such as a garage roof, but this depends on their condition and isn't assumed until they're inspected during the strip.
Discuss your tile re-roofing project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.