Slate is a fine grained metamorphic rock that can be split easily into thin layers.
Difference between tile and slate roof.
Tiles are produced from either concrete or clay and are available in a wide range of designs and colours which makes them more suited to modern houses than slates.
Slate is a natural stone tiles are manufactured.
Most commonly available in concrete and clay roofing tiles come in a much wider variety of designs and colours than natural roofing slates.
Tiles are made from a variety of hard wearing materials usually fired clay and concrete.
Concrete tiles are available in plain or interlocking fittings and are usually bigger than clay which makes them easier to install however for roofing with skylights or lots of chimneys.
It s mainly grey in colour with a wide variety of textures colour varieties and irregular patterns.
A slate tile is a piece of slate measured cut and prepared for use as a tile.
Whether you choose concrete or clay tiles the tiles will have a life expectancy of 50 years and will be of equal durability and resistance.
However concrete tiles are lighter in weight and less costly to install than natural slate tiles.
Slate happens to be among the most durable of all the roofing materials not all slate is the same some are made from quarries in vermont some from pennsylvania and other states but the best of it will last longer that the fasteners that hold it in place.
Like natural slate roofing concrete tiles are heavy which means if you need a new roof you may need to have your building structurally inspected prior to installation.
The most crucial difference is that natural roofing slate is exactly that a natural product whilst tiles whether concrete or clay are manufactured.
However concrete tiles are considered more weatherproof and able to withstand severe weather conditions.