What Are the Different Types of Reclaimed Roof Tiles?

January 31st, 2025

What Are the Different Types of Reclaimed Roof Tiles?

Are you struggling to decide which roof tiles to choose for your project? With so many options available, including reclaimed roof tiles, each with its own advantages and drawbacks, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll break down the key benefits and potential challenges of various tile types, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs!

Reclaimed Roof Tiles: A Spectrum of Colours

What Are the Benefits of Reclaimed Roof Tiles?

Reclaimed tiles offer a unique, timeworn aesthetic that can’t be replicated by new alternatives. They are also incredibly durable, having already stood the test of time, and they often blend seamlessly into older or period-style buildings. Since they are repurposed, they help reduce waste and promote sustainable construction.

Tile Options to Suit Every Architectural Style

Reclaimed roof tiles add vintage charm and sustainability to any project. Cawarden offers a variety of colours to suit different architectural styles:

  • Blue Tiles – The Staffordshire Blue Machine Made Reclaimed Roof Tiles provide a distinctive and durable finish.
  • Brindle Tiles – The Reclaimed Brindle Machine Made Rosemary Roofing Tiles offer a variegated look for added visual interest.
  • Red Tiles – A classic, warm-toned option available in both handmade and machine-made variations.
  • Rosemary Tiles – Renowned for their durability and timeless appeal, available in shades like Heather Red and Staffordshire Blue.

Drawbacks

While reclaimed tiles offer unique benefits, they also come with some challenges. Since they are salvaged materials, availability can be inconsistent, making it tricky to source large quantities of matching tiles. Some may require additional cleaning or minor repairs before installation. It’s also important to ensure your roof structure can support the weight, as older clay tiles can be heavier than modern alternatives. Consulting a professional can help determine if reclaimed tiles are the right fit for your project.

reclaimed roofing tiles Explore our range of reclaimed roofing tiles today!

Slate Roof Tiles

Slates offer a unique contemporary style to your property and a surprisingly long-lasting life span of up to 100 years! Slate is also a natural product which is naturally fire resistant and has a reputation for being one of the most elegant awe-provoking roofing materials.

What are the Benefits of Slate Roof Tiles?

Slate is a natural, highly durable roofing material with exceptional longevity. It is also a very energy-efficient way of keeping your home cooler during the hotter periods and hotter during the colder seasons. How does it do this you may wonder? Well, the heaviness of the material stops heat from escaping whilst also preventing warm air from coming in saving you a few pennies!

Drawbacks

Although a sophisticated-looking design it also comes with its drawbacks, as specified in the benefits the slate is naturally heavy in density meaning that your home may not be able to take the weight and may need reinforcement. It’s best to consult a professional before deciding to choose a slating roof option. Due to the installation difficulties, it may also require a specialist to come and install them on your home which may cost slightly more than your average roofing tile.

Check out our range of reclaimed slates here!

Clay Roofing Tiles

Clay roofing tiles are a popular choice due to the wide range of beautiful colours available such as brindle, rosemary, blue and red. The wide array of colours creates a unique look to any roofing project new or old. The historical preservation of the materials can also create a vintage look to any design.

What are the Benefits of Clay Roofing Tiles?

Clay roofing tiles are low maintenance, have high longevity and help to regulate indoor heat. With these benefits, you can save money on maintenance and energy. They can also be easily cleaned and don’t require specialist treatments or products. Unlike slates, they are also very easy to replace so any tiles that need replacing can be purchased at your local reclamation yard and replaced easily.

Drawbacks

Although clay roofing tiles are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, they are also fragile and can crack under heavy impact such as heavy branches falling on them which may require replacement.


Browse our collection of unique reclaimed tiles today!

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete roofing tiles are created using water, sand and cement. This is then crafted into a desired shape. In this case a roofing tile!

Concrete is highly durable, withstanding harsh winds, heavy rain and extreme weather better than many alternatives. It also has a life span of around 50-70 years giving it good longevity.

What are the Benefits of Concrete Roof Tiles?

These roofing tiles require low maintenance and have a long lifespan. Concrete is also an eco-friendly choice due to the use of natural materials it doesn’t add chemical pollutants to the atmosphere. Concrete also helps to trap the heat inside of your home creating an energy-efficient solution to any home.

Drawbacks

Weighing up to 1000 lbs per square foot may require structural reinforcement. This weight can contribute to structural integrity loss over time. Tile fading can also make it harder to replace concrete tiles as, while strong, over time they may sustain damage from branches or other harsh weather conditions.

Browse our collection of reclaimed pantile

Types of Tile Fittings

Cawarden offers essential roof tile fittings for a secure and polished finish:

  • Bonnet Hip Tiles – Provide a smooth transition at roof hips.
  • Arris Hip Tiles – Offer a sharp, defined look.
  • Valley Tiles – Ensure efficient water runoff where two slopes meet.
  • Eaves Tiles – Direct water into gutters, protecting the roof’s edge.
  • Tiles and Halves – Maintain a uniform bond pattern.
  • Corner Roof Tiles – Enhance the aesthetics and functionality of roof corners.

Find the perfect tiles for your roofing project!

Types of Reclaimed Ridge Tiles

Ridge tiles cover the apex of the roof, protecting the junction between two roof slopes. Cawarden offers a variety of reclaimed ridge tiles:

  • Half-Round Ridge Tiles – Provide a smooth, traditional finish.
  • Fancy Ridge Tiles – Add decorative flair to the roofline.
  • Angle Ridge Tiles – Designed for angular ridges with a defined look.
  • Saddleback Ridge Tiles – Offer both protection and unique aesthetics.
  • Roof Finials – Ornamental features enhancing architectural character.
  • Vented Ridge Tiles – Improve airflow and prevent condensation.

Check out our selection of ridge tiles today!

Why Choose Reclaimed Roof Tiles?

By choosing reclaimed roof tiles, you not only preserve architectural integrity but also support sustainable building practices. Cawarden Reclaim provides high-quality, eco-friendly roofing solutions for builders, renovators and architects.

Start your roofing project today!

Cawarden Reclaim