Clay tile lasts 60–100+ years, ages beautifully, and is required in Salisbury conservation areas but costs 30–50% more. Concrete tile lasts 40–60 years, is cheaper, and suits post-war housing. Your property era and pitch determine which is appropriate. Free advice: 0172 223 9611.
If you are re-roofing a Salisbury property, one of the most significant decisions you will make is whether to use clay tile or concrete tile. It affects cost, appearance, longevity and — on some Salisbury properties — whether you comply with conservation area requirements. Here is an honest comparison.
Clay Tile — The Traditional Choice
Clay tiles have been used on British roofs for centuries. The properties around Salisbury Cathedral Close, the Georgian townhouses on Crane Bridge Road, and the Victorian terraces throughout Fisherton and St Paul's were all originally roofed in clay plain tile or clay peg tile. Clay tiles manufactured today are essentially unchanged from those used 150 years ago.
Lifespan: 60–100 years. Many clay tile roofs on Salisbury's Victorian housing stock are still serviceable at 120+ years with periodic maintenance.
Appearance: The warm red-orange of fired clay changes subtly over time, weathering to the characterful aged appearance of period housing. It cannot be replicated by concrete.
Weight: Clay plain tiles are heavier than concrete interlocking — approximately 45–75kg/m². Check that your existing roof structure can take the load before specifying clay on a property that previously had concrete.
Maintenance: Clay tiles are more brittle than concrete and more easily broken during foot access. They need careful handling during any roof work.
Historic England guidance requires that re-roofing of listed and conservation-area buildings uses matching traditional materials — clay plain tile or natural slate — rather than concrete substitutes.
— Historic England guidance
Concrete Interlocking Tile — The Modern Standard
Concrete interlocking tiles became the dominant roofing material for new-build housing in Britain from the 1960s onwards. They are heavier per tile but cover more area per tile than clay plain, making installation faster. The majority of Wiltshire's post-war and estate housing is concrete tile.
Lifespan: 40–60 years for the tile itself. The galvanised fixing nails tend to fail before the tile surface deteriorates — nail sickness on 1960s–70s properties is the primary failure mode, not the tiles themselves.
Appearance: Concrete tile is visually distinct from clay — it tends to fade over time to a lighter, more uniform grey. Many colour options are available in new concrete tile.
Weight: Heavier per m² than clay plain tile but lighter than some clay interlocking profiles. Standard concrete interlocking tiles are 40–50kg/m².
Cost: Approximately 30–50% cheaper than equivalent clay tile for materials.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Clay Plain Tile | Concrete Interlocking |
|---|---|---|
| Design life | 60–100 years | 40–60 years |
| Material cost | ££££ | ££ |
| Appearance | Traditional, warm, ages well | Modern, fades over time |
| Weight per m² | 45–75kg | 40–50kg |
| Conservation areas | Usually required or preferred | Usually not acceptable |
| Frost resistance | Excellent (fired clay) | Good but can degrade |
| Noise in rain | Slightly quieter | Standard |
| Repairability | Reclaimed tiles available | Profile matching possible |
What Do Conservation Areas Require?
Salisbury has extensive conservation area coverage, particularly in the city centre and Cathedral Close. On listed buildings and in the most sensitive conservation area settings, like-for-like clay tile is generally required for any re-roofing. On non-listed buildings within conservation areas, planning consent for a material change may be required. We advise on this at survey stage and liaise with Wiltshire Council conservation officers where needed.
Which Should You Choose?
Use clay tile if: your property is period (pre-1950), in a conservation area, or you want a 75-year roof. The higher upfront cost is offset by the extended lifespan and the fact that you are unlikely to re-roof again in your ownership.
Use concrete tile if: your property is post-war or modern, outside conservation area constraints, and upfront cost is a significant factor. A well-specified concrete tile roof on a 1970s semi will last 50 years and involves no planning complications.
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026 by Salisbury Roofing Experts