Pantiles are the very distinctive form of roof tiles that have an ‘s’ shape or ‘wave’ to their design. They used to be very popular for roofing but have regained their popularity in more recent years, in the rural areas of the UK.
What are pantiles?
Pantiles are a roofing material. They first arrived in the UK about 500 years ago, traditionally being made from clay but more commonly from concrete by the mid-20th century.
Concrete pantiles are designed to mimic the look of the clay alternatives, but only with a direct comparison can you really notice the difference.
Special care must be taken when laying pantiles, and only someone with experience should carry this out in order to minimise issues in the future. Thankfully, you can rely on our team at MG Roofing. We have the know-how and experience to work with this material.
What are the benefits of using pantiles?
- Pantiles are a very light solution – they can be up to ⅓ lighter than regular tiles. This is very beneficial if you are getting a roof replacement on older properties where the supporting structure cannot hold heavier materials.
- They have a high aesthetic appeal – this is the main reason people choose them! Modern ways of manufacturing mean that we can still have traditional-looking pantiles, and have the carried options at a lower price.
- If the pantiles are well maintained, then their aesthetic will continue to add to the building’s character over time. They age gracefully and look more effective as time passes.
- The modern equivalent of pantiles can be used on low-pitched roofs.
What are the main types of pantiles?
- Handcrafted Clay Pantiles – these are now produced in far smaller amounts than previously. Due to this, they are priced significantly higher than the other alternatives. They, however, are particularly beautiful and add a great aesthetic to traditional properties.
- Traditional Clay Pantiles – This is the most commonly used type of pantile, called the Redland Cathedral Clay tile. These can be used on a roof with a pitch as low as 22.5 degrees.
- Interlocking Clay Pantiles – A modern version of the previous, and uses interlocking technology to reduce labour and installation difficulty.
- Concrete Pantiles – Very similar in appearance to clay pantiles but uses a more modern material, concrete.
How much are pantiles?
The price will depend on which you choose. One thing to note is that concrete has continued to drive the price of pantiles down due to how economically it can be manufactured. Clay manufacturers struggle to keep up with this. However, improved processes and technology mean that they haven’t been disregarded completely. Concrete pantiles are more cost-effective than clay but if you want the ‘rustic’ appeal, then you may be willing to spend a little bit more.
At MG Roofing we have a wealth of experience and do so in installing pantiled roofs. If you would like to find out more or would like a free, no-obligation quote, then please get in touch.
