Different Types Of Roofing Materials In Ashford: A Complete Guide

Choosing between the different types of roofing materials available today isn’t just a question of appearance. Every roofing material comes with a different trade-off among upfront cost, lifespan, and maintenance: a cheaper option might save money now but may need replacing twice before a premium one needs touching once, while a more expensive material might outlast the mortgage but isn’t always appropriate for every roof shape or budget.

Location plays a bigger role in this decision than most people realise. Ashford has a mix of period terraces, newer estates, and properties inside conservation areas, and the roofing material that suits a Victorian terrace isn’t always the one that suits a 1990s extension. In some parts of Ashford, planning rules can even limit which materials you’re allowed to use at all. Getting this decision right at the start avoids a costly change of mind halfway through a project.

This guide walks through the main types of roofing materials for both pitched and flat roofs, what each one actually costs, how long it realistically lasts, and how to work out which one suits your property.

Different Types of Roofing Materials In Ashford

Ashford’s homes are covered by a genuine mix of roofing materials, from traditional pitched roofs on period terraces to modern flat-roof extensions, and the choice of material is one of the most visible and long-lasting decisions you’ll make about your property.

Natural Slate

Slate is quarried stone split into thin, flat tiles, and it’s the longest-lasting roofing material in common use. Because it’s natural, no two roofs look quite the same, and it’s a familiar sight on Ashford’s older and listed properties, where planning rules often require it to be retained or matched like for like.

Common types: 

Welsh slate (the traditional UK standard), Spanish slate (a widely used, cost-effective import), and synthetic or fiber-cement slate (a lighter, budget alternative designed to mimic the natural look).

Advantages:

• Exceptional lifespan, often 80 to 100 years or more
• Highly resistant to fire, frost, and heavy weather
• Natural material with a distinctive, high-end appearance
• Typically required or preferred on listed and conservation-area properties

Limitations:

• One of the more expensive materials, both to buy and to install
• Heavy, so the roof structure needs to support the load
• Requires an experienced installer to fit and repair correctly

Lifespan: 

80–100 years 

Best for:

 Period properties, conservation areas, long-term value

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are moulded and kiln-fired, giving them a strength and colour that holds up for decades. They’re a traditional choice across Kent and suit the character of older Ashford properties without the cost of natural slate.

Common types: 

Plain clay tiles (small, flat, the classic look on Kent terraces), pantiles (an S-shaped profile giving a distinctive wave pattern), and interlocking clay tiles (designed to fit together tightly for extra weather resistance).

Advantages:

• Long lifespan with excellent colour retention over time
• Naturally fire-resistant and low maintenance once installed
• Wide range of styles to match period and character properties

Limitations:

• Heavier than concrete, so structural suitability needs checking
• More expensive than concrete tiles
• Individual tiles can crack under impact or foot traffic

Lifespan: 

50–70 years 

Best for: 

Period and character properties wanting a traditional look at a lower cost than slate

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are the most common roofing material on modern UK homes, largely because they’re cost-effective and available in styles that mimic clay or slate.

Common types: 

Interlocking concrete tiles (the standard choice on most new builds) and flat concrete tiles (a slate-effect alternative at a lower price point).

Advantages:

• Lower cost than natural materials, both to buy and install
• Wide availability and a broad choice of colours and profiles
• Good weather performance for the price

Limitations:

• Shorter lifespan than slate or clay
• Can fade in colour over time compared to fired clay
• Heavier than metal roofing systems

Lifespan: 

30–50 years 

Best for: 

New builds, estate properties, larger roofs on a budget

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is manufactured from steel, aluminum, zinc, or occasionally copper, and has become increasingly common on extensions and contemporary properties thanks to its low weight and long service life.

Common types:

 Standing-seam panels (raised, interlocking seams for a clean, modern finish), box-profile sheeting (a cost-effective corrugated option common on outbuildings), and zinc roofing (a premium, self-healing finish that develops a natural patina).

Advantages:

• Lightweight, reducing the load on the roof structure
• Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
• Performs well against heavy rain, wind, and snow

Limitations:

• Less traditional appearance, not always suited to conservation settings
• Can be noisy in heavy rain without proper insulation underneath
• Higher upfront cost than concrete tiles

Lifespan: 

40–50 years 

Best for: 

Extensions, outbuildings, and contemporary-style properties

EPDM Rubber

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane and currently one of the most reliable flat roofing materials available, typically supplied in large rolls that leave few, if any, seams.

Advantages:

• Long lifespan with very few seams to fail
• Flexible, so it handles thermal movement and minor structural shifts well
• Low maintenance once properly installed

Limitations:

• Plain, uniform appearance with limited colour options
• Edge detailing needs to be finished carefully to avoid early failure
• Can be punctured by sharp impact if not protected

Lifespan: 

25–50 years 

Best for: 

Extensions, garages, and general flat roof replacements

GRP Fibreglass

GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is applied as a liquid resin that cures into a single, seamless, waterproof surface, making it a popular choice where appearance matters, such as balconies or roof terraces.

Advantages:

• Completely seamless, reducing the most common cause of flat roof leaks
• Available in a range of colours and finishes
• Very strong once cured, and can be walked on

Limitations:

• Requires a skilled, experienced installer to avoid cracking
• More expensive than felt
• Can be damaged if the substrate beneath it moves or flexes

Lifespan: 

25–40 years 

Best for: 

Balconies, terraces, and flat roofs where a smooth, moulded finish is wanted

Felt (Torch-On)

Modern torch-on felt is a multi-layer bituminous system applied with heat, and it’s a step up in performance from the traditional felt many homeowners associate with older flat roofs.

Advantages:

• Lowest upfront cost of the common flat roofing materials
• Performs reasonably well in cold weather
• Straightforward to repair in small sections

Limitations:

• Shortest realistic lifespan of the three main options
• Seams between layers are a common point of failure
• Needs more frequent inspection and maintenance

Lifespan: 

20–30 years 

Best for: 

Budget-conscious flat roof projects, outbuildings, smaller extensions

Roofing Material Cost Comparison

Cost varies by material, roof size, and access, but as a general guide for Ashford and the wider South East:

These figures reflect UK industry cost guidance and will vary depending on your specific roof and site access. A site visit is the only way to get an accurate figure for your property.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Property

Check what your property actually needs

A period terrace and a modern extension rarely need the same material, and mixing pitched slate with a flat EPDM extension roof is common and perfectly normal on the same property.

Factor in planning restrictions

If your property is in a conservation area or listed, the choice of roofing material may be restricted, particularly on anything visible from the street. It’s worth checking with roofers in Ashford who are familiar with local conservation areas before ordering materials.

Think beyond the initial cost

The cheapest material upfront often isn’t the cheapest over 20 years. Weigh the lifespan against the price per m² rather than comparing quotes on cost alone.

Ask what the material is actually suited to

Not every material performs the same across all roof pitches, sizes, or exposures. A contractor should be able to explain why they’re recommending one option over another for your specific roof, not just quoting whichever is easiest to source.

Material is only half the decision

The right roofing material still depends on the right contractor installing it. If you’re weighing that up too, see our guide on how to choose a trusted roofing company in Ashford for what to check before you hire.

Why Choose Hibbs Roofing and Building For Your Roofing Needs

Hibbs Roofing and Building Ltd has over 25 years of experience working with the full range of roofing materials across Ashford, from natural slate on period terraces to flat roofing systems on modern extensions. Whatever your property needs, we’ll recommend the material that best suits it, not the one that’s easiest for us to source.

Alongside material advice, we provide a full range of roofing services in Ashford, including roof installation and repair and specialist lead work for flashing and detailing on both new and existing roofs 

Not sure which material is right for your roof? Get in touch for a free roof inspection and honest recommendation, or call 01702 602114 to speak with the team directly.

Conclusion

There’s no single best roofing material, only the one that’s right for your property, your budget, and how long you plan to stay in it. Natural slate and clay tile deliver decades of low-maintenance performance if you can afford the upfront cost; concrete and metal offer a sensible middle ground, and modern flat roofing systems like EPDM and GRP have moved well beyond the short-lived felt roofs of the past. 

Whatever direction you’re leaning, weighing lifespan and maintenance costs against the initial price, rather than focusing on cost alone, is what determines whether a roof is a good investment or an expensive one.

FAQs

What is the best type of roof material for a UK home? 

For most traditional UK homes, natural slate or clay tile offers the best combination of longevity and weather performance, lasting 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. For budget-conscious or modern properties, concrete tiles or metal roofing offer solid performance at a lower cost.

What is the best type of flat roofing material? 

EPDM rubber is generally considered the best all-round flat roofing material, combining a long lifespan of 25 to 50 years with low maintenance and a seamless, reliable membrane. GRP is a strong alternative where a smoother, moulded finish is wanted.

What is the most durable roofing material overall? 

Natural slate is the most durable roofing material in common use, with a lifespan of 80 to 100 years when properly installed and maintained. Among flat roofing options, EPDM rubber offers the longest realistic lifespan.

Can I mix different roofing materials on the same property? 

Yes, this is very common. Many Ashford properties use pitched tiles or slate on the main roof and a flat material like EPDM or GRP on an extension or garage, and there’s no structural issue with combining these materials.

Do I need planning permission for a specific type of roofing material? 

Not usually for like-for-like replacement, but if your property is listed or in a conservation area, restrictions can apply to the type of roof material used, especially if it’s visible from the street. Check with your local planning authority or a contractor familiar with Ashford’s conservation areas before ordering materials.