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BS-08, building supplies

Roof Tiles for New Roofs, Extensions and Repairs

Concrete and clay roof tiles with ridges, underlay and fittings for new roofs and repairs. Send one free request and local roof tile suppliers quote you.

Supplies
Roof Tiles
Quotes from
Building-supply merchants
Area
All nine provinces
Cost to you
Free, with no obligation
Pallets of charcoal concrete roof tiles and terracotta clay tiles stacked on a South African building site
Pallets of charcoal concrete roof tiles and terracotta clay tiles stacked on a South African building site

Pitched roof tiles are a common choice on South African homes, from suburban houses to estate homes, because they are quiet in the rain, handle hail well and last for decades. BuildingContractors.co.za doesn't sell or lay tiles. Tell us the tile type, roof area and where you are, and we pass your request to independent roof tile suppliers or roofing contractors in your area, who quote you directly. The request is free and there is no obligation to accept any quote.

Concrete or clay roof tiles

Concrete roof tiles are the most widely used tile in South Africa. They come in profiles such as double roman, flat and low-profile shapes, in through-coloured or surface-coated colours, and are made to SANS 542. They are economical and quick to lay because each tile covers a fairly large area.

Clay roof tiles are fired, so their colour does not fade, and they suit Tuscan, farmhouse and heritage styles. They usually cost more per m² and may be smaller, which means more tiles and more labour. Both types are heavy, so the trusses must be designed for a tiled roof.

Pitch, underlay and fittings

Tiles shed water by overlapping, so each profile has a minimum roof pitch, often around 17 degrees or more for standard concrete tiles. Check the manufacturer's figure before you choose. Under the tiles, an underlay stops wind-driven rain and dust, and battens are fixed at the gauge the tile needs. A full order includes ridge and hip tiles, verge and valley details, bedding mortar or dry-fix systems, clips in windy areas and lead or flashing at walls and chimneys. Ventilation and insulation complete the roof.

How many tiles you need

Standard concrete tiles cover roughly 10 to 11 tiles per m², while smaller clay tiles can need far more. Work from the true roof area, not the floor area, because pitch and overhangs add surface. Add a margin for cutting at hips and valleys and keep a few spare tiles for future repairs, as colours can change between batches. Your supplier or roofer can calculate quantities from the roof plan.

Repairs, reroofs and matching tiles

Cracked or slipped tiles after a Highveld hailstorm are a common call-out. Matching old tiles can be difficult if the profile is discontinued, so many suppliers and some reclaim yards keep older stock. If a large area is damaged, a reroof may make more sense. Replacing sheeting with tiles adds a lot of weight, so a roof engineer or truss designer must check the structure first, and plans may be needed.

Comparing roof tiles prices

Material prices change with demand, transport costs and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact product: type, size, grade or strength, and the SANS mark where one applies.
  • Quantity: per unit, per pallet, per m³ or per load, and whether there is a minimum order.
  • Delivery: the delivery charge, offloading, and access for a large truck or crane truck.
  • VAT and validity: whether the price includes VAT and how long it is held.

What to include in your request

  • Concrete or clay, the profile and colour you want
  • Roof area in m², or the roof plan with pitch
  • New roof, extension, repair or full reroof
  • Whether underlay, battens and ridges are needed
  • Delivery address, site access and timing

Frequently asked questions

Do you sell roof tiles?
No. BuildingContractors.co.za is a free quote-request service. We pass your request to independent roof tile suppliers or roofing contractors near you, who quote you directly for supply only or supply and laying. There is no charge for the request and no obligation to accept.
Are concrete or clay roof tiles better?
Concrete tiles are usually more economical and quick to lay, with many profiles and colours. Clay tiles cost more but keep their colour for life and suit certain styles. Both last for decades when laid properly. Your choice often depends on budget, house style and any estate guidelines.
Can I put roof tiles on a roof built for sheeting?
Not without checking. Tiles are much heavier than steel sheeting and need a steeper pitch, so the trusses and walls may not carry them. An engineer or truss designer must assess the roof first, and in many cases the structure has to be strengthened or rebuilt.
How do I match tiles for a roof repair?
Take a clear photo of the tile front and back, note any markings and measure it. Suppliers can often match current profiles, while older or discontinued tiles may come from reclaim stock. Colours weather over time, so new tiles may look slightly different at first.

Roof Tiles by province

Roof Tiles by city and town

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