Buying roof tiles is not like buying a ready-made product off a shelf. The right tile has to match your roof’s size, profile, pitch and colour, and most suppliers sell by the pallet, not by the single tile. Knowing where to look, what to ask and what to check before you pay can save you from expensive mistakes.
This guide explains where to buy roof tiles and slates in the UK, how to find a supplier near you, what to check before you order and when it is better to let your roofer supply them. It does not recommend any particular brand or shop, because stock and prices change.
Where to Buy Roof Tiles
Builders’ Merchants
General builders’ merchants stock the most common concrete and clay tiles, ridge tiles, battens and underlay. They are good for standard roofs and quick orders, and many offer trade accounts and delivery.
Specialist Roofing Merchants
Roofing suppliers carry a wider range, including slate, clay plain tiles, pantiles, ridge systems, dry verge units, flashings and fixings. Staff are usually more experienced, and they can help you match tiles and calculate quantities.
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Manufacturers and Their Stockists
Tile manufacturers sell through approved dealers. If your roof was built with a particular range, such as a concrete interlocking tile, the manufacturer’s website often has a stockist finder. Our guide to concrete roof tiles explains how to identify what you have.
Reclamation and Salvage Yards
Reclaimed tiles and slates are ideal for matching old roofs, particularly on period homes and listed buildings. Quality and quantity vary, and the tiles need to be sorted and checked, but they weather naturally and blend in well.
Online Retailers
Online shops can offer a wide choice and competitive prices, but delivery of heavy pallets can be expensive and returns are difficult. Always check the pallet delivery charge and the return policy before ordering.
How to Find Roof Tiles Near You
If you are searching for roof tiles near you, these steps help you narrow it down:
- Search for the type of tile and your area. For example, “clay plain tiles supplier” together with your town or county, and look at the local results on a map.
- Check specialist suppliers as well as merchants. Roofing merchants often stock things that general merchants do not.
- Look at stockist finders. Manufacturers list the dealers that carry their products.
- Call before you visit. Ask whether they have the tile in stock, how many pallets and the lead time for more.
- Ask for a delivery quote. Pallets are heavy, and delivery is often the difference between suppliers.
For slate, clay and pantile in particular, ask whether the supplier holds stock locally or orders from the manufacturer, because lead times can run to weeks.
What to Check Before You Order
- Profile and size. The tile must match the roof, or be a compatible product.
- Minimum pitch. Make sure the tile is rated for your roof pitch. Use our roof pitch calculator if you are unsure.
- Quantity. Check the number needed per square metre, with an allowance for waste. Our guide to how many roof tiles per m² shows how to work it out.
- Batch and colour. Order everything from the same batch where possible, and ask for a few spares.
- Accessories. Ridge tiles, hip tiles, verge units, vents and fixings are often priced separately.
- Delivery. Check the charge, the day, the unloading method and whether the driver will leave pallets safely.
- Returns. Find out whether unopened pallets can be returned and at what cost.
- Frost and quality. Ask for the product’s data sheet, especially for clay and slate.
Matching Existing Tiles
If you are repairing or extending an existing roof, finding a good match is the hardest part. Measure the tile, note the profile and gauge, check for a maker’s mark on the back and take clear photos. A roofing merchant can often identify the tile from those, and if it is discontinued, they may suggest a reclaimed or a close modern alternative. Our guide on how to replace roof tiles explains how to get a good match and fit the tile.
Should You Buy the Tiles Yourself or Let the Roofer Do It?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Roofer supplies the tiles | Trade prices, correct quantity, responsible for any mistakes | Less control over the choice and price |
| You buy the tiles | Full control over product and supplier | You carry the risk of wrong or too few tiles, and may pay more |
Most homeowners find it simpler and safer to let the roofer supply the tiles, because they can match the product to the roof and are responsible if something is wrong. If you decide to buy your own, talk to the roofer first so they can confirm the product and quantity.
How Much Do Roof Tiles Cost?
Prices vary a lot between concrete, clay and slate, and between suppliers. For typical ranges, see our roof tiles price guide. If you are weighing up materials, our guide to slate vs tile roof compares them on cost and lifespan.
Buying Slates
Natural slate is sold by size and grade, and the origin affects the price. Spanish slate is the mainstream choice, and Welsh slate is the premium option. Ask for the grade, thickness and a sample, and check whether the supplier has a technical data sheet and a guarantee. Our slate roof guide explains the types.
Buying Reclaimed Tiles
- Inspect the tiles in person, and check for cracks, delamination and frost damage.
- Ask how many are available, so you can be sure there will be enough.
- Check the size and thickness, because old tiles vary.
- Expect to sort them, as some will be unusable.
- Reclaimed tiles are usually sold without a guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy roof tiles near me?
Try local builders’ merchants, specialist roofing suppliers and reclamation yards, and check the stockist finder on the manufacturer’s website. Call ahead to confirm stock and delivery.
Can I buy roof tiles directly from the manufacturer?
Usually you buy through stockists, not directly. The manufacturer’s website normally lists the nearest dealers.
How do I find out what roof tiles I have?
Look for a mark on the back of a spare tile, measure the length, width and gauge, and take clear photos. A roofing merchant can often identify them.
Is it cheaper to buy roof tiles myself?
Sometimes, but not always. Roofers get trade prices, and mistakes in quantity or product can cost more than you save. Ask your roofer first.
How long does it take to get roof tiles delivered?
Common concrete tiles are often in stock and arrive in days. Clay, slate and special orders can take several weeks.
Can I use reclaimed roof tiles?
Yes, especially to match older roofs. Check the condition, the quantity and the size, and expect some wastage.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right roof tiles is mostly about matching the product, checking the quantity and agreeing the delivery. Use specialist suppliers for harder-to-find tiles, ask for data sheets and samples and keep a few spares from the same batch. If you are unsure, let your roofer handle the ordering.
Get a professional assessment
If you are unsure how much life your current roof has left, a local roofer can give you an honest assessment as part of a free inspection. Browse vetted roofers through our roofer directory, or get a quick replacement estimate using our free cost calculator.