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How To Choose Roof Tiles
Choosing a roof tile is about far more than simply covering your home. The right roof shapes the character of a property, influences its long-term performance, and can even affect planning approval in conservation areas or for heritage-inspired developments.
Whether you’re building your dream home from the ground up or sympathetically renovating an older property, selecting the right handmade clay roof tiles is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make.
At William Blyth, we have been crafting traditional handmade clay roof tiles since 1840. Every tile is handmade from our own Humber alluvial clay using centuries-old manufacturing methods, creating roofscapes rich in natural character, subtle variation and lasting performance.
Consider The Style Of Your Property
The architectural style of your home should always guide your choice of roof tile.
Traditional cottages, Georgian homes and Victorian properties often benefit from smaller-format plain clay roof tiles, creating crisp rooflines and refined detailing.
Properties inspired by rural or coastal architecture may be better suited to clay pantiles, whose sweeping profile creates movement and texture across the roof.
For homeowners creating a contemporary interpretation of traditional architecture, handmade clay roof tiles provide the authenticity and warmth that machine-made alternatives often cannot replicate.
Think About Your Local Surroundings
One of the most successful self-build projects is one that feels as though it has always belonged within its setting.
Take time to look around neighbouring properties. Notice the colours, profiles and textures of existing roofs. Planning authorities, particularly within conservation areas, may expect new homes to complement the surrounding architecture.
The natural weathering characteristics of William Blyth roof tiles help new roofs mature beautifully over time, allowing them to blend naturally into both rural landscapes and established communities.
Match The Tile Profile To Your Design
The profile of a roof tile has a significant influence on the overall appearance of a building. Different tile shapes create different lines, shadows and textures, helping to define the architectural character of a property.
Choosing a tile profile that complements your home’s design will create a more balanced and authentic finish, whether you’re restoring a period property, designing a heritage-inspired self-build or renovating an existing home.
At William Blyth, we produce a range of traditional handmade clay roof tiles, each offering its own distinctive profile and character. Here are the roof tile ranges available and where they are best suited:
Barco Old English Pantiles
Our Barco Old English Pantiles are one of William Blyth’s signature products. Their gently flowing profile creates depth and character, making them particularly popular for traditional homes, barn conversions and heritage-inspired self-builds.
Lincoln Pantiles
Lincoln Pantiles feature a deeper pan and more pronounced roll, creating a bold and distinctive roofscape while retaining the character expected from handmade clay tiles.
Handmade Plain Tiles
For clean lines and a timeless appearance, Handmade Plain Tiles remain one of the most versatile choices. Frequently specified for listed buildings and period renovations, they also suit high-quality new homes seeking an authentic traditional finish.
Classic Range & Traditional Sanded Plain Tiles
For projects seeking the appearance of traditional handmade roof tiles with broader application across new-build developments and renovations, our Classic Range and Traditional Sanded Plain Tiles offer attractive, durable solutions while maintaining the natural character associated with handmade clay roofing.
Celtic Tiles
William Blyth remains the only manufacturer in the UK still producing handmade Celtic Tiles. Their understated profile makes them particularly suitable for conservation projects and homes where historical accuracy is important.
Corrugated Tiles
As the last remaining UK manufacturer of handmade Corrugated Tiles, William Blyth continues to preserve another rare British roofing tradition. Their distinctive three-roll profile creates a softer, more decorative appearance, particularly suited to character properties and bespoke architectural projects.
Consider Colour And Natural Variation
Unlike machine-made roof tiles with uniform finishes, handmade clay roof tiles develop subtle variation in colour, texture and tone during the traditional firing process.
William Blyth tiles are available in Natural Red, Weathered, Light Antique and Dark Earth finishes, allowing homeowners to create roofscapes that feel rich, authentic and full of character.
Blending different colours can further enhance the appearance, producing a roof that reflects the gentle variation found on historic buildings throughout Britain.
Think Beyond Appearance
While aesthetics often drive the initial decision, a roof is a long-term investment.
Handmade clay roof tiles offer exceptional durability and require very little maintenance over their lifetime. Their natural clay composition ensures colours remain integral to the material itself rather than relying on surface coatings.
For many self-builders, investing in quality roofing materials from the outset provides confidence that their home will continue to perform beautifully for generations.
Don’t Forget The Finishing Details
A beautiful roof relies on more than the tiles alone.
Handmade ridge tiles, hips, valleys and specialist clay fittings all contribute to a cohesive, well-finished roof. William Blyth manufactures one of the UK’s most extensive ranges of handmade clay roof fittings, allowing projects to achieve a consistent appearance across every detail.
Where standard products are not suitable, our bespoke manufacturing service can recreate original sizes, profiles and decorative features to suit individual projects.
Choosing Roof Tiles With Confidence
Every self-build and renovation project is unique, and choosing the right roof tile is about balancing architectural style, planning requirements, long-term performance and personal preference.
At William Blyth, our team has worked alongside homeowners, architects, conservation officers and roofers for generations, helping bring exceptional projects to life using traditional handmade clay roof tiles crafted in Britain.
Whether you are restoring a period property or building your forever home, our extensive range of handmade clay roof tiles offers a solution that combines heritage, craftsmanship and quality.
If you’re unsure which roof tile is right for your project, we’re always happy to help. We can provide roof tile samples, technical guidance and expert advice to help you choose a roof that will protect and enhance your home for generations to come.