Crafted for your home
Self Build Roof Tiles
Building or restoring your own home is a deeply personal project. Every material choice contributes to how your property will look, perform, and age over time. At William Blyth, we create handmade clay roof tiles for homeowners and self-builders who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and enduring quality.
Crafted using traditional methods on our historic Barton-upon-Humber site, our heritage roof tiles are handmade from Humber clay drawn from our own reserves. The result is a roof with natural variation, rich character, and long-life performance that cannot be replicated by mass-produced alternatives.
Whether you are restoring a period property, designing a countryside home, converting a barn, or creating a new build with timeless architectural character, our handmade clay roof tiles offer beauty, durability, and reassurance for generations to come.
Chosen with confidence
Why Homeowners Choose William Blyth
Choosing roof tiles is about more than finishing a roof. It is about selecting a material that suits your home, respects its setting, and continues to perform for many years.
William Blyth roof tiles are chosen by homeowners and self-builders for their distinctive appearance, traditional craftsmanship, and proven quality. Each tile is handmade using centuries-old methods, creating natural colour variation, texture, and character that help a roof feel established from the beginning.
Our natural clay roof tiles are suitable for heritage homes, listed buildings, conservation areas, new builds, barn conversions, extensions, and private developments. Made in Britain using Humber alluvial clay from our own reserves, they offer long-lasting, low-maintenance performance with the reassurance of traditional craft.
We also provide guidance throughout your project, from choosing the right roof tile profile to requesting samples, reviewing documentation, and considering how your chosen tile will sit within the wider design of your home.
Traditional clay, timeless character
Our Clay Roof Tile Range
Our range of traditional clay roof tiles includes styles suited to both heritage restoration and carefully considered new-build homes. Every tile develops natural weathering and character over time, helping your roof sit comfortably within its surroundings.
Handmade Pantiles
Our handmade clay pantiles are ideal for homeowners seeking a traditional roofscape with warmth, movement, and natural variation. Their distinctive curved profile creates depth across the roof, making them particularly well suited to rural homes, period properties, barn conversions, and new builds designed with heritage character in mind.
William Blyth pantiles include the ‘Barco’ Old English Pantile and Lincoln Pantile, each offering its own proportions, profile, and appearance. Both are crafted using traditional methods to create rich natural tones, authentic texture, and a roof finish that feels established from the beginning.
Handmade Plain Tiles
Plain tiles are a versatile choice for both traditional and contemporary homes. Their simple profile allows the natural colour, texture, and variation of the clay to take centre stage, creating a refined and timeless roof finish that works well across self-builds, renovations, extensions, and heritage properties.
Celtic Tiles
William Blyth remains the only British manufacturer still producing handmade Celtic Tiles. With a flat pan and subtle single roll, they offer an understated roof profile that works particularly well on conservation-led homes, listed buildings, and character properties.
Their distinctive form makes them a thoughtful choice for homeowners seeking something authentic, rare, and rooted in British roofing tradition. Celtic Tiles are particularly suited to projects where visual sensitivity, heritage value, and long-term quality are important.
Corrugated Tiles
Our Corrugated Tiles are a distinctive handmade roof tile with three delicate rolls, requiring a high level of craftsmanship to produce. They offer a unique roof profile and are particularly suited to projects where architectural detail, heritage character, or a more individual finish is desired.
For private homeowners looking to create a roof with a strong sense of identity, Corrugated Tiles provide a rare and characterful option while retaining the enduring quality of handmade clay.
Bespoke Roof Tiles & Roof Tile Fittings
Every home is different, and some projects require more than a standard tile. William Blyth offers bespoke handmade roof tiles and fittings to support restoration, conservation, and individual design requirements.
Our handmade clay fittings help complete the roof with care and consistency, from ridges and hips to other specialist details. For homeowners restoring a property, extending an existing roof, or seeking to match original materials, our bespoke service can help achieve a finish that feels authentic and considered.
Support for Self Builders & Homeowners
Choosing roof tiles for your home can feel complex, particularly when balancing planning requirements, aesthetics, sustainability, and long-term performance. We provide practical guidance and resources to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Whether you are at the early design stage or preparing to appoint a roofer, our team can help you understand the options available and choose a roof tile that suits your home, location, and project aims.
Roof tile samples are available to help you compare colour, texture, and profile in person before making a decision. Product certification and technical documentation can also be provided to support your architect, roofer, planning consultant, or conservation officer where required.
We can offer guidance on roof tile installation and maintenance, as well as advice for listed buildings, conservation areas, and sensitive restoration projects. You can also explore our brochure and completed project examples to see how our handmade clay roof tiles have been used across self-build, renovation, and private residential projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clay roof tiles better than concrete roof tiles?
Clay and concrete roof tiles are both widely used, but they offer different benefits. Clay roof tiles are valued for their natural colour, durability, and ability to weather beautifully over time. Handmade clay roof tiles also provide variation in tone and texture, giving the roof a more characterful and authentic finish. Concrete tiles can be a practical option for some projects, but they are generally more uniform in appearance. For homeowners seeking heritage character, natural materials, and long-term visual appeal, clay roof tiles are often the preferred choice.
Which roof tiles are best for heritage homes?
For heritage homes, traditional clay roof tiles are often the most appropriate choice. Handmade plain tiles, pantiles, Celtic Tiles, and Traditional Sanded Plain Tiles can all help preserve the character of older buildings. The best tile will depend on the property, its location, roof pitch, existing materials, and any planning or conservation requirements. If your home is listed or located within a conservation area, it is important to seek advice before making changes.
Can I use handmade roof tiles on a modern self-build?
Yes. Handmade roof tiles are not only suitable for period properties. They can also add warmth, texture, and individuality to modern self-build homes. Many homeowners choose handmade clay roof tiles because they want their new home to feel rooted in its surroundings. Whether used on a countryside home, coastal property, barn-style development, or contemporary house, handmade clay can soften the overall appearance and create a roof with lasting character.
Do I need planning permission to replace roof tiles?
In many cases, like-for-like roof tile replacement may not require planning permission. However, permission may be needed if your home is listed, located within a conservation area, subject to planning conditions, or if the change would significantly alter the appearance of the property. It is always best to check with your local planning authority before replacing roof tiles, especially on older or architecturally sensitive buildings.
What is the difference between plain tiles and pantiles?
Plain tiles have a flat, simple profile and are usually laid in overlapping courses to create a neat, refined roof finish. They are versatile and work well across many property styles. Pantiles have a distinctive curved profile, creating a more textured and flowing roofscape. They are often associated with traditional rural and regional architecture, particularly across parts of eastern England. Both can be suitable for self-build and renovation projects. The right choice will depend on your property style, roof design, local character, and personal preference.
Are handmade clay roof tiles suitable for extensions?
Yes. Handmade clay roof tiles can be a strong choice for extensions, particularly where the new roof needs to complement an existing property. Their natural variation and traditional appearance can help the extension feel more settled and sympathetic to the original building. For heritage properties, bespoke tile matching or carefully selected traditional tiles may be needed to achieve the right finish.
How do I choose the right roof tile for my home?
Start by considering the style of your home, the local area, your planning requirements, and the appearance you want to achieve. A rural restoration may suit a very different tile to a contemporary self-build or coastal property. Explore our handmade clay roof tile guide for homeowners here, or alternatively our team can help you compare suitable options and provide samples, brochures, and product information to support your decision.
Inspiration from real homes
Self Build & Home Renovation Projects
Our handmade clay roof tiles have been used across a wide range of private homes, heritage restorations, and self-build projects throughout the UK.
Private Residential Property, Suffolk
A carefully designed private home where handmade clay roof tiles were selected to complement the surrounding landscape and create a natural, weathered appearance.
Private House Renovation, Norfolk
A coastal property requiring durable, traditionally crafted clay roof tiles capable of withstanding exposed conditions while maintaining architectural character.
Grade II Listed Cottage, York
A sensitive restoration project using heritage roof tiles to preserve the original appearance and integrity of a listed building.
Explore more project examples on our Case Studies page.
Start Your Project with William Blyth
Whether you are planning a self-build home or restoring a period property, our team is here to help.
Request a sample, download our brochure, or speak with us about your project requirements.