What to replace asbestos roof tiles with to avoid adding weight?

Wubss

Hi there! First post but long time lurker

We have bought a house with asbestos roof tiles. We're doing a bit of work on it, and want to replace the tiles. The thing is, structural engineer says we can't add weight to the roof without doing some costly work on the structure of the house. So I guess natural slate is out. So we're looking for some roofing material that looks somewhat like slate (ie is grey and tile-ish), but is lightweight.

I have discovered various plastic roof tiles, and some metal systems. Does anyone have experiences with these, or opinions? Wondering if the plastic tiles will fade over time?

Longevity is the biggest consideration I think.

Furts

Redland and Marley are two respected roofing names. Go to your local builders merchant, or roofing merchant. Take a sample of what you currently have and discuss weight and prices for what you decide you want. Both manufacturers do a slate appearance tile made of cement material.

As ever, the info or choice will be on line.

I am not a great fan of the tiles - I do not believe they can last but Redland assure the world that they can last. They do seem flimsy - always have done. But you have little aternatives if you are not prepared to upgrade your roof.

Personal choice, but no way would I have plastic, or metal roof tiles.

Robin9

Furts wrote: »

Personal choice, but no way would I have plastic, or metal roof tiles.

Agreed

My neighbour has just built a conservatory and the imitation tiles look poor and not very substantial

Gloomendoom

Wubss wrote: »

I have discovered various plastic roof tiles, and some metal systems. Does anyone have experiences with these, or opinions? Wondering if the plastic tiles will fade over time?

Longevity is the biggest consideration I think.

If longevity is your biggest consideration, you will have to suck it up and pay to have your roof's supporting structure reinforced to cope with tiles or stone.

I reroofed part of our house with corrugated iron and I'm using the same material, chosen for its light weight for my new barn/garage/workshop project in hand at the moment. One neighbour objected but I had plenty of evidence that steel roofing was part of the local vernacular architecture and the planning people agreed.

The slate look steel roofing is pretty convincing and there are plenty of steel roofed buildings around here that are older than me.

Wubss

Thanks for the replies!

I was looking at Envirotile tiles (was trying to post a link but not allowed). 25 year guarantee, they look decent.

Still reckon slate or concrete is a better choice?

The reluctance to beef up the roof is due to the fact that it would also require work downstairs in the house (steel posts and beams to support roof) - it's an old timber framed bungalow and it's a bit weird and crap! Not ruling that out though.