ROOF TILES FOR NEW BUILDS

Choosing the right roof tiles for new builds is one of the most important decisions architects, main contractors and sub-contractors face during the specification process.

The roof is not only a critical structural element; it defines the aesthetic character of a building and must deliver reliable performance over decades of exposure to the UK’s demanding weather conditions.

At FP McCann, we manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of high-quality concrete roof tiles from our 14 manufacturing facilities across the UK. With over 45 years of experience as one of the UK and Ireland’s leading precast concrete manufacturers, we have built a reputation for excellence, innovation and reliability.

Whether you are working on a large-scale residential development, a public sector care facility or a bespoke commercial project, our range of concrete roof tiles is designed to meet the performance, aesthetic and sustainability requirements of modern new-build construction.

GET IN TOUCH

Head Office

3 Drumard Road ,Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, BT45 8QA

028 7964 2558 sales@fpmccann.co.uk

TECHNICAL DOWNLOADS

VIEW OUR DOWNLOADS

WHY CONCRETE ROOF TILES ARE IDEAL FOR NEW BUILDS

Concrete roof tiles have become a dependable choice for new-build roofing specifications across the UK construction sector. They offer a combination of durability, design versatility, cost-effectiveness and consistent quality that makes them well suited to projects of all scales.

Key advantages of specifying concrete roof tiles for new builds include:

• High durability with low maintenance over the product lifecycle, with a lifespan typically exceeding 50 years
• Design versatility with a wide range of profiles, colours and finishes to suit contemporary and traditional architectural styles
• Fast, efficient installation thanks to consistent sizing and interlocking profiles, helping reduce time on site
• Cost-effectiveness both upfront and long-term, compared to alternatives such as clay tiles or natural slate
• Sustainable manufacturing practices aligned with modern environmental targets and the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy

Compared to clay tiles, concrete roof tiles offer more consistent dimensions which speeds up installation and reduces waste. They are also typically more readily available and come with shorter lead times, making them a practical choice for projects with tight programmes.

VIEW OUR ROOF TILE PRODUCTS

FP MCCANN’S CONCRETE ROOF TILE RANGE FOR NEW BUILDS

FP McCann offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of concrete roof tiles available in the UK market today. Each tile type has been developed to address specific design requirements, roof pitches and project types commonly encountered in new-build construction.

Every concrete roof tile has a minimum pitch at which it can be safely installed. This minimum pitch is determined by the tile profile, headlap setting, and interlocking design. Installing tiles below their minimum pitch increases the risk of water penetration and reduces the effectiveness of the tile’s weatherproofing system.

It is important to note that minimum pitch can vary depending on headlap. For example, a tile with a 75mm headlap may have a minimum pitch of 22.5°, but increasing the headlap to 100mm can allow the same tile to be used at pitches as low as 17.5°. This relationship between headlap and pitch is critical for specifiers to understand when selecting products.

FP McCann provides clear minimum pitch data for every tile in our range, and our technical team is available to help confirm the correct headlap and pitch combination for your specific project conditions.

MORE INFORMATION

CONTEMPORARY AND FLAT PROFILES

For architects seeking clean, modern rooflines, FP McCann offers several flat-profile options:

The Thin Flat Roof Tile provides a modern, slate-style appearance combined with the strength of an interlocking concrete design. Manufactured in a 420 x 334mm format with a 21mm thickness, it offers consistent dimensional accuracy and secure fixing. With minimum pitch options of 22.5° at 75mm headlap or 17.5° at 100mm headlap, it is suitable for a wide range of residential schemes. Available in Anthracite, Grey, Black, Terracotta and Brown with a smooth, non-textured finish.

The Duo Thin Flat Roof Tile delivers the same durable performance as the Thin Flat range but incorporates a dummy bond design to replicate the appearance of smaller slate units. This provides a refined aesthetic without increasing installation complexity. It is frequently specified on contemporary residential projects where a sleek roofline is required.

The SL8 Concrete Roof Tile is a large-format slate-effect tile requiring only eight tiles per square metre. This significantly reduces handling and installation time while maintaining durability. Its interlocking design ensures secure fixing and consistent weather resistance, making it particularly well suited to large housing developments.

TRADITIONAL AND PROFILED TILES

Where a more traditional aesthetic is required, FP McCann’s range includes several heritage-style profiles:

The Double Roman Concrete Roof Tile is designed for a classic Mediterranean look, providing a robust interlocking profile ideal for pitched roofs and large housing projects. It remains a popular option for developments requiring a more decorative roofline.

The Round Top Roof Tile is ideal for traditional and heritage-style projects where curved detailing is required, offering a distinctive and characterful appearance.

The Square Top Concrete Roof Tile is a traditional flat-profile tile suitable for contemporary residential schemes, offering clean lines and a uniform appearance.

The Senator Concrete Roof Tile offers a low-profile pantile appearance suitable for a variety of housing developments. Its interlocking design provides dependable weather resistance and straightforward installation.

SPECIALIST AND EFFICIENCY-FOCUSED TILES

For projects with specific technical or efficiency requirements, FP McCann also supplies:

The Centurion Low Pitch Concrete Roof Tile is engineered specifically for shallow roof applications, performing down to pitches as low as 10° when specified correctly. Its concealed fixing system enhances water resistance and long-term performance, offering flexibility for contemporary architectural designs.

The Gemini Concrete Roof Tile is a double-tile format designed to reduce the number of units required per square metre. This improves laying efficiency while maintaining reliable interlocking performance, making it a strong choice for large-scale residential developments where programme certainty is a priority.

The Mini Slate Concrete Roof Tile replicates the look of natural slate while offering the strength and uniformity of concrete manufacturing, making it a durable alternative for developments requiring a traditional slate aesthetic.

The V2 Concrete Roof Tile is a lightweight 15×9 format tile suitable for both new-build and refurbishment projects. Its format allows for efficient coverage rates and straightforward installation.

The Plain Concrete Roof Tile is manufactured for use where traditional double-lap plain tile detailing is specified, offering long service life and reliable performance in specific planning environments.

RIDGE, HIP AND SOLAR TILES

A durable roof system extends beyond field tiles. FP McCann also supplies the essential components to complete every new-build roof:

The Multi Ridge Roof Tile provides secure ridge and hip detailing and is compatible with dry fix systems. It streamlines complex roof detailing and ensures a neat, weather-resistant finish.

The Hip End Concrete Roof Tile ensures clean and weather-resistant terminations at hip junctions, completing the roof system.

The Solar Roof Tile integrates 95W IBC solar modules within a compatible roof tile system, allowing renewable energy generation without compromising roof integrity. This is an increasingly valuable option for new builds targeting improved EPC ratings or sustainability certifications.

SPECIFICATION SUPPORT

Getting the specification right from the start is critical for any new-build roofing project. Selecting the wrong profile or failing to account for pitch, weight or fixings can result in on-site delays, structural issues or non-compliance with UK Building Regulations.

FP McCann supports construction professionals at every stage of the specification process. Our in-house design team offers technical drawing support, CAD details and BIM objects, minimum pitch and fixing data, guidance on colour matching and finishes, and advice on roof geometry and ventilation requirements.

To help streamline the fixing specification process for your new-build project, use FP McCann’s online Fixing Specification tool. This tool allows you to determine the correct fixing method based on your chosen tile, roof pitch and wind load zone, helping to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of installation errors.

All FP McCann concrete roof tiles are manufactured to meet or exceed BS EN 490 standards, and we can provide full technical documentation including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to support product selection and compliance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ROOF TILING ON NEW BUILDS

Roof work remains one of the highest-risk activities in the UK construction industry. According to HSE guidance note HSG 33: ‘Health and Safety in Roofwork’, roof work accounts for a significant proportion of deaths and serious injuries in the sector. Falls from height, falling materials and hazardous dust from tile cutting are all key risks that must be managed on every new-build roofing project.

For main contractors and sub-contractors working on new builds, key health and safety considerations include:

Planning safe access to and from the roof, including appropriate scaffolding or tower scaffold systems
Providing edge protection such as guard rails and toe boards at eaves level and leading edges
Ensuring materials are raised to roof level safely using lifting equipment where possible, rather than manual carrying
Following the HSE’s guidance on cutting roofing tiles, which highlights the risk of high levels of silica-containing dust from power tools. Water-suppressed cutting saws should be used to control dust, and appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be provided
Considering tile design at the specification stage to minimise cutting requirements on site; for example, allowing for half-size tiles and using dry valleys where possible
Ensuring all workers have received appropriate work-at-height training and that rescue plans are in place

FP McCann’s concrete roof tiles are manufactured with consistent dimensions and interlocking profiles, which helps to reduce the amount of on-site cutting required and supports more efficient, safer installation. Our tiles are also packed and delivered with care, minimising damage during transit and reducing wastage on site.

We also provide guidance around potential issues such as efflorescence, helping contractors identify, manage or prevent it before it becomes a problem. For further information on safe roofing practices, refer to the HSE’s HSG 33 guidance at www.hse.gov.uk.

CASE STUDY: THIN FLAT ROOF TILES ON NORTH AYRSHIRE CARE HOME

FP McCann’s concrete roof tiles have been successfully specified on a range of new-build projects across the UK. One example that demonstrates the performance and versatility of our range is the new-build care facility in Largs, North Ayrshire.

The new 80-bed care home, built by Northern Ireland-based construction group Corramore on behalf of the Care Concern Group, required a robust and low-maintenance roofing solution that would complement the surrounding properties, many of which have slate-tiled roofs.

FP McCann supplied Thin Flat Black roof tiles and ridge tiles from our state-of-the-art £30 million tile factory in Cadeby, Leicestershire. Nearly 16,000 field tiles together with 360 ridge tiles were required to complete the roof. The colour-matched tiles provided a distinctive slate-like appearance in keeping with the architect’s specification, while delivering a significant cost saving compared to natural slate.

The project team reported that the tiles were easy to fix with minimum breakage recorded, and the consistent sizing supported efficient installation in exposed Scottish weather conditions.

Read the full case study here

SUSTAINABILITY AND NEW-BUILD ROOFING

With UK construction moving towards Net Zero, the sustainability credentials of roofing materials are increasingly important in the specification process. FP McCann is committed to being the most sustainable supplier of precast concrete products in the UK and Ireland.

Our newest manufacturing facility in Cadeby, Leicestershire, uses solar panels to provide 100% of the plant’s energy requirement, demonstrating our commitment to leading the drive for net zero carbon emissions. Production in a controlled factory environment results in greater material efficiency and less environmental waste compared to traditional on-site construction methods.

Concrete roof tiles also contribute to long-term building performance. Their strong thermal mass properties support passive heating and cooling strategies, helping to improve operational energy efficiency once the building is in use. With a lifespan exceeding 50 years and minimal maintenance requirements, concrete tiles deliver excellent whole-life value.

Where required, FP McCann can provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and technical documentation to support BREEAM-rated or sustainability-led projects.

WHY CHOOSE FP MCCANN FOR YOUR NEW-BUILD ROOFING PROJECT?

With nearly five decades of experience in precast concrete manufacturing, FP McCann has developed a deep understanding of the technical, regulatory and logistical needs of construction projects. Choosing FP McCann means working with a team that genuinely cares about the success of your project.

What sets us apart:

One of the most comprehensive concrete roof tile ranges available in the UK, suitable for every new-build application
Trusted full-service support across sales, design, manufacture, delivery and installation
14 ISO-accredited manufacturing facilities across the UK, including a new £30 million state-of-the-art roof tile facility in Cadeby
Strong communication and responsive technical support from our in-house design team
A family-run business with values of trust, commitment and service at the heart of everything we do
All concrete roof tiles and accessories covered by a 15-year product guarantee

Whether you are an architect looking for innovative and sustainable solutions, a main contractor seeking reliable supply and cost-effectiveness, or a sub-contractor valuing ease of installation and consistent product quality, FP McCann is ready to support your next new-build roofing project.

SPECIFY FP MCCANN FOR YOUR NEXT NEW-BUILD ROOFING PROJECT

Whether you are at the design, procurement or construction stage, FP McCann is ready to support your next project with dependable concrete roof tiles that perform.

Visit our Concrete Roof Tile product page for technical specifications, BIM objects and downloadable datasheets.

Use our Fixing Specification tool to determine the correct fixing method for your project.