WHAT ARE THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE ROOF TILES?

WHAT ARE THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE ROOF TILES?

As part of the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy, architects and contractors should be integrating more sustainable designs and materials into build projects.

Whether you are designing for a new build or refurbishment project, specifying sustainable building materials can make a significant impact on the project’s environmental footprint.

When specified correctly, concrete roof tiles play a key role in a building’s long-term performance, energy efficiency, and environmental credentials.

At FP McCann, we manufacture a full range of precast concrete roof tiles that meet the needs of modern, low-impact construction projects.

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WHAT MAKES A CONCRETE ROOF TILE SUSTAINABLE?

There are several factors that determine whether a roof tile can be considered sustainable. These relate to the embodied and operational carbon levels from how the product is manufactured, its lifespan, and how easily it can be reused or recycled.

Concrete roof tiles can be manufactured with reduced cement content or with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as GGBS, which reduce embodied carbon without affecting performance.

A key factor in sustainability is the longevity of a product. Concrete tiles typically last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance, reducing the need for replacements or remedial work.

At the end of their life, concrete roof tiles can be crushed and reused as secondary aggregate in construction, helping to close the loop on materials use and increase circularity.

Concrete tiles help regulate internal temperatures by storing and releasing heat, contributing to a building’s energy efficiency.

Products manufactured in the UK, like at FP McCann, avoid the emissions associated with overseas transport and support local construction supply chains.

The surface design and installation of concrete roof tiles supports effective rainwater run-off, which contributes to SuDS compliance in wider projects.

What makes a concrete roof tile sustainable
The role of precast concrete tiles in sustainable roofing

THE ROLE OF PRECAST CONCRETE TILES IN SUSTAINABLE ROOFING

All of FP McCann’s concrete roof tiles are manufactured in controlled factory conditions, which allows for precise batching, reduced waste, and consistent quality.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, our concrete roofing tiles are manufactured using environmentally responsible processes.

Our aim is to be the most sustainable supplier of precast concrete products in the UK and Ireland. Our newest manufacturing facility in Leicestershire uses solar panels to provide 100% of the plant’s energy requirement, showing we are committed to leading the way in the drive for net zero carbon emissions, as part of the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy.

We maintain high standards in sustainable manufacturing, and our sales, estimating, and technical teams work closely with specifiers to help select the most appropriate, environmentally responsible solution for each project.

SUSTAINABLE ROOF TILES FROM FP MCCANN

We offer a wide range of high-quality precast concrete roof tiles, all designed for long-lasting performance and visual appeal. They support sustainable construction while delivering the durability and weather resistance demanded by the UK climate.

Duo Thin Flat Roof Tile
A double tile format that gives a clean, contemporary flat finish. Its design reduces installation time and uses fewer fixings per square metre, which in turn reduces labour and material use.

Thin Flat Roof Tile
This tile is ideal for low-pitch roof applications where a sleek, minimal profile is desired. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, reducing strain on installation teams and contributing to safer, quicker builds.

Round Top Roof Tile
A traditional profile with excellent weatherproofing and high structural integrity. Its smooth curved design encourages efficient water run-off, making it ideal for exposed or high-rainfall areas.

Square Top Concrete Roof Tile
This option offers a clean geometric finish and is manufactured with high strength for long-term performance. The square edge helps create a neat, uniform appearance on roof slopes.

Double Roman Concrete Roof Tile
Combines the strength of concrete with a popular, traditional Roman profile. This tile is especially useful in heritage or refurbishment projects where traditional aesthetics must be retained with modern sustainability standards.

Solar Roof Tile
Our integrated solar roof tile allows architects and contractors to add renewable energy capacity without bolt-on panel systems, improving both sustainability and aesthetics.

Multi Ridge Roof Tile
Useful for complex roof geometries, this tile reduces the number of individual components required at junctions, resulting in cleaner detailing and quicker installation.

Solar Roof Tile

SOLAR ROOF TILE

Thin Flat Concrete Roof Tile

THIN FLAT CONCRETE ROOF TILE

Multi Ridge Concrete Roof Tile

MULTI RIDGE CONCRETE ROOF TILE

WHAT IS EFFLORESCENCE AND HOW DOES IT RELATE TO SUSTAINABILITY?

Efflorescence is a natural occurrence where salts migrate to the surface of concrete, leaving a white or greyish deposit. While it is a purely aesthetic issue and doesn’t affect the structural performance of the tile, it can concern clients from a visual point of view.

At FP McCann, we manage efflorescence through careful mix design, curing processes, and by offering practical guidance for both prevention and treatment.

Reducing efflorescence supports sustainability because fewer tiles are rejected or replaced, which minimises waste and unnecessary labour.

HOW TO SPECIFY SUSTAINABLE ROOF TILES FOR YOUR PROJECT

When specifying roof tiles for a sustainable building, you should consider several key factors: roof pitch, design aesthetic, weight loading, lifespan, and compatibility with renewable systems like solar PV.

Choosing precast concrete tiles means you benefit from predictable performance, local sourcing, and lower embodied carbon over the product lifecycle.

Our team at FP McCann supports you from early design stages. We provide technical drawings, structural calculations, and support for integrating roof tiles with other sustainable building elements, such as rainwater harvesting or green roof systems.

WHY CHOOSE FP MCCANN?

FP McCann is the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of precast concrete products. We are a family-run business with a strong reputation for reliability, technical knowledge, and high product quality.

Our customers appreciate not just the products we deliver, but also the people behind them, and our family values drive everything we do, from manufacturing to on-site support.

We offer a complete service for specifiers, including:

  • Sales and estimating to support early project cost planning
  • Technical design support and drawings
  • UK-based manufacturing in controlled environments
  • Coordinated delivery
  • On-site installation where required

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