Pitched roofs are generally laid using either Slates or Tiles. With a wide variety of products, tile is fast becoming material of choice. Extended life, (to 50 year or lifetime) superior Class A fire protection, and a heavy architectural look, are among the reasons why. Although ancient in use, modern materials have changed the look and usage of tile. Most tiles are walkable by professionals only(without breakage).

SLATES
Natural slate - has been used for centuries as a roofing material. Castles are a classic example of slate in use. It comes in varied colors and sizes. Slate installation is usually a specialized field. Although expensive, the look of natural slate cannot easily be duplicated. The lifetime of slates is measured in hundreds of years.
Fibre Cement -Simulated natural slate is gaining popularity for their look, durability and fire resistance. Made usually with cement and a varied componet, such as wood fiber, fiberglass, or Pearlite. It carries a class A fire protection.

TILES
Clay- has been used for centuries and commonly formed on the upper thigh of workers, this material is known as cap and pan, mission, or spanish style tile. Designed to be a two piece(bottom piece pan, top piece cap)system, or a modern one piece S tile, similar in look to old - Spanish Mission - tile roofs. Commonly having mortar to secure trim pieces(ridge, hip cap pieces). There are an unlimited number of special products that are made of clay but these are common in their use. They have a 50 year/lifetime span, this product is sold and reused, often for several hundred years. Concrete tiles account for nearly 70 percent of the total pitched roofing market and as such are a regular purchase for many roofing contractors.
Concrete- A more modern tile, the concrete tile has a wide variety of colors and styles. Of differing thicknesses and weight, but all using a similar base product, to replace the more expensive clay tile, with a product of different but considerable character. Usually without mortar on the trim pieces. A more uniform appearance is gained by using molds with the concrete. As the curing process does not affect the uniformity of the cement/ concrete materials as much as it does the natural clay products, the result is a straight, clean look.