Thinner Leading Edge Roof Tiles: Separating Fact from Fiction

Russell Roof Tiles is helping specifiers, housebuilders and contractors cut through confusion surrounding the term ‘Thin or Thinner Leading Edge’ roof tiles, as demand grows for quality-manufactured products.

The Russell Roof Tiles Natural Range (this is Bute3) is designed to replicate roofscapes of stone, slate and clay.

While the terms ‘thin leading edge’ and ‘thinner leading edge’ are increasingly used, Russell Roof Tiles is highlighting the need for a clearer understanding of what the terms mean and why not all tiles described as ‘thin’ concrete roof tiles are the same.

The company is working hard to dispel common misconceptions through clear product information and specification guidance detailing thickness across its own tile range.

The leading edge of a roof tile refers specifically to the front edge – the visible part of the tile used on both small and large format tiles, specifically designed with a slimmer or more refined edge.

Russell Roof Tiles was the first manufacturer in the UK to launch a thin leading edge metric size concrete roof tile with full front profile due to the hidden interlock known as the Galloway which is now part of the company’s Natural Range, featuring a leading edge of only 16mm, which was patented in 2001.

Designed initially in response to local authority planning requirements, these concrete roof tiles are substantially less in thickness than standard concrete tiles and are designed to replicate roofscapes of stone, slate and clay. Russell Roof Tiles Natural Range has since evolved to meet the growing appetite for various regional roof finishes that combine traditional aesthetics with modern performance and faster installation.

They are now commonly specified on modern housing developments and projects across the whole of the UK, renowned for the quality aesthetics whilst maximising the installation speed and reliability of concrete interlocking tiles.

Russell Roof Tiles says that as the market increasingly references “Thinner” or “Thin leading edge” it is more important than ever for specifiers to understand the exact dimensions and design features of a tile – rather than relying on terminology alone.

Andrew Hayward

Managing director Andrew Hayward said:: “By providing clearer information on thickness, roof appearance and product detailing, Russell Roof Tiles aims to help prevent confusion and ensure customers get the overall roof appearance and finish they expect. 

“We have seen tiles with an edge of 24mm and even 28mm defined as ‘thin’.  Whilst there is no industry standard as to what constitutes a thin or thinner leading edge, all manufacturers must be consistently transparent with customers.”

Russell Roof Tiles designs and manufactures a growing range of innovative concrete roof tiles and associated products, all produced to meet the latest quality standards and accreditations. 

Its Natural Range now comprises six different products, including Lothian with a mock joint and hidden interlock and 16mm thickness. The tile is laid broken-bonded and creates a slate appearance or a small-format tile appearance.  The first to market, Galloway, maintains its market leading position and this interlocking tile provides a slate roofscape appearance when laid half broken bonded.

Also, within the Natural Range, Bute3^® is Russell Roof Tiles revolutionary new concrete tile, combining 3 Traditional Plain Tiles with a standard interlocking roof tile format, and at only 14mm, is the same thickness as a standard concrete plain tile. We have seen other small-format appearance products with thicknesses as much as 23mm, whilst the Bute3^® is the closest to replicating the plain tile aesthetic.  This blends innovative design with cutting-edge production techniques, making it the most versatile roof tile product in the UK market today.

The Natural Range offers long-term durability, with profiles and colours created to replicate the appearance of traditional clay, stone and slate.

Whilst these thinner leading-edge tiles are often associated with aesthetics, the benefits go way beyond appearance. What is more important is that they deliver significant environmental and sustainability benefits due to the manufacturing, transport, installation and whole-life time performance.

Russell Roof Tiles is a national supplier of roof tiles and accessories, offering quality products designed to last and fast, reliable installation.