Slate, clay or fibre cement? How to choose roof tiles for your home

Kya deLongchamps looks up to outline the pros and cons of Ireland's traditionally popular roof material choices

Natural slate is a deeply respected, heritage material that can be used on a modern home. It can survive for a century when well cared for, and even reused on a different roof. File picture

Slate 

In familiar colours of leather and heather, and riven by millions of years, natural hand-split slate is a beautiful material, its sustainability only marred by the cost and petrochemical price of taking it out of the Earth and transporting it. It’s estimated that concrete tiles create 0.19kg of carbon dioxide per kilogram and natural slate. Throw in their longevity and this might offset that extra up-front costs if you’re a green-spirited buyer.