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by m-i-l·9y ago·view on hn ↗
> Most UK roofs are tile, slate if older, and asphalt shingles reserved for sheds, garden structures etc. Tile lifespan should be 60+ years.

Asphalt for the better quality sheds, corrugated iron for the lower quality sheds:-) Typical UK roof lifespan I've been quoted is around 50 years (I know because our roof is starting to need replacing and was last replaced in the 1970s).

> As much as I like the improved aesthetics I don't see the tiles making much dent in the UK

Actually there is one area in the UK where they may make an impact - conservation areas. The stricter ones prohibit solar panels on street-facing roofs, but may conceivably allow the solar tiles. Plus I suspect that those who live in conservation areas are more likely to be Tesla customers already.

1 comments
Could be 50. It's mostly a working minimum for the clay deteriorating I think. Even when you see a 20s estate it's uncommon to see replacements, and half of those are rot in the timber or some such. Blocking up ventilation is a great way to cause that rot as some find the hard way. 60s and 70s houses may need earlier - quality wasn't great with some of those buildings.

Great point about conservation areas, never occured to me. The slate looking one is convincing enough for the national parks. The unique pattern printing should appeal to the most fussy NIMBY. Shame they won't last 150 yrs like slate.