Church roof tiles
Church roof tiles have to match a historic roof, last for generations and often let bats back in. Tudor has made handmade church roof tiles for buildings including the main roof of St Mary in Castro at Dover Castle, in like-for-like sizes with matching fittings and bat access tiles.
What church roof tiles need to do
- Match the original size, because church roofs often pre-date standard tile sizes. Bespoke tiles are usually ready within 4–6 weeks.
- Come with fittings to match: ridges, hips, valleys and ornamentals in the same clay and colours.
- Let bats back in. Churches are common roosts, the law protects them, and our bat access tiles work in any plain tile roof.
- Be documented: our tiles are tested to BS EN 1304 and carry a 30-year guarantee when registered.
Chapels to Cathedrals
Our ecclesiastical guide, Chapels to Cathedrals, shows Tudor tiles on church roofs and explains the options. Download the guide (PDF).
Our bespoke handmade tiles won the Build It Award for best roofing product in 2018, the second time we have won it. For advice on bats in churches, contact the Bat Conservation Trust.
Permissions and planning
Most church roof work needs permission through the church’s own system (for Church of England churches, a faculty), as well as listed building rules where they apply. Your architect or surveyor will guide you, and we can supply samples and documents for the application.
Questions about church roof tiles
Can you match the tiles on our church roof?
Yes. Send us a tile and we will make a like-for-like size, with fittings to match, usually within 4–6 weeks.
Our church has bats. Can we still re-roof?
Yes, with expert advice and access for bats afterwards. Our bat access tiles and ridges work in any plain tile roof.
Do you supply churches direct?
We work through merchants and roofers, and directly with architects and clients on bespoke work. Call 01797 320202 to talk it through.
Where to go next
- Listed buildingsLike-for-like handmade tiles, matched colours and bat access for historic roofs.
Bat access tilesA tunnel tile and ridge access that let bats back into the roof.
Bespoke roof tilesAny size or shape, from like-for-like pegs to 400 mm arrowheads.
Kent peg tilesFlatter pegged clay tiles, 250 × 150 mm, made in the home of the Kent peg tile.
See the tiles before you choose
We deliver samples by hand wherever we can, and you are welcome at the factory in Lydd by appointment.