Concrete tile History and heritage

Where did it all begin?

Concrete tiles are used on around 60% of all pitched roofs. Concrete is the most common roofing material used in the UK and the earliest concrete roofing tiles were made using hand- or semi-hand-operated -machines. The first power-driven tile-making machine, known as the Ringsted, was developed in Denmark (then patented in the US) in the early 1900s.

The concrete tile was originally introduced to the UK in the 1920s but was not particularly popular. However, after World War II, an extensive rehousing programme was started, causing demand for concrete tiles to rapidly increase as the government pushed forward an agenda of rapid house building.

Manufacturers in Britain began investing in methods for faster, more automated production methods for concrete tiles, and it is well known in the industry that the Redland 49 tile was the most popular choice and widely referred to as ‘the tile that re-roofed Britain’. Its low profile and ease of installation made it a favourite choice for roofers and has ensured the tile’s lasting popularity for over 50 years.