Second hand Terracotta roof tiles under natural sunlight

How Much Are Second Hand Roof Tiles?

Second-hand cement roof tiles are a great way to keep your budget down whilst ensuring you still receive a quality product that’s perfect for your roof.
 
However, there are some things to consider when buying second-hand roof tiles, such as how much they cost and what influences their price. Here is everything you need to know.

What are second-hand roof tiles?

Put simply, second-hand roof tiles have been used before but are still in good enough condition to be installed elsewhere. They come in many different types, including clay, concrete and slate, with some having flaws like scratches or chips whilst others look almost brand new.
 
While some people buy second-hand roof tiles in bulk quantities to save money on building costs, others only want to purchase a handful of them. This is usually because they need 1 or 2 replacement tiles and the ones they currently have installed are no longer being manufactured. Using reclaimed materials is one of the easiest ways to reduce your roof restoration cost, see our NSW restoration cost guide for a full breakdown.

What are the different types of second-hand roof tiles?

The most common type of second-hand roof tile is concrete, which can be either flat or curved. Concrete tiles are strong, durable and easy to lay on your roof, but unlike other types such as clay or slate, they don’t last as long and will eventually need replacing.
 
Another popular type of tile is terracotta, which is a type of clay that gives your home a traditional but unique appearance. Even when applying used terracotta tiles to your roof, your home will stand out. However, because they last longer than other tile materials, this does mean they usually cost more.

What factors influence the cost of second-hand roof tiles?

There are several factors that determine how much second-hand roof tiles cost, including the age of the tiles, the condition of the tiles and the type of tiles you are looking for.
 
The condition of the tiles is most important as if they are chipped, cracked or obviously damaged in any way, this will reduce their value and therefore the price you pay for them.
 
The location in which you are searching for your second-hand roof tiles, such as the country or state, can also affect the overall cost. As can the level of demand for the type of tiles you’re looking to buy.
 
However, if all these factors are carefully considered before buying, the chances of getting a good deal on second-hand roof tiles will increase considerably, and this will always be a cheaper option compared to buying brand-new materials.

Keeping your budget down

Any construction work on your home will be costly, but with second-hand roof tiles, you can save money that could be used elsewhere. Plus, used roofing materials still meet Australian standards, so not only will your roof be structurally sound, but it will cost you less too.
 
Also, if you buy second-hand tiles in bulk quantities, it could also be possible to use them as trade credit for your next project so that you don’t have to pay any money upfront in the future.

Is there a warranty on second-hand roof tiles?

If you buy second-hand tiles, you can usually get a warranty that covers the tiles but not the installation. If the tiles are in good condition, most suppliers will be willing to give you a warranty.
 
However, before you buy any second-hand products, always make sure to ask what the guarantee is and how long it lasts.
 
If you’re looking for second-hand roof tiles and need advice on the best option for you, visit Recycling Rooftiles – we have 40 years of industry experience and our team is always happy to help!

  • How to Clean Terracotta Roof Tiles Safely (Without Pressure Washing)

    How to Clean Terracotta Roof Tiles Safely (Without Pressure Washing)

    TERRACOTTA ROOF CARE GUIDE The most common advice for cleaning terracotta roof tiles, pressure washing, is also the method most likely to damage them. High-pressure water strips the tile’s protective surface, forces moisture under the tiles, and often makes moss and lichen come back faster and thicker than…

  • Roof Paint Types Explained: Concrete, Terracotta and Metal Coating Systems Compared

    Roof Paint Types Explained: Concrete, Terracotta and Metal Coating Systems Compared

    TECHNICAL REFERENCE GUIDE Concrete tiles, terracotta tiles and metal roofing do not use the same coating system, and treating them as interchangeable is the single biggest cause of early coating failure. Each substrate has a different porosity, a different failure mode and a different primer chemistry it needs…

  • Roof Tile Painting Cost NSW: Full Price Guide, Coating Lifespan and What Actually Drives the Cost

    Roof Tile Painting Cost NSW: Full Price Guide, Coating Lifespan and What Actually Drives the Cost

    ROOF PAINT COST GUIDE A tile roof paint job in NSW typically runs from around $18 to $60 per square metre, depending on tile type, roof condition and access. Most standard homes land somewhere between $3,000 and $9,000 for a full repaint. But the price per litre on…

  • Genuine Match vs Near-Match Roof Tiles: Which Should You Use?

    Genuine Match vs Near-Match Roof Tiles: Which Should You Use?

    TILE MATCHING COMPARISON A genuine matching profile and a near-match substitute can look almost identical from the ground and behave completely differently on the roof. The genuine match shares the same sidelock, water channel and cover width as the surrounding tiles, so it seats, drains and weathers the…

  • Roof Tile Bedding and Pointing: When Should You Repoint or Rebed?

    Roof Tile Bedding and Pointing: When Should You Repoint or Rebed?

    RIDGE CAPPING REPAIR GUIDE Roof bedding supports your ridge caps. Roof pointing is the exposed finishing layer that bonds and seals around them. If the pointing has deteriorated but the bedding underneath remains firm, repointing may be enough. If ridge caps are loose or the bedding is crumbling,…

  • Can You Replace Just a Few Roof Tiles? When a Matching Repair Beats a Full Reroof

    Can You Replace Just a Few Roof Tiles? When a Matching Repair Beats a Full Reroof

    ROOF TILE REPAIR GUIDE Yes, you can often replace just one, two or a handful of roof tiles. If the surrounding roof is sound and the damage is genuinely localised, finding the correct matching tile is usually more sensible than disturbing an otherwise serviceable tiled roof. The important…