Roofing Tiles Kenya | Clay, Stone Coated & Solar Roof Tiles

Let's be honest - choosing roofing can feel overwhelming. You're spending good money and you want it done right the first time. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about tiles roofing so you can make a smart decision.

The Main Types of Roofing Tiles You'll Find

Clay Roof Tiles - The Classic Choice

Clay roofing tiles are what you see on those beautiful villas and high-end homes. They're made from natural clay, baked at super high temperatures until they're rock-hard.

Why people love clay tiles:

• They last forever - seriously, 50 to 100 years
• Keep your house cooler than metal roofs (you'll notice the difference)
• Don't catch fire
• Never need painting
• That classic look never goes out of style

The catch? They're heavy and cost more upfront. But if you're building something permanent and have the budget, they're hard to beat.

Clayworks roofing tiles are a popular brand here in Kenya. Clayworks roofing tiles prices typically run from Ksh 1,800 to Ksh 3,500 per square meter depending on the style you pick.

Terracotta Roof Tiles - That Beautiful Warm Color

Terracotta roof tiles are actually a type of clay tile, but they have that distinctive reddish-brown color you see on Mediterranean homes. The color is natural - it comes from the clay itself, not paint.

If you want your home to stand out with that warm, inviting look, terracotta is the way to go. Same benefits as regular clay tiles, just with that signature color.

Terracotta roof tiles prices in Kenya are similar to other clay options - budget around Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 4,000 per square meter.

Stone Coated Roofing Tiles - Modern and Practical

Here's where it gets interesting. Stone coated roofing tiles are revolutionizing how Kenyans roof their homes. They're made of steel coated with stone chips - sounds simple, but they're incredibly clever.

Here's why they're so popular:

• Weigh about 70% less than concrete (means cheaper roof structure)
• Last 50+ years
• Come with actual warranties (some up to 50 years)
• Don't crack if you step on them during installation
• Look like traditional tiles but install faster

Stone coated roofing tiles prices in Kenya range from about Ksh 1,200 to Ksh 2,500 per square meter.

Decra Roofing Tiles - The Premium Brand

Decra roofing tiles are the Mercedes of stone coated roofing. Made in New Zealand, they've been around for over 60 years and have a solid reputation worldwide.

Decra roofing tiles prices in Kenya are usually between Ksh 1,800 and Ksh 2,800 per square meter. Yes, it's more expensive, but you get:

• 50-year warranty (they stand behind their product)
• Tested to handle winds up to 190 km/h
• Multiple styles that look like clay tiles, wood shakes, or shingles
• Proven to last in African weather

If your budget allows, Decra is worth considering. You're paying for peace of mind.

Mareba Roofing Tiles - Great Value

Mareba roofing tiles are the smart middle ground. Quality stone coated tiles without the premium brand price tag.

Mareba roofing tiles prices in Kenya typically range from Ksh 1,200 to Ksh 2,000 per square meter. That's why they're popular in housing estates and middle-income developments.

You get good warranties (usually 25-30 years), several colors to choose from, and they're easy to find across Kenya.

Concrete Roofing Tiles - Budget-Friendly and Reliable

Concrete roofing tiles are the workhorse of Kenyan roofing. Made from cement, sand, and color pigments. Nothing fancy, but they work.

Why builders use them:

• Cheapest permanent roofing option
• Strong - you can walk on them without worrying
• Available everywhere in Kenya
• Keep homes cooler than metal sheets
• Last 30-50 years with basic care

The downside? They're heavy. Your roof structure needs to be strong enough to carry them.

Concrete roofing tiles prices in Kenya run from Ksh 600 to Ksh 1,500 per square meter. For many Kenyans building on a budget, this is the sweet spot - affordable but still proper roofing.

Solar Roof Tiles - The Future is Here

Solar roof tiles are exactly what they sound like - tiles that protect your roof AND generate electricity. Instead of putting solar panels on top of your regular roof, the roof itself makes power.

How much do they cost? Not going to sugarcoat it - solar roof tiles prices in Kenya are high, typically Ksh 8,000 to Ksh 15,000+ per square meter installed.

But here's the math:

• Your roof generates free electricity
• No more KPLC bills (or much smaller ones)
• Government sometimes offers tax breaks for solar
• Your home value increases
• Good for the environment (if that matters to you)

Over 10-15 years, they can pay for themselves. Best for new builds where you're doing everything from scratch.

Roof Shingles Kenya - The Quick Install Option

Roof shingles are those overlapping pieces you see on American homes. They're gaining ground in Kenya because they're quick to install and work well on complex roof designs.

Types you'll find:

• Basic 3-tab shingles (flat look)
• Architectural shingles (thicker, more textured)
• Designer shingles (look like slate or wood)

Pros: Fast installation, lots of colors, good for tricky roof shapes, economical.

Cons: Don't last as long as tiles (15-30 years), Kenya's hot sun can wear them down faster than in cooler countries.

Roof shingles prices range from Ksh 400 to Ksh 1,200 per square meter.

What Will Your Roof Actually Cost?

Let's talk real numbers. Here's what a complete roof costs, not just the tiles. These prices are for a 100 square meter roof (about average for a 3-bedroom house):

Budget Option - Concrete Tiles

• The tiles themselves: Ksh 60,000 - 150,000
• Timber for the roof structure: Ksh 40,000 - 60,000
• Labor to install everything: Ksh 60,000 - 100,000
• Extras (ridge caps, valley pieces, nails): Ksh 30,000 - 50,000
• Total you'll spend: Ksh 190,000 - 360,000

Middle Ground - Stone Coated (Like Mareba)

• Tiles: Ksh 120,000 - 200,000
• Timber: Ksh 40,000 - 60,000
• Labor: Ksh 70,000 - 120,000
• Extras: Ksh 40,000 - 60,000
• Total: Ksh 270,000 - 440,000

Premium - Decra or Clayworks

• Tiles: Ksh 180,000 - 350,000
• Timber: Ksh 40,000 - 60,000
• Labor: Ksh 80,000 - 150,000
• Extras: Ksh 50,000 - 80,000
• Total: Ksh 350,000 - 640,000

Top End - Solar Roof Tiles

• The solar tiles: Ksh 800,000 - 1,500,000
• Special installation: Ksh 200,000 - 400,000
• Electrical connections and inverters: Ksh 150,000 - 300,000
• Total: Ksh 1,150,000 - 2,200,000 (But remember, this eliminates your electricity bill)

These are ballpark figures. Actual prices depend on your specific roof design, where you're building, and current material costs. Call us for an exact quote based on your plans.

How to Pick the Right Tiles for YOUR Home

Stop reading reviews and forums for a minute. Here's what actually matters:

1. Where Are You Building?

Near the coast (Mombasa, Malindi)?
Salty air eats through cheap materials. Go for clay roof tiles or good quality stone coated tiles. They resist corrosion.

Hot, dry areas (Garissa, Isiolo)?
You want tiles that keep heat out. Clay roofing tiles and terracotta work best - they naturally insulate.

High rainfall zones (parts of Central Kenya, Kisii)?
Make sure your tiles have good water runoff. Most tiles work, but check the profile design.

Windy areas?
Stone coated tiles like Decra handle wind better than heavy tiles that can lift and crack.

2. What's Your Roof Structure?

Concrete slab roof?
You can use anything - it'll support the weight of clay or concrete tiles.

Timber trusses?
Think about weight. Stone coated tiles put less stress on your trusses. Heavy concrete or clay tiles might need beefier timber (more cost).

Renovating an old roof?
Get a fundii to check if your structure can handle new tiles, especially if you're switching from iron sheets to heavier materials.

3. What Look Do You Want?

Modern, clean lines?
Flat concrete tiles or sleek stone coated profiles in grey or charcoal.

Classic villa style?
Clay or terracotta roof tiles in warm reds and browns.

Traditional Kenyan home?
Earth-toned concrete or clay tiles blend with the landscape.

Stand out from neighbors?
Mix colors, try unique profiles, or go bold with deep colors.

4. What's Your Real Budget?

Be honest with yourself about money:

Tight budget, need it done?
Concrete tiles. They're cheap, they work, they last. Nothing wrong with them.

Moderate budget, want quality?
Mareba or similar stone coated tiles. Best bang for your buck - lighter, longer warranties, less hassle.

Good budget, building your dream home?
Decra or Clayworks. You're making a one-time investment that lasts longer than your mortgage.

Money to invest in the future?
Solar roof tiles. High cost now, but no electricity bills and you're set for 50+ years.

5. How Much Maintenance Do You Want to Deal With?

None if possible?
Stone coated or clay tiles. Install them and basically forget about them.

Some is okay:
Concrete tiles sometimes need a fresh coat of sealant after many years.

Regular checks:
Roof shingles need more attention - check them every year for any loose pieces.

Installing Your Tiles - Don't Mess This Up

Here's the truth: Even the best roofing tiles will fail if installation is shoddy. You can buy premium Decra roofing tiles, pay top dollar, and still end up with leaks if your contractor doesn't know what he's doing.

What Good Installation Looks Like:

✓ Roof pitched correctly (at least 22.5 degrees for most tiles)
✓ Proper ventilation so heat doesn't build up inside
✓ Waterproof membrane under the tiles
✓ Battens spaced exactly right for your tile type
✓ Tiles secured properly (not just sitting there)
✓ Ridge caps sealed correctly (where most leaks happen)
✓ Valleys done right (another leak hotspot)
✓ Flashings around chimneys, vents, edges done properly

Installation Costs:

• Concrete tiles: Ksh 600 - 1,000 per square meter for labor
• Stone coated tiles: Ksh 700 - 1,200 per square meter
• Clay tiles: Ksh 800 - 1,500 per square meter
• Solar tiles: Ksh 2,000 - 4,000 per square meter (includes electrical work)

Finding a Good Contractor:

Don't just hire your cousin's friend who says he can do it. Ask:

• "Can I see photos of roofs you've done?"
• "Can I visit one of your completed jobs?"
• "What warranty do you give on your work?"
• "How long have you been roofing?"

A good contractor won't be the cheapest quote. But they'll be cheaper than fixing a leaking roof twice.

We can refer you to contractors we trust if you need help.

Taking Care of Your Roof

Once it's up, don't forget about it. Do this:

Twice a Year (Beginning and end of rains):

• Walk around and look up at your roof
• Check for cracked or moved tiles
• Look at ridge caps and corners
• Clear any debris from gutters

As Needed:

• Remove leaves and branches that collect on the roof
• If you see moss growing, clean it off (gently)
• Replace any broken tiles immediately - one broken tile leads to leaks, leaks lead to rot, rot leads to expensive repairs

How Long Will They Last?

• Clay/terracotta tiles: 50-100 years (outlast your grandchildren)
• Stone coated tiles: 40-60 years (outlast your mortgage)
• Concrete tiles: 30-50 years (outlast most marriages, sorry)
• Roof shingles: 15-30 years (you'll probably re-roof once)

Proper care can add years to these lifespans.

Don't Forget Your Ceilings

While we're talking about roofing, remember you need ceiling tiles too. We stock those as well:

Acoustic ceiling tiles - Good for offices, studios, or if you have noisy teenagers upstairs. Absorbs sound. Prices from Ksh 400 - 1,200 per square meter.

Decorative ceiling tiles - PVC, gypsum, metal options for offices, shops, living rooms. Makes spaces look finished. From Ksh 300 - 2,000 per square meter.

Why Buy From Us?

Look, you can buy roofing tiles from lots of places in Kenya. Here's why people come to us:

• We stock everything - compare options in one place
• We'll tell you honestly what works for your situation (we won't upsell you something you don't need)
• We're authorized dealers for Decra, Mareba, Clayworks - you get genuine products
• We deliver anywhere in Kenya
• We know contractors who do good work (and we'll tell you who to avoid)
• We're here after you buy - call us if you have questions during installation

Common Questions People Ask

What's the absolute cheapest way to roof my house properly?

Concrete roofing tiles. About Ksh 600-1,500 per square meter for the tiles. Factor in timber and labor, you're looking at roughly Ksh 190,000-360,000 for a 100 sqm roof. Iron sheets are cheaper but get hot, make noise in rain, and rust.

Is it worth paying more for Decra or Mareba instead of concrete?

Usually, yes. They're lighter (saves money on roof structure), last longer (50 years vs 30-40), and come with warranties. Over the life of your house, the extra cost up front often pays off.

How long do clay tiles really last in Kenya?

50 years minimum, often way more. There are clay tile roofs in Europe that are 200+ years old. In Kenya's climate, 50-100 years is realistic if installed properly.

Can I put solar roof tiles on my existing house?

Yes, but it's expensive to tear off your current roof and replace it. Most cost-effective when building new or doing a complete re-roofing anyway. Partial installation is possible but tricky.

Which tiles keep my house coolest?

Clay and terracotta tiles are natural insulators - they'll keep your home noticeably cooler than metal roofing. Light-colored stone coated tiles also reflect heat well.

Do I really need a professional installer?

Yes. This isn't like tiling a bathroom floor. Roof installation is specialized - wrong pitch, wrong spacing, wrong sealing = leaks = ruined ceilings = wasted money. Pay for a pro.

What's included when you quote roofing tiles prices?

Usually just the tiles themselves. Budget separately for timber battens, waterproof membrane, labor, accessories like ridge caps and valley pieces, and delivery. Get a complete quote before you start.

How many tiles do I actually need?

Measure your roof area (length × width for each section), add them up, then add 15% for wastage (cuts, breakages, future repairs). Or give us your roof plan - we'll calculate it free.

Ready to Start?

Whether you're just starting to think about roofing or you're ready to buy tomorrow, we're here to help.

We stock everything from affordable concrete tiles to premium Decra roofing tiles, traditional clay roofing tiles, and even cutting-edge solar roof tiles. Whatever your budget and style, we've got options.

Give us a call and we'll:

• Talk through what makes sense for your specific house
• Give you current roofing tiles prices in Kenya (they change with exchange rates)
• Calculate exactly how many tiles you need
• Recommend contractors we trust
• Arrange delivery to wherever you're building

Don't wing it on something as important as your roof. We've helped hundreds of Kenyans get this right the first time.

Contact us today & Let's figure out your roof together.