Tapco Lightweight Slate
Synthetic slate & shake roofing that combines the timeless look of natural materials with modern performance
Tapco Roofing slates and shingles recreate the look of natural slate and cedar shake while delivering the benefits of modern engineering. Moulds cast from real stone and wood give each tile authentic peaks, plateaux and curves. A colour-through design with UV stabilisation ensures the vibrant tones – from Pewter Grey and Plum to rich Brick Red and Chestnut Brown – stay true over times.
Unlike natural slate, Tapco tiles won’t crack, split or break when handled. The lightweight construction (around 12 kg per square metre) makes them easy to transport and fast to fit, with pre‑marked nailing and exposure guides and horizontal spacers for consistent alignment. Each tile includes a built‑in camber for a tighter fit and random edges and patterns that produce a natural, authentic finish.
Tapco Slate is manufactured from a recyclable blend of limestone and polypropylene and comes with a transferable 40‑year warranty. Tiles are fully tested to BBA standards for fire, wind and weather resistance and are suitable for pitches as low as 14 degrees.
Why Choose Tapco Roofing Products?
- Authentic appearance: tiles are moulded from real slate and shake to replicate natural textures and edges.
- Lightweight & easy to install: at just ~12 kg/m², Tapco tiles are quick to handle and feature pre‑marked nailing guides for rapid fixing.
- Durable & low maintenance: tiles will not crack, split or delaminate and can be installed down to 14° pitch; they are designed to withstand extreme weather and retain their colour thanks to UV stabilisation.
- 40‑year transferable warranty: peace of mind backed by comprehensive testing and BBA certification.
- Recyclable & eco‑friendly: manufactured from a limestone and polypropylene composite and fully recyclable.
Tapco Product Range at JJ Roofing
At JJ Roofing we stock a wide selection of Tapco roofing products. Click on the range below to explore individual items or browse all Tapco slates and shingles.
TapcoSlate Classic
Synthetic slates with random edges and a built-in camber for a natural finish; suitable for pitches from 14°.
Available Colours: Pewter Grey, Plum, Stone Black, Brick Red, Chestnut Brown
TapcoSlate Ridge & Hip
Matching ridge and hip tiles with pre-marked nailing guides; pack of 25 for easy handling.
Available Colours: Same colours as Classic Slate
Starter Tiles
Soldier course tiles for the eaves row; designed to complement Tapco Classic slate.
Available Colours: Range of colours to match the main slates
Tapco Shake
Composite shake-style tiles that imitate hand-split cedar shakes; light weight and maintenance-free. Select from several widths for a random coursing effect.
Available Colours: Aged Cedar, Autumn, Natural Cedar, Weathered Wood
Frequently Asked Questions
What fixings should I use?
Tapco slates should be fixed with large-headed galvanised nails (30 mm x 2.5 mm). Aluminium or copper nails are also acceptable, but driving them through the slate may cause bending. Use longer 76 mm nails when fixing ridges and hips.
How many slates do I need per square metre?
The required quantity depends on roof pitch. At a 14°–22.5° pitch you’ll need about 22 slates per m², while at 27.5°–30° pitch you’ll need around 19 slates per m².
What is the lowest recommended roof pitch?
Tapco Slate can be installed on roofs as low as 14 degrees. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines and ensure the roof is fully boarded at low pitches.
Do I need to sort or drill the slates?
No. Tapco tiles are dimensionally consistent and feature pre-marked nailing and exposure guides so there’s no need for sorting, clipping or drilling.
Are the colours stable?
Yes. Tapco tiles use a colour-through design with UV stabilisers to maintain their colour; they will weather like any roof covering but will not fade to white.
What certifications and fire ratings do Tapco products carry?
TapcoSlate is fully tested to BBA standards, including fire rating, wind uplift, driven rain and water absorption. It achieves a BS476 Part 3 fire rating and has been certified for hail and freeze-thaw resistance.
For a deeper look at its features, certifications, and applications, you can also read our dedicated blog post on Tapcoslate Classic as a lightweight alternative to traditional slate roofing
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