Lifespan of a roof tile?

[Aquagility]

My small 1950s bungalow has to be re-roofed. I'm told that the roof tiles might as well be replaced as they've done 60 years. I thought roof tiles lasted indefinitely - is this wrong?

[Mosaic]

It depends on the tile. Some makes will not be as highly-fired as others, The clay may have inclusions of pebbles that has weakened them over time. On the other hand if you mean slate or stone rather than red (usually) clay roof tiles, I'd keep what you've got in place.

[Aquagility]

Thanks, Mosaic. They're bog-standard red clay, no visible deterioration or inclusions. Look good to me!

[The Builder]

Aqua ......... can you describe the tile?
"Plain" tiles? ............. ie Imperial 6"x10.5" approx?

Terracotta tiles, whatever the size, fetch good money secondhand, much more than the cost of new. Unless they've suffered terribly, which I greatly doubt, they most certainly be re-used.

Of course I don't know this for sure, but this might be a case of one of the most lucrative little ploys in roofing. They'll carefully remove the tiles, then sell them. It's often done with natural slate as well.

[Aquagility]

Point taken, TB. But the suggestion came, not from the contractor but from within the family. I can't measure a tile until I get back at the weekend. But I'll take a sample to the local reclamation centre and see what they offer!

[The Builder]

They'll be looking for a profit margin when they quote, Aqua. Do check their asking price as well.

Ask the contractor for a price to strip the roof covering completely, including old felt (if there is any) and battens......... plus a re-nail with new breathable felt and battens.
There will be some shortfall in the number of tiles needed (breakages etc), so there'll be a certain amount of "trust" involved as to buying in what you will need.

[Aquagility]

Apparently I was wrong (it has been known!). The tiles are not clay but concrete. More likely to need replacement after 50 years, so I'm told, and of little or no resale value.