Roof tiler
A roof tiler is a craftsperson who's main task is to cover the roof structure with over lapping (and often interlocking tiles), usually a cold roof (but not always). The same term might also be used to describe a roofer who lays slate or shingle roof covering, though traditionally these are referred to as a slater and shingler. Tiler also refers to a a tradesperson whi lays ceramic tile internally to the walls of a bathroom or shower, using tile adhesive and grout.
The roofing timbers may first have a layer of sarking board, installed by the tiler or the roof framer, this may either be simple timber sheets used to improve the racking strength of the roof structure or sheets with some insulation value to also create a warm roof construction. If further insulation is needed this may be laid on top first and then covered with a membrane to create a water tight layer.
Traditionally this was a bituminous felt, though today it is often a breathable membrane but may still be referred to as sarking membrane. The tiller or roofer then lay battens in strips on top of the and finally the heavy weight clay or concrete tiles, laid from the eaves upwards so they over lap to create a water tight covering.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Battens.
- Ceiling tiles.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Domestic roofs.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof defects.
- Metal profile cladding.
- Metal roofing.
- Nails - a brief history.
- Photocatalytic tiles.
- Pitched roof.
- Roof coverings.
- Roof insulation.
- Roof slates.
- Roof tiles
- Roofing defects.
- Shingle roofing.
- Thatch roofing.
- Tiles.
- Tile roofing
- Types of nails.
- Types of roof
- Types of roof.
- Weatherboarding.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
























