2025 Expert Guide to the Top 5 Roof Tiles in Canada — Boral Saxony 900 Slate, Ludowici French Clay, CertainTeed Belmont, Enviroshake, DaVinci Slate Select: Which Suits Your Home?

Boral Saxony 900 Slate is positioned as a best-in-class concrete slate tile for projects that need the look of natural slate with the price and durability benefits of concrete. It stands out for its consistent manufacturing quality, widespread availability and lower installed cost compared with premium clay products like Ludowici, while offering greater long-term durability than many light-weight composites such as Enviroshake. For roof-tile buyers focused on balancing upfront cost with proven performance, Saxony 900 is a compelling middle ground between high-end clay and synthetic options.

Ludowici French Clay Tile is the market leader for premium natural clay roofing, prized for its century-plus lifespan, authentic aesthetics and excellent color retention. Though it carries a higher initial purchase and installation cost than concrete (Boral, CertainTeed) or composite alternatives (Enviroshake, DaVinci), Ludowici’s low lifecycle maintenance and historic value often deliver superior long-term return for high-end restoration or luxury new-build projects. Its technical advantage is the time-tested performance of fired clay—resistant to fading, rot and freeze-thaw—making it the go-to choice when longevity and authenticity matter most.

CertainTeed Belmont Concrete Tile is a market leader among concrete roofing tiles thanks to its broad dealer network, competitive pricing and wide palette of profiles and colors suited to many architectural styles. It typically undercuts premium clay options on upfront cost while delivering dependable weather resistance and a strong warranty, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious homeowners wanting the look of heavier tiles. Compared with composites like Enviroshake or DaVinci, Belmont trades some lightweight and impact advantages for lower material cost and the established economics of concrete manufacture.

Enviroshake Composite Cedar Shake offers a realistic cedar-shake appearance with the low maintenance, improved fire resistance and lighter weight of modern composites—benefits that reduce roofing assembly and maintenance costs over time versus natural wood. Its chief advantage over traditional materials (cedar, clay, concrete) is the combination of wood-like aesthetics and reduced whole-life expenses, and it competes with premium synthetics like DaVinci by emphasizing cost-effective realism and easier handling. For projects prioritizing curb appeal without the ongoing upkeep of real wood, Enviroshake provides a balanced technical and financial alternative.