Cutting roof tiles is a skill every roofer learns early on. Whether you’re cutting for verges, hips, valleys, or tile replacements, clean and accurate cuts are essential for a professional finish and site safety.
Using the wrong tools or cutting tiles incorrectly can lead to cracked tiles, poor fit, excessive dust, and safety risks.
Safety Warning
Cutting roof tiles creates dust and sharp edges. Always wear eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask, and never cut tiles on a roof surface or unsecured area. Work on stable ground whenever possible.
1. Tools You Need to Cut Roof Tiles
You don’t need expensive tools as a beginner — just the reliable, basic equipment used correctly.
Essential Tools:
- Angle grinder (115mm or 125mm)
- Diamond blade (roofing/tile cutting blade)
- Tile guillotine / tile cutter
- Tin snips (for fibre cement tiles)
- Marker or chalk
- Safety goggles
- Gloves & dust mask
Nice-to-have:
- Bench tile cutter
- Battery grinder
- Water spray bottle (to reduce dust)
- Powered Respirator
2. How to Cut Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete tiles are the most common on UK roofs. From my experience I’ve used a Interlocking Concrete Tiles the most, this is because they are much cheaper and easier in my opinion to install. However I do prefer the look of slates.
Method 1 — Cutting with an Angle Grinder (most common)
- Place tile on a stable surface
- Mark your cut with chalk
- Hold the grinder firmly with two hands
- Cut from the top surface downward
- Let the blade do the work — don’t force it
- Smooth the cut if needed
When to use:
- Verge cuts
- Hips
- Valleys
- Cut-outs for vents/solar brackets
3. How to Cut Clay Roof Tiles
Clay tiles are harder and more brittle.
Best method: Tile guillotine (clay cutter)
- Gives clean edges
- Less dust
- Less chance of breaking tile
If using a grinder:
- Use a continuous rim blade
- Cut slower
- Support the tile close to the cut line
4. How to Cut Fibre Cement Slates
Fibre cement tiles (like Eternit) don’t cut the same as concrete/clay.
Best method: Tin snips or slate guillotine
- Mark your cut
- Use snips for clean edges
- Guillotine for straight lines
Grinder method (for tricky cuts):
- Use a diamond blade
- Cut from the back of the tile if possible
- Don’t overheat the material (creates dust)
5. Safety Tips When Cutting Tiles
Beginners often underestimate how dangerous cutting can be.
Always wear eye protection
Tile chips can fly at high speed.
Use a dust mask
Concrete dust is very fine and gets into your lungs. Keep fingers away from the blade line
Never hold the tile close to where you’re cutting.
Don’t cut on your lap
Use a stable surface — bucket, bench, or scrap tile.
Use two hands on the grinder
Beginners lose control when using one hand.
6. Common Cutting Mistakes (Avoid These)
Pushing the grinder too hard
Not marking the line properly
Cutting too fast and chipping the tile
Using the wrong blade
Holding tiles in the air → they snap
Forgetting PPE
7. Pro Roofer Tips
- Wet the cutting line slightly to reduce dust
- For verge cuts, make sure your cuts follow the line of the roof
- When cutting clay, score the tile first — this reduces chipping
- If tiles keep cracking, support the tile closer to the cut
- Keep blades sharp — old blades cause rough edges
FAQ
Can I cut roof tiles with a handsaw?
No — concrete/clay tiles require a grinder or guillotine.
Why do my tiles keep cracking?
You’re either holding them wrong, using the wrong blade, or cutting too fast.
What blade should I use?
Cutting roof tiles safely and accurately is essential for a clean finish and a professional-looking roof. Using the correct tools, wearing proper protection, and planning cuts carefully will help prevent breakages, reduce waste, and improve overall roof quality.