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Yes—Barrington Roof Tiles are presented by their manufacturer as an Australian-made roofing system. Composite Materials Engineering says it manufactures the Torbex composite range in Melbourne for Australian projects. The range has two formats: a smaller slate tile and a larger slate shingle. Which one suits a roof depends primarily on pitch, overlap, sarking, structural design and the current installation documentation—not on appearance alone.
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The specifications below are the manufacturer’s published figures. Confirm them with Barrington and the project designer before ordering, because product pages can change and a site-specific roof design may impose different requirements.
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Barrington Roof Tiles is the roofing range identified by Composite Materials Engineering. On its About page, the company says the products are manufactured in Melbourne and covered by a 30-year structural guarantee. The guarantee is a manufacturer statement; the reviewed page does not set out the complete conditions, exclusions or claims procedure.
#1 Best Overall
- DIMENSIONS: Premium slate tiles measuring 20 inches x 12 inches, perfect for roofing applications and architectural features
- PRE-DRILLED: Each tile comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation and secure mounting
- MATERIAL: Natural stone slate in elegant dark gray color with unique textural variations and character
- DURABILITY: Heavy-duty slate construction withstands various weather conditions while maintaining its appearance
- QUANTITY: Package includes 2 matching slate tiles, ideal for both small projects and larger installations
The range is made from the company’s Torbex composite rather than quarried slate. Barrington describes Torbex as a structural composite using resin, fillers and glass fibre, formed under a 2,000-ton press. Those material and process details are company-reported specifications, not an independently audited description in the sources reviewed.
An Architecture & Design article published on 16 September 2024 describes the product as engineered and made in Australia using composite-materials technology and says its history dates back to 1995. That date is the article’s historical claim; it should not be read as a guarantee that every current component or formulation has been unchanged since then. See the article at Architecture & Design.
The two formats at a glance
Barrington publishes separate pages for its slate tile and slate shingle. Their unit sizes, coverage rates and pitch information are different, so a quote should identify the exact format rather than simply specify “Barrington tiles.”
| Format | Published size | Unit weight | Published coverage | Published roof weight | Pitch and overlap information | Sarking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington roof slate tile | 295 × 300 mm; 326 × 300 mm including water course | 0.85 kg | 14.8 units/m² | 12.6 kg/m² | 15° or 20°; 100 mm minimum overlap | Mandatory below 20° |
| Barrington roof slate shingle | 450 × 350 mm; 500 × 350 mm including tab | 1.3 kg | 7.5 units/m² | 9.8 kg/m² | Page lists 10°; it also states CSIRO-tested pitches of 15° with 75 mm overlap and 20° with 55 mm overlap | Mandatory below 20° |
All values in the table come from the manufacturer’s current product pages for slate tiles and slate shingles. They are published product data, not a structural calculation for a particular building. Ask for the latest technical sheet before a contract or construction release.
Rank #2
- Quick maintenance: designed for straightforward installation, this roof tile replacement simplifies repairs, ideal for timely restoration of villa roof panels or garden roof tiles,slabstone roofing tiles,roof repair materials
- Style enhancement: the roofing panel blends naturally with classic architectural styles like castles and villas, elevating the look of outdoor roofing sheets with refined stone textures,roof tile for balcony,roof tiles for home
- Reliable weatherproofing: this slatestone roofing panel ensures water resistance and durability, protecting outdoor roofing sheets on villas and garden sheds from weather damage,roof tile for outdoor use,stone roof tiles
- Sturdy protection: crafted from slatestone, this roof tile offers lasting resistance to water infiltration and weathering, ideal for outdoor roofing sheet applications on villas or sheds,outdoor stones tiles,waterproof roof tiles
- Climate adaptation: engineered to resist wind, frost, and wear, this roofing tile withstands diverse climates, protecting outdoor roofing sheets from cracking and damage,roof tile panels,roof tiles for house
Why the heavier shingle can produce a lighter roof
One shingle weighs 1.3 kg, compared with 0.85 kg for one slate tile. However, the shingle’s larger format means the published coverage is 7.5 units per square metre rather than 14.8. Barrington therefore lists the shingle at 9.8 kg/m² and the slate tile at 12.6 kg/m². The difference is 2.8 kg/m² on the manufacturer’s figures. Battens, sarking, fixings, flashings and supporting members add to the completed roof load and must be included by the project designer.
Roof pitch, overlap and sarking
Pitch is the first design check because the formats do not present the same installation envelope. The slate-tile page lists 15° and 20° applications with a 100 mm minimum overlap. The shingle information is more nuanced: the page lists 10° and separately refers to CSIRO-tested pitches of 15° with 75 mm overlap and 20° with 55 mm overlap.
That wording should be resolved in writing before selection. A general product-page reference to 10° does not, by itself, establish every layer, exposure condition or fixing detail needed for a 10° roof. Request the current installation instructions and the technical assessment applicable to the exact shingle, pitch and roof geometry.
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Both reviewed product pages state that sarking is mandatory below 20°. Sarking is part of the roof system, not an optional upgrade to be decided after the tiles arrive. The designer or installer should specify the sarking type, laps, penetrations, drainage path and compatibility with the rest of the roof build-up.
Rank #3
- Confirm Size Before Ordering: This natural stone roof tile measures 11.93 x 7.87 x 0.20 inches; compare the dimensions and mounting layout with your project
- Two Pre-Drilled Holes: The black roofing panel has two mounting holes along one side for fastening to a compatible roof structure with suitable hardware
- Natural Stone Surface: The roofing tile features visible texture and tonal variation that complement traditional architectural and restoration projects
- Repair and Building Projects: Use this replacement roof tile with compatible sheds, gazebos, garden structures, villas or farmhouse-style roofing projects
- Hand-Cut Character: Each stone tile is cut by hand, so its dimensions, edges, surface texture and colour may vary slightly from piece to piece
Pitch and overlap checklist
- Measure the designed roof pitch rather than estimating it from an existing drawing.
- Identify whether the selected format is the slate tile or slate shingle.
- Record the required overlap for that pitch: the tile page states 100 mm; the shingle page states 75 mm at 15° and 55 mm at 20° in its CSIRO-tested references.
- Confirm the treatment of pitches below 20°, where the manufacturer states sarking is mandatory.
- Have the installer verify valleys, hips, ridges, abutments and penetrations against the current details, because these areas can require components beyond the field units.
What Barrington says about testing and weather performance
Barrington and the Architecture & Design coverage say the products were tested by CSIRO to AS 4046–1992. Barrington also refers to CSIRO Technical Assessment 279. The underlying assessment was not available in the reviewed material, so this is an attributed testing and assessment claim—not evidence that CSIRO endorses the product or that every roof configuration has been independently verified.
The manufacturer describes the system as resistant to fire, hail and ultraviolet exposure and calls it weather-resistant. These are Barrington’s performance claims. They should not be converted into a fire-resistance rating, hail-impact class, UV service life or unconditional weather guarantee without the relevant test reports and scope.
The company also states that a unit can carry up to 120 kg. That capacity statement does not make the roof a walking surface. Roof access requires a professional method that protects the tiles, controls fall risk and accounts for the complete roof assembly.
How to choose between the slate tile and slate shingle
| Decision factor | Slate tile | Slate shingle |
|---|---|---|
| Visual format | Smaller slate-like units with a published 295 × 300 mm body size | Larger slate-shingle format with a published 450 × 350 mm body size |
| Published installed unit weight | 12.6 kg/m² | 9.8 kg/m² |
| Published unit count | 14.8 units/m² | 7.5 units/m² |
| Pitch information | 15° and 20°; 100 mm minimum overlap | 10° listed; 15° and 20° overlap details also given in the CSIRO-tested references |
| Best selection question | Does the roof design accommodate the tile pitch and overlap? | Does the project documentation reconcile the listed 10° information with the tested-pitch details? |
Neither format is universally better. The right choice is the one that fits the approved roof pitch, drainage design, structural capacity, weather exposure, desired appearance and available installation details. A lower published area weight can simplify a structural check, but it does not remove the need to design battens, fixings and support members for the complete assembly.
Rank #4
- Weatherproof Material: Slatestone panel provides excellent waterproofing and weather resistance, suitable for stone roofing sheets on villa roofs and garden sheds
- Style Enhancement: The roofing panel blends naturally with classic architectural styles like castles and villas, elevating the look of outdoor roofing sheets with refined stone textures
- Quick Maintenance: Designed for straightforward installation, this roof tile replacement simplifies repairs, ideal for timely restoration of villa roof panels or garden roof tiles
- Climate Resilience: Resistant to wind, frost, and abrasion, the heavy duty roof tile maintains durability across seasons and varying weather conditions
- Loading Reduction: Lightweight roofing tile design helps lessen the burden on building structures and improves drainage to avoid water accumulation on roofing tile sheets
A practical specification process
- Obtain current documents. Download or request the latest product data, installation guide, colour information, technical assessment reference and guarantee terms. The web pages reviewed do not provide complete warranty wording, prices, colour availability or project lead times.
- Confirm the format. Write “Barrington slate tile” or “Barrington slate shingle” on the schedule, including the published dimensions and unit weight, so a supplier cannot substitute the other format inadvertently.
- Check the pitch. Have the roof designer state the pitch in degrees and match it to the format’s current permitted details. Resolve the shingle page’s 10° listing against the separate 15° and 20° tested-pitch references.
- Design the roof build-up. Include sarking where required, then coordinate battens, underlay, ventilation, flashings, ridges, hips, valleys and penetrations. Ask the installer to use the manufacturer’s detail drawings for junctions.
- Complete the structural check. Use the published 12.6 kg/m² or 9.8 kg/m² figure as the tile or shingle component only. Add all other permanent loads and account for wind actions, maintenance access and the supporting structure under the applicable Australian design requirements.
- Verify supply. Barrington identifies Australian-wide shipping and provides contact and enquiry options. Obtain a project quote that states quantity, selected colour, delivery location, lead time and what accessories are included.
- Document the handover. Keep the invoice, batch or product identification, installation records, photographs of concealed sarking and the final guarantee paperwork. These records can matter if a structural-guarantee claim is later required.
Installation and site questions to resolve
How many units will the roof need?
The published coverage rates provide a starting estimate: 14.8 slate tiles or 7.5 shingles per square metre. Actual ordering should allow for cuts, breakage, hips, valleys, verge work and the manufacturer’s packaging or spare-unit recommendations. Have the installer calculate quantities from the roof plan rather than multiplying the plan area by a headline rate alone.
Will the roof structure support the system?
The area weights are useful inputs, but they are not an engineering approval. Existing homes may have unknown framing changes, previous roof layers or moisture damage. A qualified designer or engineer should check the supporting members and connections for the complete permanent load and local wind conditions.
What happens at low-pitch areas?
Low-pitch roofs are especially sensitive to overlap, sarking continuity and drainage. Because the manufacturer’s pages state mandatory sarking below 20°, the roof design should show how water is directed beneath the units and out of the assembly. Do not rely on a tile installer to improvise a low-pitch detail on site.
Warranty, availability and evidence to request
The manufacturer advertises a 30-year structural guarantee, but the reviewed About page does not show the full terms. Ask for the written guarantee before purchase and check its start date, definition of structural failure, installation conditions, maintenance obligations, exclusions, transferability and claim process.
Best Value
- Dimensions: DIN A4 (8.2 x 11.6 inches)
- 3 sheets included
- Self-adhesive film, sticks to your dollhouse
- High quality and high resolution printing
Prices, colour ranges and lead times are not stated on the reviewed product pages. They can vary by project size, delivery destination and current production schedule. Request a dated quotation and ask whether the price includes sarking, battens, flashings, ridge and hip components, freight and unloading.
For a commercial or design submission, retain the manufacturer’s current product sheets and the referenced CSIRO documentation with the specification. The Architecture & Design supplier listing can help identify the supplier record, while technical acceptance should still come from the manufacturer and the project’s qualified design team.
Bottom line for Australian projects
Barrington is presented as a Melbourne-manufactured Torbex composite roofing range with two slate-like formats. The slate tile is published at 12.6 kg/m² with a 100 mm minimum overlap and 15°/20° pitch information; the larger shingle is published at 9.8 kg/m², with separate 10°, 15° and 20° pitch references that require clarification in the current installation documents. Treat testing, weather resistance, 120 kg capacity and the 30-year structural guarantee as manufacturer-attributed claims until you have the governing reports and terms. A sound specification therefore starts with the roof pitch and sarking design, then confirms structure, details, supply and warranty in writing.
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