Russell Roof Tiles talks roofing and concrete roof tiles and fittings.
Roofing is an integral part of any house build and on some styles of structure, the roof is a very dominant feature.
A pitched roof for example can account for 40 per cent of the façade of a building and has the role of creating the right look for a property. So, it’s essential to ensure you are specifying the right material for the project.
Many looking for pitched roofing for residential projects opt for tiles manufactured from natural materials as they are believed to be superior.
There are four main pitched roof tile choices in the UK: concrete, slate, clay, and stone. Natural slates and clay tiles around 20 per cent. Concrete versions of slate, clay and stone are in fact the most widely used on around 80 per cent of properties.
Despite holding such a strong position in the market there remain many myths around concrete roof tiles. Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof Tiles, explores these issues and details why concrete roof tiles and fittings shouldn’t be overlooked.
Getting the Look, Withstanding the Weather
Whether you are creating a traditional or contemporary style, roofing materials are a key component, tailored to match the aesthetic. The pitch of your roof will dictate what products can be used too. All roof tiles have a minimum pitch requirement. A pitched roof is very effective at carrying and distributing not only the weight of the chosen covering, but also deals effectively with local climatic factors such as wind, rainwater, and snow.
Common pitched roof coverings such as concrete roof tiles compliment a pitched roof’s structural performance with outstanding resistance to challenging weather conditions.
Reflecting Regional Trends and Using Modern Manufacturing
Some of these natural roofing materials have inherent issues such as weight, availability, cost, and sustainability. What many don’t realise is concrete provides a number of benefits which also include fire resistance and sound absorption.
Ranging from medium and small format both flat and profiled designs, concrete roof tile manufacturers such as Russell Roof Tiles produce all tiles in the UK in an array of colours allowing regional developers and planners to achieve a roof that not only enhances curb appeal but also adds value to a property.
Concrete roof tiles are renowned for being able to replicate the natural look of slate, clay, or stone.
Using modern techniques enables manufacturers like Russell Roof Tiles, to reproduce the traditional character and colour tones of regional clay, stone and slate with similar profiles but with the long-term added benefits of concrete.
Sustainability
There is often an argument when looking at sustainability that a material seen as “naturally” occurring is more sustainable than that of a manufactured product, but this is just another myth.
Many natural products are derived from other countries’ and shipped into the UK which have not have not lasted the test of time or been fixed correctly.
Concrete tiles have proven to last much more than 60 years – a stark contrast to some natural materials and metals which can have a lifespan of around 30 years. A longer service life means less production use of raw materials along with minimal energy usage at a time when the housing industry is at its worst, the need to future-proof all housing stock has become more important than ever.
Speed of Installation
Concrete roof tiles provide a quick, yet cost-effective roofing solution, when time is of the essence. The product is easier to handle and has a simple interlocking design that can be fixed quickly, and effectively which helps to speed up the installation process. This ensures a robust secure roof covering which enables projects to be delivered on time and within budget.
Low Maintenance
Concrete roof tiles are generally very low maintenance compared to other roofing materials. The properties of concrete mean that they will not corrode or delaminate, which may be a concern with other types of roofing materials.
Overall, concrete is one of the most resistant roofing options to exist which is why concrete roof tiles are commonly specified.
Self-Build Case Study
In areas where houses are designed to suit the surrounding properties, an accurate replication of natural roofing is essential to meet planning requirements and blend seamlessly.
One self-build project that was faced with the challenge of fitting the local landscape was a 4-bedroom farmhouse near Milton Keynes. The homeowners used farmland at Conns Farm to build a traditional style farmhouse in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
To match the other buildings within the area which featured natural slate roofs, Russell Roof Tiles Lothian tiles in slate grey were specified. The thinner leading edge Lothian tiles were specifically designed to speed up the installation process due to their interlocking system, ensuring the build was completed within the designated timeframe.
The versatility of concrete roof tiles allows for an authentic look but comes with the additional benefits of being sustainable and durable. This helps to meet modern-day requirements, offering developers peace of mind knowing that concrete is greater in strength and will require little maintenance after installation.
As technological advances continue at pace, concrete roof tile manufacturing continues to deliver innovation and choice like never before.
Contact Russell Roof Tiles for further expert technical advice tailored to suit your needs and projects. www.russellrooftiles.co.uk
