We've just finished a complete re-roofing job in Keston that's worth talking about. It was a substantial project, taking about six weeks from start to finish, but the result is a roof that looks fantastic and will protect the property for decades to come.
The customer had an older roof that had reached the point where repairs just weren't making sense anymore. The tiles were getting past their best, the fascias and soffits were rotting in places, and the whole roofing system needed a proper overhaul. They wanted quality materials that would stand the test of time, so we specified Marley Heather Blend clay tiles throughout.
Why clay tiles?
Clay tiles are about as good as it gets for pitched roofing. They're not the cheapest option, but there's a reason they've been used for centuries. A well-maintained clay tile roof can easily last 60 years or more, often outlasting the building itself. They don't fade like concrete tiles can, they're incredibly tough, and they just get better looking as they age.
The Marley Heather Blend has a beautiful mixed colour that gives a natural, traditional appearance. It's got that blend of reds, browns and purples that you see on period properties, but with all the benefits of modern manufacturing. These tiles are consistent in quality, they interlock properly, and they come with proper guarantees.
We fitted the Heather Blend tiles to both the main roof and the vertical roof sections. Vertical roofs need a bit more care because the tiles are sitting at a steeper angle and face different weather stresses, but clay tiles handle this brilliantly when they're installed correctly.
The dry ridge system
One of the key upgrades on this project was installing a dry vented ridge system. If you're not familiar with these, they've become standard on new builds because they're required under current building regulations, and for good reason.
Traditional mortar bedded ridges look fine when they're first done, but mortar cracks over time. Wind gets underneath, frost damage happens, and before long you're looking at loose or missing ridge tiles. You've probably seen roofs with that telltale line of broken mortar along the top.
Dry ridge systems solve this problem completely. The ridge tiles are mechanically fixed rather than bedded in mortar, and they incorporate ventilation that allows air to flow through the roof space. This ventilation is crucial for preventing condensation build-up in the loft, which can lead to timber rot and insulation problems.
The system we installed meets building regs requirements for air flow and gives a neat, consistent finish along the entire ridge line. More importantly, it's not going to crack, crumble or need repointing. It's one of those upgrades that just makes sense, even on older properties.
New fascias, soffits and guttering
There's no point putting a beautiful new roof on tired old fascias and guttering. We stripped out all the old woodwork and replaced it with new fascias and soffits throughout. Modern uPVC fascias and soffits are brilliant because they don't need painting, they don't rot, and they keep looking good year after year with just an occasional wash down.
The new guttering was sized properly for the roof area and fitted with a decent fall so water drains away efficiently. We made sure all the downpipes were securely fixed and directed water away from the building foundations. It's attention to these details that prevents problems down the line.
Six weeks of solid work
A complete re-roof isn't a quick job, and we wouldn't want it to be. This particular project took about six weeks from start to finish. That includes stripping the old roof, checking and repairing the roof structure where needed, fitting all the new tiles, installing the dry ridge system, and completing all the fascia, soffit and guttering work.
Weather always plays a part in roofing projects. You need dry conditions for certain stages of the work, and we schedule things carefully to make sure we're not leaving the property exposed if rain's forecast. The customer was brilliant throughout, understanding that quality work takes time and can't be rushed.
The 20-year guarantee
We back all our re-roofing work with a 20-year guarantee. When you use quality materials like Marley clay tiles and install everything to the manufacturer's specifications and building regulations, you can have real confidence in the finished job. The customer's got complete peace of mind knowing their roof is sorted for the foreseeable future.
Worth every penny
The customer was over the moon with the finished result. The Heather Blend tiles look absolutely spot on, the roofline is crisp and clean, and the whole property has that fresh, well-maintained appearance that a new roof brings. It's transformed the look of the house whilst adding serious value to the property.
Clay tiles aren't cheap, and a full re-roof is a significant investment. But when you consider you're getting 60-plus years of protection, virtually no maintenance, and materials that actually improve with age, it makes a lot of sense. You're essentially sorting your roof out for the rest of your life.
Thinking about re-roofing?
If your roof's getting on a bit and you're facing increasing repair bills, it might be time to consider a complete re-roof. Warning signs include multiple loose or missing tiles, daylight visible through the roof, water stains in the loft, or fascias and soffits that are rotting or damaged.
A proper re-roof isn't just about slapping some new tiles on. It's an opportunity to upgrade to better materials, meet current building regulations, improve ventilation, and sort out all those little issues that have built up over the years. Done properly, it adds value to your property and gives you decades of worry-free protection.
We're always happy to come out and assess what's needed. Whether it's a straightforward tile replacement or a complete re-roof like this one in Keston, we'll give you honest advice about your options and a detailed quote for the work. Get in touch if you'd like to discuss your roofing project.
