We've recently completed a substantial commercial project in Redhill that's one of those jobs you're really proud to put your name to. It was a brand new building site consisting of five houses, all needing complete roofing packages from scratch. The whole project took us about three and a half weeks, and the finished result looks absolutely brilliant.
Working on new builds is different from renovation work. You're starting with a blank canvas, which means everything can be done properly from the ground up. There's no working around existing problems or making compromises. It also means meeting all current building regulations to the letter, which is exactly what we did throughout this project.
The build-up and preparation
Before any tiles go on, you need a proper build-up that's going to perform for decades. We started with Tyvek breather membrane across all the roofs. This stuff is clever because it lets moisture vapour escape from inside the roof space whilst stopping any water getting in from outside. It's an essential part of a modern roof system and helps prevent condensation problems that can rot timber and damage insulation.
Over the Tyvek, we fitted 38x25mm battens using 65mm galvanised wire nails. The battens need to be spaced exactly right for the tiles you're using, and they've got to be secure because they're what's holding everything up there. Galvanised nails won't rust, which is important when you're talking about a roof that needs to last 60 years or more.
French clay tiles with character
The tiles specified for this project were specialist 20 30s French clay tiles. These are proper quality tiles with bags of character. French clay tiles have that lovely irregular, hand-made appearance that gives a roof real visual interest. No two tiles are exactly the same, so you get natural variation in colour and texture that just looks right.
We nailed the tiles at every third course, which is the correct fixing pattern for this type of tile and ensures everything stays put even in high winds. It's more labour-intensive than clipping tiles, but it gives a superior result and meets all the wind load requirements for the area.
Tiled valleys for that premium finish
One of the features that really sets these roofs apart is the tiled valleys. We could have used lead or fibreglass valleys, which are perfectly good solutions, but tiled valleys add real character and show attention to quality. They're more complex to install because each tile in the valley needs to be cut and fitted individually, but the finished effect is worth the extra effort.
Tiled valleys also tend to last longer because there's no membrane or metal that can fail. When they're done properly, they're as durable as the rest of the roof and they just look the business.
Natural light with Velux windows
Across the five houses, we fitted 10 Velux windows. Modern houses need decent natural light in the loft spaces, whether they're being converted to rooms straight away or the option's being left open for the future. Velux windows are the industry standard because they're well made, they seal properly, and they come with proper flashing kits that integrate perfectly with the roof tiles.
Each window was flashed in carefully to ensure a weathertight seal. It's one of those jobs where taking your time pays off because a poorly fitted roof window will leak, and fixing it later means disturbing tiles and potentially causing more damage. We always make sure these are spot on from the start.
Dry ridge ventilation system
All five houses got dry ridge systems fitted. This is compulsory on new builds now, and rightly so. The mechanical fixing system is far more reliable than traditional mortar, and the built-in ventilation is crucial for preventing condensation in modern, well-insulated roof spaces.
Without proper ventilation, you get moisture build-up that can cause all sorts of problems. The dry ridge system allows air to flow through constantly, keeping the roof space healthy and protecting the timber structure. It's one of those things you don't see once the roof's finished, but it's doing important work every single day.
Complete roofline package
We fitted new roofline to all the properties, including deepflow guttering. Deepflow gutters are essential for new builds because they can handle the water run-off from larger roof areas without overflowing. Standard gutters just aren't up to the job on modern houses with their larger footprints and steeper roof pitches.
All the soffits include proper ventilation as well, working together with the dry ridge system to keep air moving through the roof spaces. The whole roofline was finished to a high standard because these are the details that buyers notice. A clean, professional finish on the fascias and soffits makes a real difference to how the property looks.
Before & After Transformation
Three and a half weeks of graft
Getting five complete roofs done in three and a half weeks required careful planning and coordination. We had multiple roofers working across the site, moving from one property to the next as each stage was completed. The weather was kind to us, which always helps on a project of this scale.
Working on a building site means coordinating with other trades as well. The roof has to go on at the right time in the build sequence, and there's no room for delays because other trades are waiting to get in and do their work. It's the kind of project that needs experience and organisation to pull off smoothly.
The 20-year guarantee
All five properties are covered by our 20-year guarantee. When you're using quality materials like French clay tiles, proper membrane and ventilation systems, and fitting everything to manufacturer specifications and building regulations, you can back your work with real confidence. These roofs are built to last, and the guarantee gives the developer and eventual homeowners complete peace of mind.
Commercial roofing expertise
This project in Redhill shows what we can do on commercial new build work. Whether it's a single new house or a whole development, we've got the experience and manpower to deliver quality roofing that meets all regulations and looks fantastic.
Premium materials like French clay tiles and tiled valleys aren't the cheapest options, but they're what set a development apart and add real value. Buyers can see the difference, and they're willing to pay for it.
If you're a developer or contractor working on new builds in the area and you need reliable roofers who can deliver quality work on schedule, get in touch. We're set up to handle projects of all sizes and we're always happy to provide detailed quotes and advice on specifications.
