Office Hours 8am-5pm Yard Deliveries / Sales 7am-4pm
Clarke Roofing completed a full roof and vertical tiling replacement on a substantial seven-bedroom, three-storey detached residence of approximately 4,790 square feet. Using all-new Keymer Shire Heritage plain and handmade fishtail feature tiles, the project was carried out to BS 5534 standards and LCA guidelines, incorporating high-performance insulation to meet passive house requirements, delivering a property that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern performance.
This project entailed the complete replacement of the roof and vertical tiling on a substantial seven-bedroom detached residence, encompassing approximately 4,790 square feet and recognised as one of the most prominent properties on the street. The property spans three storeys, with a striking white-rendered ground floor, whilst the upper two levels feature vertical tiling incorporating both plain and handmade fishtail feature tiles.
The main contractor stripped the existing roof covering and vertical tiling and carried out structural carpentry works to the roof and walls, alongside the installation of high-performance insulation to ensure the property met passive house requirements. Once these preparatory works were completed, Clarke Roofing proceeded with the installation of the new roof and vertical tiling, using all-new Keymer Shire Heritage plain tiles, fishtail feature tiles, and complementary hip, verge, and valley tiles.
Roof installation was executed with a strong emphasis on precision, durability, and traditional craftsmanship. The process began with the careful fixing of 50 × 25 mm treated timber counter-battens, ensuring perfect alignment to provide a stable foundation for the roof build-up. Over-fascia vents and 5U eaves sheets were installed to maintain continuous eaves ventilation, crucial for preventing condensation and extending the longevity of the roof.
A Proctor Air breathable membrane was laid with close attention to laps and full coverage, followed by the installation of 25 × 38 mm treated battens fixed using galvanised nails. The roof was then tiled with new Keymer Shire tiles, with each course carefully set to achieve a consistent gauge and aesthetic across all elevations. Tiles were double-nailed at every fourth course and around all perimeters using alloy nails, in accordance with BS 5534. Bonnet hip tiles were fixed with galvanised slab nails, whilst ridge tiles were bedded in a coloured mortar bed, combining traditional aesthetics with modern performance standards.
Natural slate was used for undercloaks at all verges, finished with a coloured mortar bed to ensure weather-tightness and a refined appearance. Purpose-made valley tiles were installed course by course at all valley intersections, providing effective water management and a visually consistent finish.
All leadwork was executed to exacting standards, including Code 4 lead soakers and flashings for chimney stacks, Code 5 back gutters, and newly milled Code 6 lead for run-out gutters. Every aspect of the leadwork was completed in strict accordance with current Lead Contractors Association (LCA) guidelines, ensuring both longevity and full compliance with industry best practices.
The vertical tiling demanded detailed planning and precision throughout. Decorative banding using handmade fishtail feature tiles was integrated across various elevations, requiring careful alignment to ensure a seamless transition around complex wall planes, openings, and structural interfaces. Achieving this level of precision relied on consistent measurement, meticulous gauging, and continuous communication with multiple trades on site to maintain quality and visual continuity at every stage.
This project successfully combined meticulous craftsmanship with rigorous attention to detail to deliver a high-performance, visually striking residence. By integrating passive house standards with traditional roofing and vertical tiling methods, the property now benefits from enhanced energy efficiency, structural durability, and long-lasting aesthetic appeal.
At Clarke Roofing, we offer a comprehensive range of roofing and construction services tailored to meet the needs of both domestic and commercial clients. Our expertise spans new roofing installations, restoration and heritage projects, construction works, and full project management, ensuring every project is delivered to the highest standard from start to finish.
We place health and safety at the forefront of everything we do, maintaining a safe working environment across all sites. Whether you require specialist heritage restoration, a straightforward domestic repair, or a large-scale commercial roofing solution, Clarke Roofing has the skills, experience, and dedication to deliver exceptional results. Please get in touch to find out more about how we can help with your next project.