Local Developer – New Roof for New Build Properties
THE PROJECT
We were asked to undertake work on two new build properties in Southbourne. This was for a local Bournemouth based construction company who specialise in building homes in the high-end property market. The existing property was demolished and two new homes were built in its place.
THE WORKS UNDERTAKEN
We installed cement fibre plain slate tiles on these properties. There are a large number of colours and sizes of this style of tile, which can be selected based on your desired look/finish. A blue/black colour was selected here. Cement fibre tiles are artificial slate roof tiles that are designed to give the look of a natural slate tile but are actually engineered with fibre cement. They are manufactured to withstand all weather conditions whilst keeping their attractive and modern appearance over time. These tiles are far lighter than a natural slate, which makes them easier to install. Therefore, they are also a great option where the structural integrity of the roof is important, which means they can be used on steeper pitched roofs and tight-angle roof valleys too. They are a cost-effective alternative to natural slate tiles and are fantastic for when a traditional look is important, or when you need to ensure your property is in-keeping with others around it. Opting for a cement fibre tile doesn’t mean that you compromise on durability; manufacturers say that these tiles should last around 5–6 decades.
Once the tiles were down, we laid concrete hip and ridge tiles. The roof was then finished with a continuous dry verge system. These systems provide continuous watertight coverage for the property and they prevent water damage between tiles and the bricks around the gable end. They will also ensure that you avoid the issue of strong windy weather through the winter uplifting any of your tiles. They create a seamless, clean finish to the edge of a roof and are an attractive way to pest proof your roof too. We then completed all the lead work on the properties too; this included all the lead trays for the window and door openings.
At the front porches and rear single-story elevations, we installed flat roofs using the Alwitra single-ply waterproofing system with detailed trims to match. This waterproofs the flat roof, providing a watertight seal for years to come.
THE RESULTS
We thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. These works completed the two very attractive modern homes, which now await their new owners. We hope that they are as pleased with the final results as we were!