01 Feb 2016

A brief guide to roofing

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Choosing the roof you want on your custom-build home can seem like a minefield and is one of the most important aspects of the design process. David Patrick, Head of Marketing at Redland, discusses the merits of pitched roofing for residential properties and has some top tips for choosing your next roof.

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The pitched roof is by far the most used style for residential buildings across the country and has survived centuries of innovation and change. This is because the pitched roof is still the most effective way of protecting your home from the elements.

When building a pitched roof the number one thing that needs to be considered is the pitch; it is what will determine the style and type of tile that can be used, as well as the design detailing you are able to achieve. The most common pitch is between 35 and 45 degrees, meaning that virtually all tiles can be laid at this angle. Once you go below this pitch, you will become even more restricted in tile choice the lower you go.

When deciding on a roof design, it is important to check whether there are any planning restrictions in your area that may prohibit the use of a particular style or material. This is most relevant in historical towns and villages where the local authority will want to ensure that an overall architectural aesthetic is maintained. If there are no such constraints, it is more than likely that you will want to choose a tile that will match the facade of the house.

The format and size of tile you use will dictate the type of detailing you can achieve. If you are looking for something a little more versatile, it is better to choose a Plain Tile rather than an interlocking tile. It all depends on the effect you are looking to achieve and how much you want to spend.

Once you have decided on all of the above, it’s time to think about the specification. Most manufacturers, including Redland, will have a specification service to help with this. As part of our services, we will not only tell you how many tiles that will be needed, but also the fittings and components that you will require. The recent change in the British Standard for Slating and Tiling, BS 5534, last year resulted in far more stringent requirements for the fixing of tiles and fittings. Your SpecMaster specification, if followed properly, will ensure that the roof will meet these current standards and will often come with a manufacturer’s guarantee.

There are so many things to consider when building a roof that it can seem a bit overwhelming at times. However there are a number of tools and services at your fingertips. At Redland, we have a wealth of information and tools available on our website and a specialist Technical Solutions team to assist with the more complex queries.

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