Both Western Counties Roofing and Redrow strive to use material that are from credited sources and in keeping with the area, Forticrete Gemini’s were specified for the roof covering of 99 properties. Forticrete Gemini are an award winning twin interlocking plain tile, once laid mimic the clay plain tiles appearance, plain tiles are traditional roof covering and add character and elegance to any building, meeting the requirements of Redrow’s heritage collection of traditional designs. They are available in a range of colours allowing variety across the development. Concrete plain tiles were specified for vertical tiling using including decorative bull nose tiles and scalloped lead flashings were also installed on some of the designs. These were nail fixed and a greater level of skill and experience is required for this part of the project.

This is a multi phase product requiring an average of two roofers on site throughout the project plus a leadsmith for detailing and waterproofing the perimeter and abutments. One of the challenges Western Counties roofing face is the fast production programme for the housing association properties and good communication is imperative for the smooth running of this project, ensuring procurement times on materials can be met and labour can be organised for when the roof comes ready. Installing concrete large format tiles reduces installation time and quantity of materials required due to the size of the tile, resulting in faster installation and a reduction in labour. A lead smith is required on all roofs to waterproof the perimeter and abutments