The Problem
The owners of this detached 1960s bungalow in Kingsbridge contacted Tamar Roofing and Building Services because the existing roof covering was beginning to fail. The roof was covered with man-made tiles that were showing signs of deterioration, leaving the property in need of more than a straightforward roof repair. Given the bungalow's age and the condition of the existing roof, a full roof replacement offered the best opportunity to address the problems properly and install a modern roofing system. A second issue was also present in the loft space. At some point, spray foam insulation had been applied to the roof. The insulation was causing problems within the loft, including condensation and sweating, with areas of the insulation becoming damp. This meant that simply replacing the external roof covering would not address every issue affecting the existing roofing system. The owners needed a new roof that would provide reliable weather protection while also addressing the existing insulation problems and improving the roof's ventilation and construction.
Our Diagnosis
After inspecting the roof, we found that the existing tiles were failing and that the roof was ready for a full replacement rather than further patch repairs. We also identified problems with the existing spray foam insulation in the loft space. As part of the roof replacement, we stripped the old roof covering and removed and disposed of the spray foam insulation, along with the other old roofing materials. We recommended replacing the complete roofing system with a new high-performance breathable membrane, new roofing battens and fibre cement slates. The new roof also includes improved eave ventilation. We installed eave trays and over-fascia vents to provide the airflow needed at the roof edge, while a dry ridge system provided a secure, modern finish. This approach meant the project wasn't simply about putting new slates over an old roof. We removed the failing materials, addressed the problems within the loft space, and built a completely new roofing system suited to the property.
The Result
The finished roof has given this Kingsbridge bungalow a completely new lease of life. The failing old roof tiles have been replaced with a smart, durable fibre cement slate covering, giving the bungalow a traditional slate-style appearance while providing a modern roofing solution. The old spray foam insulation has also been removed, eliminating the damp insulation that had been causing problems in the loft space. Beneath the new slates, a high-performance breathable membrane and new battens provide a modern roofing build-up, while eave trays and over-fascia vents improve ventilation around the roof edge. The roof is completed with a dry ridge system, giving the hipped roof a neat finish without relying on traditional mortar bedding. The result is a complete roof replacement in Kingsbridge that combines a clean appearance with a modern roofing system designed to protect the bungalow for the long term.
The Full Story
When the owners of this detached 1960s bungalow in Kingsbridge, Devon, contacted Tamar Roofing and Building Services, they were facing two problems with their existing roof.
The first was visible from outside. The original man-made roof tiles were beginning to fail, so the roof covering no longer provided the protection expected from a modern roof.
The second problem was inside the loft.
The property had previously had spray foam insulation applied to the roof. The owners were experiencing condensation and sweating in the loft space, and the insulation itself was becoming damp.
Rather than treating these problems separately, we looked at the roof as a complete system.
The Challenge of Spray Foam
Replacing an older bungalow roof can involve much more than stripping off the old tiles and installing new ones.
In this case, the existing roof covering had reached the point of needing a complete replacement. At the same time, the existing spray foam insulation needed to be removed so that the roof could be stripped back and rebuilt as a modern roofing system.
The bungalow's hipped design also meant the replacement roof needed careful finishing around multiple slopes and junctions.
The aim was to provide a long-term solution that addressed the existing roof's condition, removed the problematic materials, and gave the property a modern, breathable roofing system.
Stripping the Existing Roof
The first stage was to strip the existing roof.
We carefully removed the old, failing tiles and other roof materials. We also removed the existing spray foam insulation from the roof space and took away all old material for responsible disposal.
Removing the existing materials let us start from a clean slate and inspect the roof properly before installing the new roofing system.
This is an important part of a complete roof replacement. Rather than simply covering up ageing materials, stripping the roof back lets us address problems in the existing construction before installing the new roof.
Installing the New Roofing System
Once we removed the old roof, we began constructing the new roofing system.
We installed a high-performance breathable membrane over the roof structure, followed by new roofing battens ready to receive the new fibre cement slates.
The membrane is an important part of the modern roofing system, providing an additional layer of protection beneath the external roof covering.
Using new battens also meant that the replacement roof was not dependent on the condition of the old roofing components.
Why Fibre Cement Slates?
For the new roof covering, we installed fibre cement slates.
Fibre cement slates provide the traditional appearance associated with slate roofing while offering a practical modern alternative. They are widely used for both replacement roofing and new roofing projects and can provide a clean, uniform appearance across the roof.
For this bungalow, the fibre cement slates were particularly well suited to the property's style, giving the finished roof a traditional appearance while completely changing the look of the ageing roof.
They also provided a practical replacement for the failing man-made tiles previously installed.
Addressing the Spray Foam Insulation
A defining aspect of this project was dealing with the existing spray foam insulation.
The spray foam had previously been applied within the loft space and was associated with condensation and damp insulation. Because a complete roof replacement was already required, this provided an opportunity to remove the foam as part of the wider roofing works rather than leaving it in place beneath the new roof.
The insulation was removed during the strip of the existing roof and disposed of with the other old roofing materials.
This left the roof space clear for the new roofing system and meant the new roof could be constructed without retaining the existing problematic insulation.
Spray foam insulation can be a complicated subject for homeowners, and whether it should be removed depends on the individual property, installation and condition of the roof. We recommend independent professional advice before undertaking removal. In this case, we removed the foam as part of the complete roof replacement because of the problems already identified in the loft space.
Improving Roof Ventilation
Ventilation was another important part of the new roof.
We installed eave trays and over-fascia vents as part of the new roofing system. These components provide a ventilation route at the eaves, support the edge of the roofing membrane, and help manage water as it reaches the gutter.
Providing suitable ventilation is particularly important when dealing with older roofing systems, where the original construction may not provide the same ventilation arrangements expected from a modern roof.
The new system was designed to provide a better-performing roof structure while helping to manage moisture within the roof space.
Dry Ridge System
The final stage was to complete the roof with a modern dry ridge system.
Dry ridge systems mechanically secure the ridge components rather than relying on traditional mortar bedding. They provide a neat finish and offer a secure connection along the ridge while accommodating normal roof movement.
The result is a clean, modern finish that complements the new fibre cement slate roof.
A Complete Transformation
With the new roofing system complete, this 1960s Kingsbridge bungalow was transformed.
The failing man-made tiles had been removed and replaced with new fibre cement slates. The existing spray foam insulation, along with the other old roof materials, was removed, and a new high-performance breathable membrane and battens were installed.
At the eaves, new eave trays and over-fascia vents provide improved detailing and ventilation, while the dry ridge system gives the finished hipped roof a neat, secure finish.
Most importantly, the project addressed the roof as a complete system rather than simply replacing the visible roof covering.
The owners now have a completely renewed roof that combines a traditional slate appearance with modern roofing materials and detailing, providing their Kingsbridge bungalow with long-term protection from South Devon's coastal weather.
Looking for Roof Replacement in Kingsbridge or South Devon?
If your roof is showing signs of age, your roof tiles are failing, or you're concerned about problems in your loft space, Tamar Roofing and Building Services provides professional roof replacement services across Kingsbridge, South Devon, and throughout Devon and Cornwall.
We carry out complete roof replacements, re-roofing, slate roofing, roof repairs and associated roofing work, using quality materials and modern roofing systems.
Whether you're looking to replace an ageing bungalow roof, remove old roofing materials or upgrade an existing roof with a modern breathable system, we can assess your property and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.
Contact Tamar Roofing and Building Services today to arrange your free roof survey and quotation.
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"Very happy and would recommend to anyone. Fantastic company. They did a brilliant job at a fair price. Completed the job on time. Great communication throughout."
— Ben