The Problem
After around 70 years of protecting a bungalow in Torpoint, Cornwall, the existing roof was reaching the end of its serviceable life. The original Marley Wessex concrete tiles had deteriorated, the old roofing felt had reached the end of its lifespan, and the timber battens no longer met modern roofing standards. The homeowners wanted more than a simple cosmetic upgrade. They needed a complete roof replacement that would improve weather resistance, increase ventilation and bring the property up to current Building Regulations. The relatively low roof pitch also meant that choosing the right roof tile was essential. With Cornwall's changing weather and exposure to wind-driven rain, the new roofing system needed to provide reliable long-term protection while maintaining the character of the original bungalow.
Our Diagnosis
Following a full roof survey, we identified that the existing roofing system required a complete upgrade rather than isolated repairs. The ageing tiles, membrane and battens all needed replacing, while the roof's shallow pitch required careful consideration when selecting the new roof covering. We recommended a full strip and re-roof using Marley Mendip concrete roof tiles, a breathable roofing membrane and treated timber battens. The system was designed specifically to improve the property's weather resistance and meet modern roofing standards. We also upgraded the roof ventilation with over-fascia vents and installed new eaves support trays to help manage rainwater at the roof edge. A modern dry verge and mono ridge system provided a secure, low-maintenance finish, while new lead flashings around the chimney helped protect one of the roof's most vulnerable junctions. The result was a complete roofing system built to modern standards, not simply a new layer of tiles over an ageing roof.
The Result
The completed roof has transformed this Torpoint bungalow, giving the homeowners a durable, modern roofing system designed to protect their home for years to come. The new roof provides improved protection against Cornwall's challenging weather, better ventilation to help reduce condensation, and modern dry verge and mono ridge systems that require minimal maintenance. New lead flashings around the chimney provide additional long-term weather protection, while the Marley Mendip tiles deliver a clean, attractive finish that complements the original property. The project was inspected and signed off by Building Control, and the homeowners received a 25-year installation warranty for complete peace of mind. From the initial roof survey through to the final inspection, every part of the old roofing system was replaced and upgraded to deliver a roof built to last.
The Full Story
When the owners of this 70-year-old bungalow in Torpoint, Cornwall, noticed their ageing roof was reaching the end of its serviceable life, they contacted Tamar Roofing and Building Services for expert advice.
The original roof, covered with Marley Wessex concrete tiles, had protected the property for decades. However, after around 70 years of exposure to Cornwall's changing weather, many of the tiles had deteriorated, the old felt had reached the end of its lifespan, and the timber battens no longer met modern roofing standards.
The homeowners wanted a long-lasting roofing solution that would improve weather resistance, increase ventilation, meet current Building Regulations, and protect their home for decades to come.
Following a full roof survey, we recommended a complete roof replacement using a modern roofing system designed specifically for the property's relatively low roof pitch.
The Challenge
Replacing an older roof is about much more than simply changing the tiles.
Many roofs built during the 1950s relied on materials and installation methods that no longer meet today's standards. Although the existing roof had performed well for many years, the entire roofing system needed upgrading to improve protection against wind-driven rain, condensation and future maintenance issues.
One of the most important considerations was the roof pitch.
Because the bungalow has a relatively shallow roof slope, selecting the correct roof tile was essential. Roof tiles are designed to work within specific pitch ranges, and using an unsuitable tile can increase the risk of water entering beneath the covering during heavy rainfall or strong winds.
Marley Mendip tiles are specifically designed for lower pitched roofs, with variants suitable for pitches as low as 12.5 degrees when installed to the manufacturer's specification.
Our Solution
Our team quickly carried out a complete strip and re-roof, replacing every major component of the existing roof.
The work included:
- Removal and responsible disposal of the original Marley Wessex roof tiles
- Removal of the ageing roofing membrane
- Removal of all existing timber battens
- Inspection of the roof structure
- Installation of new breathable roofing membrane
- Installation of new treated roofing battens
- Installation of new Marley Mendip roof tiles
- Installation of over-fascia ventilation
- Installation of eaves support trays
- Installation of a modern dry verge system
- Installation of mono ridge tiles
- Replacement of all chimney lead flashings
- Final inspection and Building Control approval
By replacing every element of the roofing system, the homeowners received a roof built to modern standards rather than simply a cosmetic upgrade.
Why Marley Mendip Roof Tiles?
Selecting the correct roof covering is one of the most important parts of any roof replacement.
Although the original roof used Marley Wessex tiles, we used Marley Mendip concrete roof tiles because they are particularly well suited to lower pitched roofs while providing excellent durability and weather performance.
Marley Mendip tiles feature an interlocking profile that helps channel rainwater efficiently away from the roof while providing excellent resistance to wind uplift. They are widely used throughout the UK on both new-build and replacement roofing projects.
The finished roof also provides a clean, modern appearance while maintaining the character of the original bungalow.
Improving Roof Ventilation
Older roofs often suffer from poor ventilation.
Without adequate airflow, warm, moisture-laden air from inside the home can become trapped in the roof space. Over time, this condensation can contribute to mould growth, damp timbers and reduced insulation performance.
To address this, we installed over-fascia ventilation.
These discreet vents are fitted above the fascia board, allowing fresh air to enter beneath the roof covering while remaining virtually invisible from ground level. This continuous airflow helps reduce condensation and supports the long-term health of the roof structure.
Eaves Support Trays
The original roofing felt had naturally sagged over many decades.
As roofing membranes age, they can begin to dip between the rafters, allowing water to collect rather than drain freely into the gutter.
New eaves support trays were installed beneath the membrane to provide firm support at the roof edge.
These trays help direct rainwater safely into the guttering while protecting the edge of the membrane from deterioration, reducing the risk of water damage around the eaves.
Dry Verge System
Traditional mortar verges can crack and deteriorate over time, particularly in exposed coastal locations such as Cornwall.
For this project, we installed a modern dry verge system.
Unlike mortar, dry verge systems mechanically secure the edge tiles, creating a neat, maintenance-free finish that is highly resistant to wind and rain. They also comply with modern roofing standards for mechanically fixed roof coverings.
The result is a cleaner appearance with significantly reduced maintenance requirements throughout the life of the roof.
Mono Ridge Installation
The ridge is one of the most exposed areas of any roof.
New mono ridge tiles were installed using a modern dry fix system, providing a secure, weather resistant ridge line without relying on traditional mortar bedding.
Dry ridge systems allow controlled ventilation beneath the ridge while accommodating the natural movement of the roof structure caused by seasonal temperature changes.
New Lead Flashings Around the Chimney
Lead flashings play an essential role in preventing water from entering where the chimney meets the roof.
As part of the roof replacement, we removed the ageing leadwork and installed new lead flashings around the chimney stack.
Replacing the leadwork at the same time as the roof ensures all vulnerable junctions remain fully weatherproof and avoids the need for costly remedial work in the future.
Building Control Approval
Once the installation was complete, the project was inspected and signed off by Building Control, confirming that the replacement roof met current Building Regulations.
This provides homeowners with additional reassurance that the work has been completed to recognised standards.
The Result
The completed roof has transformed this Torpoint bungalow.
The homeowners now benefit from:
- A completely new roofing system built to modern standards
- Improved protection against Cornwall's challenging weather
- Better roof ventilation to help reduce condensation
- Modern mono ridge and dry verge systems requiring minimal maintenance
- New lead flashings for long-term weather protection
- A durable, attractive finish using Marley Mendip roof tiles
- Building Control approval
- A 25-year warranty for complete peace of mind
Looking for Roof Replacement in Cornwall or Devon?
If your roof is showing signs of age, leaking, or has reached the end of its lifespan, Tamar Roofing and Building Services provides professional roof replacement services across Cornwall and Devon.
Whether your property needs a complete re-roof, replacement roof tiles, chimney leadwork, roof repairs or a full upgrade to modern roofing standards, our experienced team delivers work built to last.
Contact us today to arrange a free roof survey and no-obligation quotation for your property.
"Over the moon with the fantastic service! From the initial quote to completion, everything was handled quickly and professionally. The whole process flew by, and we couldn’t be happier with the results."
— Simon D.