The Problem
The property is a contemporary 1970s terraced house in Lipson, Plymouth, with a classic duo-pitch roof covered in simple concrete tiles. The roof’s gentle 30° pitch has been causing some water ingress issues. Because plain concrete tiles depend heavily on proper overlap and a steeper pitch to shed rain effectively, many manufacturers now recommend a minimum of 35° for these tiles. Unfortunately, the current 30° angle makes this type of covering less effective. The gentle slope and limited overlap mean that, under certain weather conditions, especially driving wind-driven rain, moisture can seep through the joints, with capillary action encouraging water to move sideways or upward rather than draining properly. The homeowners want a durable, long-term solution that goes beyond replacing damaged tiles or making small repairs, something that keeps the roof watertight and secure for years to come.
Our Diagnosis
After inspecting the roof, we found that the current plain concrete tile cover didn’t quite match the roof's 30° pitch. It wasn’t just the age or condition of the tiles; the way the design and pitch worked together was causing drainage concerns. To keep everything protected, we recommended a full strip and a new roof fitted with interlocking concrete tiles, ideal for lower pitches. Marley Ludlow tiles, which interlock, can be used on pitches as low as 22.5°, and at 30° they make a perfect match for this roof. We also added a new breathable roofing membrane, fresh timber battens, eaves trays, and over-fascia ventilation to enhance performance. To top it off, we installed a dry ridge system for a neat, secure, and low-maintenance finish.
The Result
We fully removed the old concrete tile roof and replaced it with a new roofing system built to match the property's 30° roof pitch. The homeowners now enjoy a beautiful Marley Ludlow interlocking tiled roof, which offers better protection against water leaks and features a high-quality breathable roofing membrane. To support and protect the membrane at the roof edges, we've installed new timber roof battens and eaves trays. We've also added over-fascia ventilation to improve airflow in the roof space, along with a sleek dry ridge system for added durability. Throughout the project, we carefully removed and responsibly disposed of the old roofing materials, ensuring a thorough roof replacement rather than quick fixes. The new interlocking tiles are perfectly suited for the shallow pitch, giving the house a charming, traditional look that blends nicely with the neighbouring properties.
The Full Story
When the owners of this 1970s terraced house in Lipson, Plymouth, contacted Tamar Roofing and Building Services, the main concern was water getting through the roof.
At first glance, the problem might have seemed like a straightforward leaking roof that needed a few replacement tiles. However, the underlying cause needed closer investigation.
The property had a duo-pitch roof covered with plain concrete tiles. The roof pitch was approximately 30°, below the 35° minimum pitch Marley specifies for its current concrete plain tile.
The Challenge
The problem with a roof like this isn’t necessarily a single failed tile. It’s how the whole roof covering behaves in wet, windy weather.
Plain concrete tiles have relatively simple overlapping joints. On a roof with the correct pitch, gravity helps rainwater drain quickly off the roof. On a shallower roof, water takes longer to drain and wind-driven rain can work its way through the gaps between tiles.
In this case, capillary action was allowing moisture to track through the tile laps, creating a route for water to enter beneath the roof covering.
That meant simply replacing individual tiles wouldn’t address the underlying problem. The roof covering needed to be replaced with a modern roofing system better suited to the pitch.
Our Solution
We carried out a complete strip and re-roof, removing the existing plain concrete tiles and responsibly disposing of the old roofing materials.
The replacement roofing system included:
- Removal of the existing plain concrete roof tiles
- Removal of the old roofing materials
- Installation of a new high-performance breathable roofing membrane
- Installation of new timber roof battens
- Installation of new Marley Ludlow interlocking roof tiles
- Installation of eaves support trays
- Installation of over-fascia ventilation
- Installation of a modern dry ridge system
- Final checks and finishing work
The result was a completely renewed roof system rather than a series of isolated repairs.
Why Marley Ludlow Interlocking Tiles?
Selecting the correct roof tile was one of the most important parts of this project.
Replacing existing plain concrete tiles with new ones in the same style would be unsuitable for the property’s 30° roof pitch. Marley Ludlow is an interlocking concrete tile suited for refurbishment and new roofs, with minimum pitch requirements as low as 22.5°, and at 30° they are ideal for this roof. Its interlocking design offers an alternative rainwater management approach compared to the original plain tiles.
For this property, the new roof could therefore be designed around a tile system appropriate to the existing 30° pitch rather than trying to make the original plain tile arrangement work outside its specified pitch range.
Improving Roof Ventilation
As part of the re-roof, we installed over-fascia ventilation to provide airflow into the roof space.
Ventilation is an important part of a modern roofing system, helping air circulate beneath the roof covering and supporting the long-term condition of the roof structure.
We incorporated ventilation into the new roof rather than treating it as an afterthought.
New Eaves Trays
We also installed eaves support trays at the bottom of the roof.
These provide a firm, supported route for the roofing membrane at the eaves and help direct water safely towards the guttering.
It’s a relatively small detail, but these components form an important part of a properly constructed roof and help protect the roof edge from water-related deterioration.
Dry Ridge System
The roof was finished with a modern dry ridge system.
Instead of traditional mortar bedding, a dry ridge system securely holds the ridge tiles in place, providing a tidy, reliable finish while allowing continuous ventilation along the roof ridge.
A Roof Designed Around the Property
The key to this project was addressing the cause of the water ingress, not simply treating the symptoms.
The existing 30° roof pitch and plain concrete tile combination presented a clear technical issue. By replacing the old covering with an appropriate interlocking tile system and renewing the membrane, battens, eaves detailing, ventilation, and ridge, we provided the property with a completely new roof designed for its specific requirements.
The finished roof gives this Lipson home a clean, new appearance while providing a more suitable, weather-resistant roofing system for years ahead.
Looking for Roof Replacement in Plymouth?
If your roof is leaking, showing signs of deterioration, or has an older tile covering that may no longer suit the property’s roof pitch, Tamar Roofing and Building Services can carry out a full roof survey and recommend the most appropriate solution.
We provide roof replacement and re-roofing services across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, including complete roof replacements, roof repairs, new roofing membranes, roof ventilation and dry-fix roofing systems.
Contact Tamar Roofing & Building Services for a free roof survey and no-obligation quotation.
Contact Us
"Couldn't have asked for better service. Lewis and his team replaced our old roof. It was a 5-star experience. Timely, well-organised, and top-notch. Definitely recommend Tamar Roofing."
— GM