The Problem
The owners of this detached bungalow in Week St Mary, North Cornwall, were experiencing several leaks from their existing roof. The roof covering consisted of old man-made asbestos tiles, and several tiles were missing, leaving the property vulnerable to further water ingress. During our investigation, we found the existing tiles had been installed without any underlay. This meant there was no secondary protective layer beneath the roof covering to help protect the roof structure if water passed the tiles. With multiple leaks, missing tiles, and no underlay, the existing roof no longer provided the weather protection the property needed. Rather than simply replacing individual tiles and dealing with the leaks as they appeared, the project called for a complete roof replacement. The homeowners needed a new roofing system that would improve weather protection, incorporate a high-performance breathable membrane and provide a neat, modern finish suited to the bungalow's hipped roof.
Our Diagnosis
Missing tiles, several roof leaks, and the absence of underlay made a full roof replacement the right solution for this property. Replacing individual tiles would not address the missing secondary protective layer beneath the existing roof covering. We therefore stripped the old roof, safely disposed of the materials, and installed a new roofing system. For the replacement, we selected DuPont Everon vapour-permeable roofing underlay to provide an additional layer of protection beneath the new slate covering. We also installed new timber battens and Jutland Slates, giving the bungalow a completely renewed roof covering. To complete the installation, we fitted eaves support trays and over-fascia vents, helping to manage water drainage at the roof edge and provide ventilation beneath the roof covering. A dry ridge system provided a clean, modern finish. By renewing the roofing materials together, we addressed the existing roof's problems and installed a new system designed to provide reliable weather protection and support the roof's long-term performance.
The Result
The completed roof has transformed this detached bungalow in Week St Mary, replacing the old man-made tiles with a new Jutland Slate covering. Beneath the new slates, DuPont Everon breathable roofing underlay provides a secondary layer of protection against water penetration, while the new timber battens provide the fixing framework for the replacement roof covering. Installing eaves support trays and over-fascia vents also addresses key roof-edge details, helping manage rainwater drainage and provide ventilation. A dry ridge system completes the roof with a neat, modern finish. With the old tiles safely removed and the roofing system renewed, the bungalow now has a new roof designed to improve weather protection, manage moisture better, and deliver a clean, consistent appearance across its hipped roof.
The Full Story
When the owners of a detached bungalow in Week St Mary, Cornwall, needed help with their ageing roof, several leaks and missing tiles had become a concern.
The existing roof covering was old man-made asbestos tiles, but the problems went beyond the tiles. The original covering was installed without any underlay, meaning there was no secondary layer beneath the tiles to protect against water ingress.
We recommended a complete roof replacement so we could remove the old materials and install a new roofing system with modern materials and updated roof detailing.
Leaks and Missing Roof Tiles
Missing tiles can leave gaps in a roof covering, allowing wind-driven rain to enter the roof space. While replacing individual tiles can fix isolated problems, repeated leaks may mean you need a more comprehensive solution.
For this bungalow, the lack of underlay was a key consideration. Without a membrane beneath the tiles, there was no additional layer to manage water that passed through the primary roof covering.
A complete strip and re-roof allowed us to address these issues together, rather than carrying out isolated repairs to an ageing roof.
Stripping the Existing Roof
The first stage involved safely removing the existing man-made roof tiles and stripping the roof back, ready for the new installation.
We removed and disposed of all old roofing materials, clearing the way for the new roofing system.
This allowed us to install a breathable underlay for the first time as part of the replacement roof, along with new timber battens and a completely new slate covering.
Installing DuPont Everon Breathable Roofing Underlay
One of the most important parts of this project was introducing a suitable underlay beneath the new roof covering.
We installed DuPont Everon vapour-permeable roofing underlay, a high-performance breathable membrane designed to help protect roof structures from the elements while supporting moisture management.
Unlike the previous roof, which had no underlay beneath the tiles, the new roofing system incorporates a secondary protective layer beneath the slates. This provides additional protection against water penetration while allowing water vapour to pass through the membrane, as part of a correctly designed roofing system.
DuPont's Everon has a W1 watertightness classification, making it an ideal choice for locations exposed to high winds and persistent driving rain. Its strong resistance to nail tearing and high tensile strength also help it perform reliably during installation and throughout its intended use.
Introducing the Everon membrane therefore improved the bungalow's roofing system, providing protection that wasn't present beneath the original tiles.
New Battens and Jutland Slates
With the new breathable underlay installed, we fitted new timber battens to provide the framework for the replacement roof covering.
For the visible finish, the homeowner chose Jutland Slates to retain the property's appearance.
These fibre-cement roofing slates have a smooth, flat profile and square edges, creating a clean, consistent appearance across the bungalow's hipped roof. They offer a modern slate finish while providing an alternative to traditional natural slate.
We installed the new slates as part of a complete roofing system, alongside DuPont Everon underlay and new battens, to replace the old man-made tiles.
By renewing the covering and supporting materials together, we provided a complete solution rather than simply improving the appearance of the existing roof.
Improving Roof Ventilation with Over-Fascia Vents
Roof ventilation is an important consideration when replacing a pitched roof. Moisture can build up in a roof space, and without suitable ventilation, condensation can become a problem over time.
As part of the installation, we fitted new over-fascia vents at the eaves. These provide an air entry point beneath the roof covering, helping airflow through the roof space when used as part of an appropriately designed ventilation system.
Incorporating the ventilation into the new roof let us address this detail during the main installation, rather than leaving it for later.
Eaves Support Trays for Better Water Drainage
We also installed new eaves support trays along the roof's lower edge.
The eaves are an important part of the roofing system because they help ensure water drains from the underlay safely to the gutter while supporting the membrane at the roof edge.
Eaves support trays help prevent the membrane from sagging at this point and provide a suitable drainage path. Installing them alongside the new underlay helped ensure the roof edge was properly detailed as part of the replacement.
Completing the Roof with a Dry Ridge System
The final stage included fitting a dry ridge system with angled tiles to complete the roof.
Traditional mortar-bedded ridge tiles can deteriorate over time through weather exposure and natural movement. A dry ridge system mechanically secures the ridge components, removing the need to rely on mortar bedding.
The system provides a neat, secure finish along the ridge and complements the new Jutland Slates.
Together with the new underlay, battens, eaves trays and ventilation, this finishing detail helped complete the bungalow's new roofing system.
The Finished Roof
With the old man-made asbestos tiles removed and the new materials installed, this detached bungalow in Week St Mary now has a completely renewed roof.
The project addressed problems with the original covering, including missing tiles, recurring leaks, and no underlay. We installed a new roof with DuPont Everon breathable roofing underlay, Jutland Slates, and new timber battens.
We also fitted eaves support trays, over-fascia vents and a dry ridge system to complete the installation.
This project demonstrates why a roof replacement should consider more than the visible roof covering. The underlay, battens, ventilation, and eaves detailing all contribute to the finished roof's performance.
By replacing the entire roofing system, we have provided this Week St Mary bungalow with a modern slate roof designed to offer improved weather protection and dependable performance for years to come.
Need a Roof Replacement in Week St Mary or Cornwall?
If your roof is leaking, has missing tiles, or shows signs of deterioration, Tamar Roofing & Building Services provides professional roof repairs and complete roof replacements across Cornwall and Devon.
Our team can assess your roof's condition and recommend a suitable solution, whether you need repairs to an existing covering or a complete re-roof with new slates, breathable underlay, battens, and ventilation.
Contact us to arrange a roof survey and discuss your roof replacement requirements.
Contact Us
"I got recommended Lewis and his team and I’am so glad that we did! My parents roof was literally falling to pieces. Lewis came out the same day that I contacted him and within a few days his crew arrived and these guys lead by project manager Sean worked their socks off! They started promptly every morning and left every evening cleaning up any mess that had been created during that working day. Nothing was too much trouble and to be honest these guys are worth their weight in gold!! So if you’re looking for an HONEST RELIABLE ROOFER THIS COMPANY IS FOR YOU! Thank you Lewis, Sean and your amazing team from all of our family!"
— Jem