The Problem
The homeowners originally came to us as part of a planned solar panel installation. We were working alongside a solar panel installation company to assess whether the existing roof was suitable for the proposed solar system. During our inspection of the detached property in Westward Ho!, we found that the existing duo-pitch roof wasn't in suitable condition for the planned solar installation. The roof covering consisted of older plain concrete tiles, and installing new solar panels on an ageing roof would have meant adding a new system to a roof already approaching the point where it needed replacement. After discussing the findings and options with the homeowners, they decided a complete roof replacement was the best long-term solution.
Our Diagnosis
Our roof survey showed that the best approach was to strip the existing roof completely and install a new roofing system from the roof structure up. Instead of repairing the existing roof to make it suitable for solar panels, we recommended a full re-roof using Marley Modern concrete interlocking roof tiles, a high-performance breathable roofing membrane, and new treated timber battens. We also designed the new roof covering with improved eaves ventilation and water management. We installed new eaves trays and over-fascia vents, then finished the roof with a dry ridge system, creating a complete modern roofing system rather than simply replacing the visible roof tiles.
The Result
The finished roof has given the Westward Ho! property a completely new roofing system, replacing the old plain concrete tiles with a clean, modern Marley Modern roof covering. The new roof includes a high-performance breathable membrane, new battens, eaves trays, and over-fascia ventilation, providing better protection and ventilation throughout the roofing system. A dry ridge system provides a neat, secure finish with reduced reliance on traditional mortar. Most importantly, the homeowners now have a new roof designed to provide long-term protection and a suitable foundation for their plans to install solar panels.
The Full Story
When a solar panel installation company needed a roofing contractor to assess a detached house in Westward Ho!, Devon, Tamar Roofing & Building Services was asked to inspect the existing duo-pitch roof.
The homeowners planned to install solar panels, but they needed to assess the existing roof first.
Our inspection found that the existing roof covering, plain concrete tiles, wasn't in a condition we considered suitable for the planned solar installation. While the roof had continued to protect the property, adding a new solar system would have meant installing panels on an ageing roof, which may risk the roof developing issues in the near future.
We discussed the findings with the homeowners and explained their options. Rather than carrying out short-term work to accommodate the solar panels, they decided to replace the roof completely.
The Challenge
The main challenge was to provide a new roof that would address the condition of the existing roofing system while also working alongside the planned solar installation.
A roof replacement is about much more than changing the roof tiles. The membrane, battens, eaves details and ventilation all form part of the roofing system, so replacing the complete roof gave us the opportunity to upgrade these elements at the same time.
For this Westward Ho! property, the solution needed to provide a durable new roof covering while improving the underlying roofing system and providing a suitable base for the homeowners' future solar plans.
Our Solution
We began by stripping the existing roof, removing the old plain concrete tiles and responsibly disposing of the roofing materials.
Once the roof was stripped, we installed a new high-performance, breathable roofing membrane and new timber battens, creating a fresh, modern base for the new roof covering.
For the replacement roof tiles, we selected Marley Modern concrete interlocking roof tiles. The Marley Modern is a flat, smooth, single-lap interlocking concrete tile with a slate-like appearance. The homeowner chose the smooth grey finish, which complements the property and helps give the home a clean, modern look.
With the new battens and membrane in place, our roofing team installed the Marley Modern tiles across both slopes of the duo-pitch roof.
Improving the Eaves and Ventilation
As part of the complete roof replacement, we installed new eaves support trays and over-fascia ventilation.
The eaves trays support the membrane at the roof's edge, helping ensure water drains down the membrane and into the guttering.
The over-fascia vents allow airflow into the roof space beneath the roof covering, forming part of the new ventilated roofing system.
Dry Ridge Finish
The roof was completed with a dry ridge system, providing a neat and secure finish along the ridge of the duo-pitch roof without relying on traditional mortar bedding.
Modern dry-fix components also give the finished roof a clean appearance and reduce ongoing maintenance from deteriorating mortar.
A New Roof Ready for Solar
Once the work was complete, the property had a completely new roofing system designed to provide long-term protection and a modern base for the homeowners' solar panel plans.
The project shows why checking an existing roof's condition before installing solar panels matters. In this case, the roof inspection showed replacement was the better option, letting the homeowners address the roof first rather than installing solar panels on an ageing roofing system.
Tamar Roofing & Building Services carries out roof surveys, repairs, and full roof replacements across Devon and Cornwall, including Westward Ho!, Bideford, and North Devon. Whether you're planning a solar panel installation or your roof is nearing the end of its serviceable life, a professional roof assessment can help you choose the right solution.
Looking for Roof Replacement in Westward Ho! or North Devon?
If your roof is showing signs of age, you're considering solar panels, or you're unsure whether your existing roof is suitable for a new installation, Tamar Roofing & Building Services can assess its condition and advise on the best way forward.
We provide complete roof replacement, re-roofing, roof inspections and roofing repairs across Westward Ho!, Bideford, North Devon, Devon and Cornwall.
Contact us today to arrange a free roof survey and no-obligation quotation.
Contact Us
"I needed a new roof installed so I could add solar panels, and Tamar Roofing truly came through. They responded quickly and did an excellent job. The team was reliable, the finish was top-notch, and they maintained a high level of professionalism from start to finish. I couldn't have asked for better service or results."
— JM