The Problem
The owners of this bungalow in Dousland, just north of Plymouth, contacted Tamar Roofing and Building Services because the existing roof had reached the point where a complete replacement was the best long-term solution. The property dates from the late 1960s, when many homes were built with roofing materials and installation methods that have since been superseded. After decades of weather exposure, the existing roofing system needed a comprehensive upgrade rather than a series of individual repairs. The bungalow also presented several areas that required particular attention, including the chimney, where new leadwork was needed, and two valleys where separate pitched roof sections meet. These junctions are critical to a roof's weatherproofing and must be correctly detailed to prevent water ingress.
Our Diagnosis
Following a detailed inspection, we recommended a complete strip and re-roof. Rather than simply replacing the tiles, we stripped the existing roof back to the bare rafters and removed and disposed of the old roofing materials. This gave us the opportunity to inspect the roof structure and install a completely new roofing system from the rafters upwards. We installed a new breathable roofing membrane and new treated timber battens before fitting Marley Ludlow Plus interlocking concrete roof tiles. The Marley Ludlow Plus is a functional interlocking tile well-suited to refurbishment projects, with a compact format that helps reduce wastage. The chimney also required new leadwork, and we renewed both roof valleys to provide properly formed, weather-resistant junctions between the adjoining roof slopes. To finish the installation, we fitted a dry ridge system and dry verge system, providing a secure, clean-looking finish without relying on traditional mortar bedding, which deteriorates over time.
The Result
The completed roof has given this Dousland bungalow a completely new roofing system, replacing the ageing materials with modern components designed to provide reliable protection for years to come. The new smooth grey Ludlow tiles provide an attractive, traditional-looking finish, while the breathable membrane and treated battens form the basis of a modern roof construction. The renewed valley details and chimney leadwork address two of the roof's most vulnerable areas, helping protect the property from rainwater penetration. The dry ridge and dry verge systems provide a neat finish while reducing reliance on mortar, helping minimise future maintenance. The result is a complete roof replacement that combines modern roofing materials and installation techniques with a finish that suits the character of this late-1960s bungalow in Dartmoor National Park.
The Full Story
When the owners of this bungalow in Dousland, Yelverton, decided that the existing roof needed attention, they contacted Tamar Roofing & Building Services to discuss their options.
The property is one of the homes in the picturesque residential development around Dousland, a village within Dartmoor National Park and close to Yelverton and the northern edge of Plymouth. As experienced Plymouth roofers, we understood the environmental conditions this property would face and what it would need to stay warm and dry in the future.
For this property, the roof's age meant that replacing a few damaged tiles would not provide the long-term solution the homeowners wanted. The existing roofing materials had reached the end of their serviceable life, so the most sensible approach was to replace the roof as a complete system.
The Challenge
A full roof replacement on an older bungalow involves much more than installing a new layer of tiles.
The first stage was to strip the existing roof back to the bare rafters. We removed all old roofing materials from the property and disposed of them responsibly, leaving a clear structure to build the new roof.
Stripping the roof completely also let us check the underlying construction before installing the new roofing system. Once this stage was complete, we could start rebuilding the roof using modern roofing materials.
Several details on this bungalow roof also needed particular care.
The property has a chimney, meaning the junction between the chimney and the roof needed new leadwork to provide a reliable weather seal. The roof also features two valleys, where two pitched sections meet. Valleys concentrate rainwater and are among the areas of a roof where careful detailing is particularly important, so we renewed both as part of the project.
Our Solution
With the old roof removed, we installed a new breathable roofing membrane across the roof structure, followed by new treated timber battens.
We then installed the new roof covering using Marley Ludlow Plus interlocking concrete roof tiles. The Ludlow Plus is designed for refurbishment work and features an interlocking profile, making it a practical choice for replacement roofing projects. Marley also supplies a range of compatible roofing fittings and accessories for its roof system.
The installation included several key roofing details.
New leadwork was installed around the chimney to replace the ageing existing detailing and provide a properly weatherproof junction between the chimney and the new roof.
Both roof valleys were renewed, ensuring the junctions between the adjoining roof slopes were rebuilt as part of the new roofing system rather than left as older components beneath the new tiles.
A dry ridge system was installed along the ridge line, providing a mechanically fixed finish rather than relying on traditional mortar. Marley notes that its ventilated dry ridge systems provide continuous ventilation at the ridge and meet relevant roofing standards.
A dry verge system was also fitted to complete the roof edges, giving the bungalow a clean, finished appearance and a modern mechanically fixed verge detail.
The Finished Roof
Once the final tiles, ridge and verge details had been installed, the bungalow had a completely renewed roofing system from the rafters upwards.
The new roof combines a new breathable membrane, new treated battens and Marley Ludlow Plus interlocking concrete roof tiles with renewed leadwork and valley detailing. The dry ridge and dry verge systems add the finishing touches, creating a clean, secure installation suited to the property.
For a bungalow in Dousland, within Dartmoor National Park and close to Yelverton and Plymouth, the completed project gives homeowners a roof that has been comprehensively rebuilt rather than simply repaired. Plus, it comes with our 25-year guarantee, giving the homeowners complete peace of mind for years to come.
Looking for Roof Replacement in Dousland, Yelverton or Dartmoor?
If your roof shows signs of age, deterioration, or repeated problems, Tamar Roofing & Building Services provides professional roof replacement and re-roofing services across Devon and Cornwall.
As trusted Plymouth roofers, we can help with complete roof replacements, roof repairs, new roof installations, roof tile replacement, chimney leadwork and repairs, valley renewal, and dry ridge and dry verge systems.
Contact Tamar Roofing & Building Services to arrange a free roof survey and no-obligation quotation.
"Start to finish service was outstanding. The team was respectful, organised, and skilled. They made a big job feel easy. Finished roof looks brilliant. Thank you!"
— A N