The Problem
Owners of a Plympton bungalow contacted Tamar Roofing & Building Services when their roof looked tired and in need of a refresh. The property, built in the late 1960s, had weathered decades of exposure. Instead of isolated repairs or just cleaning the tiles, the homeowners were considering a full strip and re-roof with modern materials. The bungalow also presented an unusual logistical challenge. Although bungalows normally provide relatively straightforward access to the roof, this property is positioned on a steep hillside, with the garage located beneath the main living accommodation. This meant that getting tiles and other roofing materials from ground level to the roof would be considerably more difficult than on a typical bungalow.
Our Diagnosis
After a free roof survey, it was clear that the entire roofing system needed a full replacement instead of just cleaning. The old tiles, membrane, and battens all required replacement, and the roof's shallower pitch called for careful selection of the new covering. We recommended stripping the old roof and installing Marley Modern concrete tiles, a breathable membrane, and treated timber battens. This system was designed to enhance weather resistance and adhere to modern standards. Additionally, we advised improving roof ventilation with over-fascia vents and installing new eaves support trays to better handle rainwater at the edges. A new dry ridge system would also provide a secure, low-maintenance finish. Ultimately, this resulted in a fully modern roofing system, not just a layer of new tiles over an ageing roof.
The Result
The old roof covering, battens, and underfelt were removed, allowing the rafters to be inspected before installing a new system designed to meet the property's needs, using Marley Modern tiles. We installed a high-performance breathable membrane, treated battens, and eaves support trays, along with an over-fascia ventilation system to improve airflow and reduce condensation. The new roof uses Marley Modern interlocking tiles for a clean, modern appearance. A dry ridge system with mechanically fixed ridge tiles was installed for durability, and lead flashings were replaced or dressed as needed. Due to the steep site, a Bumpa tile hoist was used to efficiently transport tiles from the lower level, avoiding manual carrying.
The Full Story
A Challenging Bungalow Roof Replacement
Bungalows are often considered relatively straightforward properties for roof replacement work because the roof is normally closer to ground level and access is generally easier than on a two-storey house.
This Plympton bungalow was different.
The property sits on a pronounced hillside, with the garage positioned underneath the main part of the building. This created a significant height difference between the working area at ground level and the roof itself.
For a roofing project involving the complete removal and replacement of the roof covering, this made moving materials an important consideration from the outset.
Scaffolding was erected to provide safe access to the roof areas and allow the roofing team to work around the property. A Bumpa tile hoist was then used to move the new Marley Modern tiles and other materials up to roof level.
This approach allowed the team to maintain an efficient workflow despite the unusual site conditions.
Complete Roof Strip
The existing roof covering was carefully stripped back, removing the old tiles, roofing battens and underfelt. All removed materials were taken away from site and disposed of responsibly through licensed waste facilities.
Once the existing roofing system had been removed, the exposed roof structure and rafters were inspected for visible signs of deterioration or defects before installation of the new roof commenced.
New Breathable Roofing Membrane and Battens
A new high-performance breathable roofing membrane was installed across the roof area.
The membrane provides a secondary layer of weather protection beneath the tiles while forming part of the modern roofing system. At the eaves, support trays were installed to support the membrane and help ensure that water draining from beneath the tiles is directed safely towards the guttering.
All existing roof battens were replaced with new treated battens. The batten gauge was adjusted to match the new roof tiles and the necessary headlap, allowing the tiles to be properly aligned and securely fixed across the roof.
Improved Roof Ventilation
The new roof also provided an opportunity to improve ventilation at the eaves.
An over-fascia ventilation system was installed to provide continuous airflow into the roof space. Good roof ventilation is an important consideration when replacing an older roofing system, helping to manage moisture and reduce the potential for condensation within the roof void.
Marley Modern Roof Tiles
The new roof covering was installed using Marley Modern concrete interlocking roof tiles.
These sleek, modern interlocking tiles feature a flat, smooth, single-lap interlocking design. The tiles were installed in accordance with specifications, ensuring proper alignment, gauge, fixing and coursing.
The finished roof provides the bungalow with a clean, modern appearance while replacing the ageing original roof covering with a complete new roofing system.
Dry Ridge System
The ridge was completed using a dry ridge system with mechanically fixed ridge tiles.
Dry ridge systems enable regulated ventilation under the ridge and adapt to the natural movement of the roof caused by seasonal temperature variations.
Dry fixing also removes the reliance on traditional mortar bedding and provides a mechanically secured ridge detail designed for improved durability and resistance to wind forces.
Leadwork and Roof Junctions
Leadwork was replaced or dressed where required around the abutments and other roof junctions.
These areas require particular attention during a complete roof replacement because they are among the most vulnerable points in the roofing system. Completing the leadwork alongside the new roof helps ensure that the new covering and its junctions work together as a weather-resistant system.
A Complete New Roof for a Plympton Bungalow
The completed roof provides the homeowners with a completely renewed roofing system, from the breathable membrane and treated battens through to the new Marley Modern tiles and dry ridge system.
The unusual hillside location meant that the project required more planning than a typical bungalow roof replacement, particularly when it came to moving materials to roof level. The use of the Bumpa tile hoist allowed the team to overcome this challenge and keep the project moving efficiently.
The Result
The bungalow now has a completely new roof built using modern roofing materials and installation methods.
The completed works included:
- Complete removal of the existing roof covering
- Removal and responsible disposal of old battens and underfelt
- Inspection of the roof structure
- New high-performance breathable roofing membrane
- New treated roofing battens
- Eaves support trays
- Over-fascia roof ventilation
- New Marley Modern concrete roof tiles
- Mechanically fixed roof covering
- Dry ridge system with mechanically fixed ridge tiles
- Replacement or dressing of leadwork where required
- Full removal of roofing waste
- Final inspection and clean-up
The project also demonstrated the importance of adapting the roofing process to the individual property. Despite the steep hillside and the garage positioned beneath the bungalow, careful planning, scaffolding and the use of a Bumpa tile hoist allowed the roof replacement to be completed efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Looking for Roof Replacement in Plympton or Plymouth?
If your bungalow or house in Plympton, Plymouth or the surrounding Devon area has an ageing roof, failing tiles, deteriorated underfelt or other signs that the roofing system has reached the end of its serviceable life, a complete roof replacement may provide a more suitable long-term solution than repeated repairs.
Tamar Roofing & Building Services provides professional roof replacement and new roof installation in Plymouth and across Devon, including complete strip and re-roof projects, tile roofing, slate roofing, leadwork, roof ventilation and associated roofing work.
Every property presents its own challenges. From conventional bungalow roofs to difficult hillside properties like this one, we plan the work around the building, the access requirements and the roofing system being installed.
Contact Tamar Roofing & Building Services to arrange a free roof survey and no-obligation quotation.
"Scaffolding went up on Wednesday, Roof on Friday, finished off on Monday, Scaffolding gone Tuesday, very efficient polite staff and cleaned up after thereselfs. Job's a goodan."
— Kevin A.