Trio of Sandtoft tiles used by Riverside

13.01.2012

Riverside, one of the leading social housing and regeneration organisations in England, has re-roofed 404 properties on the Botcherby Estate in Carlisle using Sandtoft's Olympus, Rivius and Modula clay roof tiles. The new roofs form part of a refurbishment which has seen the external envelope of each house transformed with new fascias, gutters, rendered panels and canopies.

Built around 75 years' ago, the houses are located on an estate which has changed dramatically over the last few years as a result of a multi million pound neighbourhood revitalisation investment by Riverside. The properties featuring Sandtoft's products are spread over three different streets in Botcherby and originally featured Gaelic clay tiles.

As well as supplying roof tiles, Sandtoft worked closely with the contractors and Riverside to develop a roofing specification that required no mortar. This included the use of dry valleys and bonding gutters as well as Koratech, a vapour permeable membrane which unlike traditional Bitumen underlay, helps to prevent condensation in the roof space.

John Robinson, Asset Investment Manager from Riverside said: "We were considering reusing the Gaelic tiles until we were shown the Olympus clay double pantile and realised the cost savings that could be achieved. The dry fixing system was also a major benefit as it could be fitted in any weather ensuring that the construction programme wasn't delayed.

"We used the Olympus clay double pantile on one of the streets and the Modula and the Rivius on a further two roads. Overall, the appearance of the properties in all three areas is very pleasing and the estate looks considerably better and more modern. We have received numerous compliments about the estate which has changed from a place where houses were difficult to let, to one which has a waiting list of potential tenants. 

The Olympus, Rivius and Modula tiles are part of Sandtoft's New Generation range. Each tile in the range has been designed to make a natural clay roof more affordable as a result of an innovative design that significantly reduces installation costs. Approximately 10 tiles are required per square metre, resulting in a covering capacity that matches the largest concrete tiles. In addition, an open gauge means there is no need for cutting at the eaves and ridge making the tiles quick and easy to lay.

Andrew Lawton, Sandtoft's sales director added: "The Botcherby project was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the variety and adaptability of our New Generation range and dry system capability. Working in close partnership with Riverside we were able to dramatically reduce their costs and create a long-term solution with a lasting impression."