BMI Redland works on a roof refurbishment that can withstand extreme winds, while blending with the coastal landscape

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Originally built in the 1950s, the Keep was in need of a new roof that could withstand the more extreme coastal weather

BMI Redland’s plain tiles were recently specified for a private home refurbishment in Kent, on the South-east coast of England.

Originally built in the 1950s and named The Keep, the residence is located on a cliff top overlooking the sea.

The Keep’s period construction needed significant modernisation, undergoing a complete renovation which included a new roof.

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Roofing contractor, Grasby Roofing, specified BMI Redland’s plain tiles in slate grey

The existing roof design incorporated a large chimney and an eyebrow window detail, as well as flat sections. Although the scale of the project was small, with a budget of only £18,000 it wasn’t going to be straightforward.

With a north-facing seafront location, durability was an important aspect of the design brief, as well as ensuring the roof’s aesthetic fit with the surrounding landscape. 

Roofing contractor, Grasby Roofing, had previously worked with BMI Redland and specified the manufacturer’s concrete plain tile in slate gray, assured that it could withstand the notorious coastal winds.

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With a north-facing seafront location, durability was an important aspect of the design brief

There were two main challenges, tiling over the details of the roof itself and ensuring the product would survive against the elements.

With over 8,000 tiles needing to be installed over the pitched roof, as well as flat roof sections for the back dormer, it provided a difficult task for Grasby Roofing.

The installation of eyebrow windows required a double lapping of tiles, a complex style of tile installation that can only be done on curved roofs.

This particular window also needed a timber bough to be custom-built to size. The team did this by soaking the battens, bending it into a semi-circle and using a mitre saw to cut it where required.

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There were two main challenges, tiling over the details of the roof itself and ensuring the product would survive against the elements

Working with Grasby Roofing over a period of four weeks, BMI Redland was responsible for the supply of its concrete plain tile, as well as the necessary fittings and fixtures in a full system solution.

All 8,000 tiles were installed to withstand high winds. For added security, Grasby made use of Redland’s range of mechanical fixings, which ensured that the roof was fixed in accordance with BS 5534 standards.

Adam Grasby, founder at Grasby Roofing, said: “When originally discussing with the client what concrete plain tiles to install on the roof, it was an easy choice. In the 20 years I have been using Redland products, I’ve always been satisfied with the quality of tiles and fittings, and on this occasion, it was no different.”

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