Tiled roofs in Medway

Choose a tile shape that suits the slope

Begin your tile choice with the roof's angle and construction. A covering designed for one slope is not automatically suitable for another. Plain tiles form overlapping courses, while interlocking profiles have shaped edges that fit together. The selected product determines its laying requirements, so appearance and technical suitability need considering at the same time.

Clay and concrete offer different finishes and profiles. Compare samples beside the brickwork and existing roof features. For a partial repair, the exact shape and size need identifying before colour is considered. Include special fittings at the roof edges in that discussion; a complete roof needs more than the tiles across its broad surfaces.

Set the courses before closing the edges

Installation starts by establishing how the chosen tile will sit across the slope. Batten spacing and the starting course control the rows above. The installer checks the layout at each side before progressing upwards. This prevents the final edge from being treated as an afterthought when the main field is already laid.

Cuts around a valley or hip need secure support and an appropriate route for runoff. Ridge and verge components then complete the roof using details compatible with the tiles. If you are replacing only one slope, discuss the junction with the retained covering. That connection belongs in the specification before either side is disturbed.

Account for small tiles and complex roof shapes

The amount of handling differs between small plain tiles and larger interlocking units. Roof area is therefore only a starting point for the price. Numerous hips, valleys and changes in direction increase the number of cuts and fittings. Material delivery, removal of the old covering and access equipment also contribute to the total.

A limited tile replacement is a shorter operation than stripping and re-tiling a whole slope. Renewing supporting layers or dealing with damaged timber extends the work before laying begins. Ask how the job will progress around the house and which elevations need access. Allow the programme to account for weather and for detailed work at the roof's boundaries.

Keep drainage channels open after tiling

Once the work is complete, observe the valleys and eaves from a safe vantage point. Leaves and loose debris interrupt the route that rain should follow. Arrange clearance without walking across the tiles yourself. Foot traffic in the wrong place damages coverings that otherwise remain sound, especially around cuts and unsupported edges.

Make a note of the tile profile used and retain the work description. Later repairs are easier to specify with that information available. Check for newly displaced rows or edge fittings after rough weather. If another contractor needs roof access, discuss a suitable method beforehand. Report damage promptly and identify the affected slope using a photograph from below.