New roof tile raise construction speeds for UK housing market

November 5, 2024

In light of the Government’s commitment to delivering 1.5 million homes this Parliament, with a focus on boosting social and affordable housing, Russell Roof Tiles has introduced a revolutionary product that promises to speed up construction timelines significantly. The Bute3 tile, a pioneering triple interlocking roof tile, is not only quicker to install—up to 33 per cent faster than other thinner, leading-edge interlocking tiles—but also offers a fresh, high-quality alternative to small-format concrete, natural clay, and slate roof coverings.

Bute3 is the result of more than £2 million in investment and five years of development by Russell Roof Tiles, a company that has drawn on over 60 years of experience in the UK’s housing and commercial roofing market. Manufactured at their new £18.5 million automated production facility in Burton-on-Trent, the tile’s production process reflects a new era in concrete roof tile manufacturing, a first in the UK for a product of its kind to be made at such high production speeds.

Managing Director Andrew Hayward has overseen the Bute3 tile’s development from conception to market. “The demand for thinner concrete roof tiles has grown steadily over the past 30 years, but quality and strength have often been problematic,” said Hayward. “With Bute3, we’ve addressed these challenges, using the latest precision engineering to create a triple interlocking tile that meets the quality expectations of planners and installers alike.”

Bute3 comes in six colours, including Terracotta and Burnt Orange, which provide compelling alternatives to clay interlocking and plain tile products. Its innovative double-cambered design allows it to meet aesthetic and functional demands, covering each square metre with only 10.9 tiles—significantly reducing the tile count compared to traditional options. This reduction in material requirements means fewer deliveries across private housing sites and a labour-saving of up to 40 per cent, crucial as the industry grapples with skilled labour shortages.

Designed for flexibility, the Bute3 tile works on roof pitches as low as 25 degrees, delivering strength and durability while offering developers a secure, comprehensive roofing system. The tile also incorporates Dry Verge and Dry Fix Systems, in-line vents, and tile clips to ensure durability and ease of installation. Unlike some ‘twin tile’ systems, Bute3® does not require ancillary tiles such as left or right-hand verges, making the estimating, tendering, and ordering processes simpler and more cost-effective for developers.

The production of Bute3 reflects a commitment to sustainability as well. Its manufacturing process uses 30 per cent less energy compared to traditional clay tiles, aligning with the industry’s push towards environmentally conscious practices.

With these benefits, the Bute3 tile by Russell Roof Tiles stands poised to support the Government’s housing agenda, offering a timely solution to the challenges of speed and quality in construction today.

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