New triple tile innovation speeds up roofing installation

The new Government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes (during this Parliament) including the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation, therefore speed of construction is a priority.

That makes a revolutionary new roof tile, from pioneering manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles perfect, as the tile is 33 per cent quicker to install than other thinner leading-edge interlocking tiles. 

The first of its kind in the UK, Bute3® is a truly innovative design, a triple interlocking multipurpose roof tile. The innovative design and colour options of Bute3® provide the first real alternative to small-format concrete, natural clay, and slate roof coverings.

Russell Roof Tiles has invested more than £2million and five years in design and development, pushing the boundaries of concrete roof tile manufacturing. The tile is being produced at Russell Roof Tiles brand new £18.5million fully automated production line in Burton on Trent, designed specifically for this product, a tile that has never been made at high production speeds before, anywhere.

The new product utilises 60 years of knowledge from the specialist concrete roof tile manufacturer, combined with the wealth of expertise from supplying the UK housing and commercial market.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles has led the development of the new product, working closely with design, manufacturing, and technical experts over the past five years. “The market has grown consistently over the past 30 years for thinner concrete roof tiles, but quality and tile strength have always been a major challenge for manufacturers.

“But we have addressed this issue head-on, making this huge investment in designing Bute3® a tile that utilises all of the latest pioneering technology and precision engineering to create a multifunctional triple interlocking tile of the highest quality, which meets the demands of both planners and installers.

“We’re very excited to finally bring Bute3® to market, a high-quality product which matches the superior, design capabilities and production qualities reflected in every aspect of our current range.”

The extensive investment in design and development means this all-new triple tile has the strength and characteristics of a regular large format tile.

Bute3® is being launched in six colour options, two of which (Terracotta and Burnt Orange) provide a credible alternative to popular clay interlocking and plain tile products on the market. It also features an innovative double-cambered design. The shades are designed to provide housebuilders and developers with maximum choice, offering a broad option to meet local planning requirements as well as being sympathetic to the local aesthetic.

Bute3®’s triple-tile format allows for excellent coverage with only 10.9 tiles per square metre, significantly reducing the number of tiles needed compared to traditional plain tiles. The product is also suitable for roofs with a pitch as low as 25°(22.5°site dependent), offering flexibility in application while maintaining strength and durability.

Bute3® gives the appearance of three concrete/clay plain tiles or small format slate when laid yet the product is based on a medium interlocking tile format. It also provides a comprehensive full roofing system that includes bespoke Dry Verge and Dry Fix Systems, in-line vents, and specialised tile clips, ensuring a secure and long-lasting roof. Listening to market challenges the new product has also been designed to ensure there is no requirement for ancillary tiles as there is with ‘twin tiles’. This reduces the need for left and right hand ¾ verge tiles or tile and halves ensuring Bute3® is easier for estimating, tendering, and ordering.

Bute3® in numbers

• 3 double-cambered Plain Tiles in a single interlocking tile format.
• 10.9 tiles per m2 required compared to other small format derivates.
• 33 per cent quicker to install.
• 1 tile fits all – no need for ½ Tiles, ¾ Handed Tiles or Tile and a ½.
• Up to 40 per cent fewer deliveries across a typical private housing site.
• 20 per cent more efficient production process.
• 14mm – the thinnest thin leading edge interlocking plain tile.
• 25 degrees minimum pitch (for pitches between 22.5-24.9 degrees please contact technical.)
• Up to 40 per cent labour saving.
• Up to 30 per cent less energy is used in its production compared to clay tiles.

Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent pitched roof tile manufacturer supplying products for top housebuilders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects. The company produces thousands of tiles every week that are used on roofs across the UK, for all of the UK’s premier housebuilders, social housing projects, architects, and developers.