Metrotile Roofing Systems Case Study – Cannock Chase

As evidenced by previous case studies, Metrotile Lightweight Roofing systems are an excellent choice when refitting or refurbishing  non-traditional properties that require lightweight roofing systems. 

In Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, Cannock Chase Council and Keepmoat Housing oversee housing stock that includes non standard built properties including, Cornish Units and Reema dwellings;

Cornish Units were constructed post World War II, initially as a temporary solution to a housing crisis. Cornish Units were easy to erect, however their life expectancy – due to the materials used –  was low. The original aim was to supply homes to those families who had become homeless during the war years, and to help get them back into accommodation whilst a more permanent long-term housing solution was devised. Thanks to modern refurbishments, many Cornish Units still stand across the UK.

Reema Houses, although aesthetically very different from the Cornish Units, were also built for the same purpose. Over 30,000 were constructed across the UK after World War II, utilising a concrete beam and wall design. Some Reema homes that aren’t authority-owned require sufficient renovation to become mortgageable, however like the Cornish Units many still stand despite original building intentions.

Like many Local Authorities and Housing Associations across the UK, Cannock Chase Council was faced with the requirement to ensure that their properties were sufficiently refurbished to attain Decent Homes standards, which ensure homes are in a suitable state of repair, sufficiently insulated and feature up to date facilities that would be expected in any modern home. For the roofing material for both properties – including the “Mansard” on each of the Cornish Units – Cannock Chase Council specified Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing:

“we decided after talking to Metrotile, and in view of their experiences with the “Cornish” houses in Wales, Gloucestershire and Devon to remove the old existing mansard and roof covering, which in any case were getting to the end of their life, and reroof using Metro’s “Shingle” profile, which when fitted to the houses looks almost exactly the same as the original roof covering, is easier to fit than concrete tiles, quicker to fit, looks good and is more economic, than  more traditional tiles”.  

Rick Pepper, Housing Property Services Manager, Cannock Chase Council

Tick Hill Roofing, a contractor based in Sheffield, were responsible for the roof installations on both the Reema and Cornish homes. One of Metrotile’s many benefits is the rapid installation afforded by such a lightweight material. The Metrotile roof on each home also improves insulation and security against vandalism and extreme weather, while the aesthetic properties of each Metrotile roof makes the homes look decades younger. Each property is also backed by Metrotile’s forty year guarantee.

Although the majority of Cannock Chase’s non-traditional homes have been refurbished, Metrotile has generated such a strong impression that the Authority will continue to specify The Future Proof Roof for future projects.

The Metrotile Bond profiles are designed to be aesthetically indistinguishable from traditional clay pantiles, so they can offer the same great visual appeal, with all of the additional benefits lightweight steel roofing provides. Metrotile Bond is available in six colours and pressed from high grade Aluzinc-coated steel – standard for all of our profiles. In addition to our traditional granulated finish, we can now offer elegant Matt Brown and Gloss Black finishes with a non-toxic powder coating.

When dry-fixed to the roof, Metrotile profiles are overlapped and fixed via a cross-nail method that provides excellent vandal resistance, durability, protection and unmatched resistance to wind lift. Each tile is the equivalent of eight conventional roof tiles and may be fixed from vertical right down to a 10 degree pitch.

Based on the classic North American timber shingle design, Metrotile Shingle is a simple and elegant solution for any roof project. Offering the rooftop quality and style for which Metrotile is renowned, Metrotile Shingle has been designed with a unique “hidden fix” system that also enables the product to double as an excellent vertical cladding solution.

This is because the hidden-fix design leaves no nail exposed, preventing rainwater from corroding the nails, a common weakness of traditional vertical cladding.

Metrotile Shingle is available in five colours, and can be fixed from vertical, down to a minimum pitch of 15°. It is the ideal profile for those looking for a simple and elegant roofing or cladding solution.

For more information, please feel welcome to visit www.metrotile.co.uk