Russell Roof Tiles’ Bute3® Plays Key Role in DIY SOS Home Renovation
Russell Roof Tiles supplied its innovative Bute3® concrete roof tiles to assist in a significant home transformation featured on the BBC’s DIY SOS. The UK roofing manufacturer stepped in to support S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd after their original supplier withdrew at the last moment, helping meet a demanding project deadline.
The renovation took place in Freckleton, Preston, where the DIY SOS team and S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd worked to expand a two-bedroom bungalow into a four-bedroom house. This upgrade was crucial for a family welcoming back their teenage son Daniel, who had spent nearly three years in hospital following life-saving brain surgery. The extensive refurbishment was completed within eight days.
Since its launch in 1999, DIY SOS has been known for mobilising expert teams and local tradespeople to assist families in urgent need of home improvements. When approached to provide roofing materials, Russell Roof Tiles donated 1,400 Bute3® tiles and fittings free of charge.
The Bute3® tile, a product five years in development, merges three traditional plain tiles into a single interlocking concrete tile. Its design allows for a 33 per cent faster installation compared to other small-format, thinner leading-edge tiles, making it an ideal choice for the tight schedule of the project.
Shaun Whelan of S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd admitted initial hesitation about using the Bute3® tile for the first time. However, after consulting with Russell Roof Tiles and inspecting the product, he expressed confidence in its quality and ease of installation. “We actually found the Bute3® tile system easy and very quick to install,” Shaun said. “This was important, as time was of the essence, but the Bute3® tile covered a large area quickly.”
Based in the North West of England, S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd brings over 25 years of roofing experience to projects like this.
Gordon McKinnon, Sales Executive for the North West at Russell Roof Tiles, highlighted the company’s satisfaction with the outcome. “We are delighted to have been a part of such an incredible project which has made a real difference for the family involved,” he said. “When the contractor informed us of the tight deadline, we knew that Bute3® would be the perfect choice. Our tile provided a high-quality, reliable roof for the family in a short space of time and we are very happy with the final result.” Gordon also thanked North West Roofing Supplies for their support in supplying roofing battens free of charge, as well as DIY SOS and S Whelan for their trust.
The roof installation adhered to the specifications provided by Russell Roof Tiles, qualifying it for the company’s 15-year RussSpec guarantee, offering the homeowners added peace of mind.
Russell Roof Tiles remains a leading independent UK manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, fittings, and uPVC roofing accessories, delivering comprehensive pitched roofing solutions tailored to modern construction needs.
