Self-Build

Awards

Dreadnought wins "Best Self Build Clay Roof" and was awaded a "highly commended second place" at the 2006 Clay Roofing Tile Awards. 

Winning entry case study
2nd Place entry case study

Your choice of building materials for your home has a substantial impact on the eventual value of your property.  It is advisable where possible to choose the best, especially as they will be in place for the life of the building and will be there for the world to see.

A quality roof of plain clay tiles is an inexpensive way to add character and value forever.  Look around and see for yourself that the concrete tiles of the last 70 years lose their colour.  The natural burnt colours of clay are permanent and mellow and improve with age.

Never skimp on the roof materials, whether you are building from scratch, converting or extending your property or renovating your family home, Dreadnought clay roof tiles offer solutions to enhance any roof.

Estimated at 25,000 completions a year and growing, the major share of the self-build market is made up, not only by those who physically build their own home, but by discerning customers who want greater input in the design and detailing of their new home than is offered by buying 'off the shelf'. 

Frequently the roof is the dominant external feature of a Self-Built home, accounting for up to two thirds of the appearance, so it is important that the roof is a statement of quality.

The choice of roof tile can impact heavily upon the character and value of a property.  The beauty of natural clay colours is unrivalled; an appearance that mellows and improves with age.  The artificial colours of concrete disappear with time and the roofscapes of the past 70 years proclaim this.

Whilst some "handmade" tiles offer an uneven texture to look aged, this comes at a cost.  None of the handmade tiles offer the range of natural clay colours available with Dreadnought Tiles and in many ways is the natural colour and the way it is used, rather the the texture which imparts character and an aged appearance. 

The small size of plain clay tiles provides the versatility for the architect to design roofscapes of infinite interest.  Large format clay roof tiles simply do not offer this flexibility.

Colours

Dreadnought Tiles offer the widest range of natural clay colours available today, ranging from red, browns and blues with many multi-coloured brindle tiles in between.  Dreadnought have also recently launched a NEW range of Mixed Colour Blends a product of Dreadnought's long clay tile manufacturing experience. 

Mixing tiles with artifical colours looks clumsy and contrived, however Dreadnought's NEW Mixed Colour Blends offer subtle shades that look stunning especially on large areas of roof that can look monotonous if not broken up with colour and shadow.

Service and Design Advice

Dreadnought are committed to the self-build market and exhibit at the national Self-Build Exhibitions.   We have a comprehensive list of sites where are tiles can be seen on existing roofs and a detailed Quantity Estimation Service is available, submit your drawings to us for detailed estimates.  To view Dreadnought roofs in your area, request samples or discuss designs, contact your local Dreadnought Area Manager, who will be able to answer your queries and respond to your requests.

We believe in personal service: you will find the telephone answered promptly and there will be no automatic recorded messages!

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