News

22.06.2010

Chris Kelly MP for South Dudley with Alex Patrick-Smith Managing Director on the terrace of the Houses of Parliament for the reception of the Construction Products Association.

14.05.2010

NFRC Roofing Award for best Pitched Roofing-roof Tiling for Dreadnought Tiles on Anjulita Court Methodist Care Home

This dramatic roof was designed by Tooley Foster Architects and tiled by Total Roofing Services Ltd using Dreadnought Staffordshire Blue Tiles.  This extensive roof using 160,000 tiles on the first phase was chosen against stiff competition to win the 2010 NFRC Roofing Award.

It was the colour of the tiles which inspired the architect to chose the Staffordshire Blue Dreadnought tile and particularly the natural traditional colour.

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Dreadnought Wins Manufacturing Award. 30 April 2010

Visit of Ian Austin MP, Minister for the West Mildands.  22.01.2010

We are all aware of the difficulties that manufacturers have faced during this recession, particulalry in the building products industry.  Hinton Perry & Davenhill Ltd have been working hard to maintain production in these difficult times and particularly to ensure that Local Borough Councils support local businesses through their procurement policies.

Ian Austin MP, Minister for the West Midlands visited the factory to show his support for the efforts of the company to sustain employment in the region and develop new markets for both the Dreadnought roof tiles and Ketley bricks manufactured by the company.

Ian Austin MP commented' “I was delighted to see the good work that is being done at this historic local family business and I was glad that I had the chance to discuss the help that was available to them during the economic downturn.  It is vital that we do everything we can to help local businesses and their workforce whatever the economic climate.

It is clear that Dreadnought tiles take great pride in their trade and produce high quality local goods – we should all be proud to have this kind of heritage in our area.”

Re-rooofing of Government House, Wellington, New Zealand with Dreadnought Tiles 14.01.2010

This prestigious house, the residence of the Governor General of New Zealand is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment with particular attention being paid to the roof.  Dreadnought secured the contract for the supply of 180,000 roof tiles and fittings for this project. 

The original tiles were supplied by Thomas Peak and Co. Ltd the tiles had the brand name Perfecta stamped on the back. 

Roofing is well underway and all the tiles have arrived safely on site.  The choice of Dreadnought Tiles was based on their traditional Staffordshire appearance which was found by the architect in Wellington to be the best match.

The Perfecta tiles, like Dreadnought tiles were made from Etruria Marl clay.  To match the appearance we supplied 80% plum red tiles and 20% Brown Antique tiles.  In the early 1900's tiles were fired in coal fired kilns where colour control was not as exact as it is today, so the 20% Brown Antique tiles have been mixed in with the red to match the original appearance.

10.08.2009

Dreadnought Tiles achieves ISO 14001 accreditation

Dreadnought Tiles and its sister company Ketley Brick have been awarded ISO 14001 accreditation. 

Environmental Management considerations have been taken very seriously by the Company for many years.  Accreditation to ISO 14001 has been a development from our BS 8555 which was secured some time ago.  It was decided that an internationally recognised standard would further enhance the Company’s reputation and reflect the commitment and responsibilities towards both the local and global environment.  

Kevin Preston, Works Director, commented that “securing ISO 14001 has been the culmination of two and a half years work and the commitment of all the employees and management.  This is a milestone in the Company’s history and one which establishes our forward looking and progressive credentials”.

21.09.2008

Dreadnought took home two prestigious awards at the Clay Roof Tile Awards 2008 and 2 highly commended awards.

For the third award ceremony in a row Dreadnought won the Best Self Build Award for the roof at Lakewood House.  This time we also scooped up the Special Award for Architectural Merit for the roof at Cumnor Hill in Oxford, this award was presented to Architects Adrian James for their highly innovative design on this contemporary design.

Mr and Mrs Denning of Lakewood House wanted to centre their home on the magnificent view of the lake and by angling each of the wings at 45 degrees to the main feature of the house, ¾ of the rooms are positioned to enjoy these dramatic views. 

This design has resulted in a most unusual roofscape where the different facets of the roof cut in at different angles.  Only plain clay tiles could have achieved the elegant sleek lines of the roof, or could have coped with the small triangular roof areas, which are central to the modern design of this property.  The regularity of shape of Dreadnought plain clay tiles enhanced the modern design helping the clean lines while the variety of natural brown/red colours within the Collingwood blend reflect the natural colours of the surrounding woodland.   Click here for the full case study.

Curved roof design recognised with Award

Adrian James selected Staffordshire Blue Dreadnought Tiles for the Cumnor Hill project because of their strong even and natural colour, which gives the building a crispness well-suited to its contemporary aesthetic. The design of the curved roof is a segment of a circle producing a continuously changing pitch.  The tiling is of a very high standard, carried out by Rycote Developments and as Robert Gee of Rycote commented, “this project demonstrates very well the use of a traditional product in a contemporary design, producing a fantastic overall result”.  Click here for the full case study.

The three additional commendations were awarded for the roofs on St John the Evangelist Church in Dulwich and on Downside Abbey.

11.09.2008

BRE Green Guide A+ rating

The latest Building Research Establishment’s ‘Green Guide to Specification’ gives plain clay tiles an A+ rating.  Their proven longevity makes plain clay tiles an ideal choice for sustainable roofs. 

Dreadnought have always made the point that the best measure of the sustainability of plain clay tiles is the price of second hand tiles.  After in some cases over 100 years on a roof second hand tiles often sell for more than new tiles.  This thriving second hand market does not exist for concrete tiles.

05.02.08

Latest test information

Current European Freeze Thaw Standards require plain clay tiles for use in the U.K. to withstand at least 100 freeze / thaw cycles under method D of European Standard EN 539-2:2006.   When the new universal European test method E is adopted in the U.K, a top level of only 150 cycles may be deemed acceptable.   U.K. manufacturers regard this as too low.    Dreadnought Tiles will withstand in excess of 400 cycles under this new test. View dreadnought test certificate.

We know from experience that Dreadnought Tiles last for in excess of 100 years.  In fact there are many cases where second hand Dreadnought Tiles sell for more than new tiles.

Poor performance in freeze/thaw test are an indication of the potential for the delamination of clay roof tiles over time, as moisture held within the pores of the tiles expands when frozen.

Certain imported clay roof tiles have failed to comply with test method D (100 cycles) contact us if you are concerned or require further information.

17.07.07

Dreadnought Launches CPD seminars on the subject of - Plain Clay Roof Tiles, Design and Aesthetic Considerations.

Following demand from a number of architect, Dreadnought has put together a CPD presentation covering the production and different options available in the choice and specification of plain clay roof tiles.  This seminar has been approved by the RIBA and forms part of the Core Curriculum.

Further info»

15.01.07

Dreadnought Exhibiting at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre

Dreadnought Tiles have a wide ranging display at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre where Dreadnought Tile colours in large panels can be viewed together with Roof components and fittings.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is a unique permanent exhibition where you can learn about all the important issues with building or renovating a house or view a wide array of building products.  The exhibits cover all aspects of building or renovating your own home, including finance, design and planning and much more. 

Click here for further information

25.05.06

Dreadnought Tiles win best self-build clay roof at the 2006 Clay Roof Awards

Dreadnought Tiles dominated the best “Self Build Clay Roof” category at the “2006 Clay Roofing Awards” held in London on Wednesday 24th May, with their Staffordshire Blue plain clay tile.  A stunning property in Branksome Park Poole, took first prize with second place going to a property in Bedworth entirely built by the owners, both houses were tiled with Dreadnought Staffordshire Blue “natural” plain clay roof tiles.

Case Study»

Full Press Release

1.05.2006      

Dreadnought Tiles grace roof of Sandbanks house on the market for £11m
       
This house featured in the Sunday Times Homes Section on the 12th April 2006 is on the market for £11 Million.

The roof is tiled with 16,000 Staffordshire Blue Dreadnought Tiles and fittings, which crown this palatial house.  These tiles have been used on a number of prestigious properties in the Poole area.

The roofing contractor was GM Spicer, who carry out quality roofing in the Dorset area.

Full Press Release