A new concrete interlocking tile that closely replicates the aesthetics of natural slate has surpassed its own manufacturer’s sales expectations, with demand increasing on housing developments throughout the country since its launch last year.
Hopkins Homes is one of a growing number of housebuilders using Marley's Riven Edgemere, recently specifying the slates for its Lark Place development in Cambridgeshire.
With the site set on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Soham, the Riven Edgemere offers a natural slate roof finish to the variety of stylish houses and apartments on site, complementing the local vernacular.
Gavin White, product manager at Marley, explains: “Soham is located in an attractive rural setting with views across low lying countryside, which provides vast skyscapes of ever changing roof patterns. Using Riven Edgemere on a site like this enables the housebuilder to create the distinctive old English countryside charm of natural slate in a more cost effective way.”
Riven Edgemere is a thin leading edge concrete interlocking slate with a randomised texture on the surface to provide a finish closely resembling the finish of natural slate at a more affordable price.
Gavin White continues: “We have seen high demand for Riven Edgemere since we launched it last year because, while our standard and duo thin leading edge concrete slates are very popular, sometimes planning requires an even closer match to natural slate. Riven Edgemere provides an affordable upgrade from standard interlocking tiles yet significantly increases kerb appeal. Also, the performance of our whole Edgemere range gives greater versatility of application because it has better covering capacity and can be used at a lower minimum pitch than natural slate.”
The environmental credentials of Riven Edgemere slates are another reason they continue to be a popular choice for housing projects, with independent carbon certification, the ability to achieve an A+ rating in the BRE’s Green Guide to Specification and certification to the BES 6001 standard for Responsible Sourcing. All of these benefits contribute towards maximum material credits under the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM.
Since its launch over a decade ago, Marley's existing Edgemere range continues to grow in popularity. With only 9.7 tiles per square metre, Edgemere is a single lap solution that is quicker and easier to install than natural slate. With the ability to perform at pitches as low as 17.5°, Edgemere has the versatility to be used on a wide range of roof types and is now available in three variants, standard, riven and duo.
