At a glance

Russell Roof Tiles supplied 1,400 Bute3® concrete roof tiles to the BBC's DIY SOS project, helping transform a family's home in Freckleton, Preston, after their previous supplier fell through. The tiles were chosen for their quick installation, allowing the team to meet a tight deadline and convert a two-bedroom bungalow into a four-bedroom home for a family bringing their son home from hospital. This contribution highlights the importance of reliable and efficient building materials in time-sensitive renovation projects.

Russell Roof Tiles’ award-winning concrete roof tile was used to transform the home of a family on the BBC television show DIY SOS. Leading UK roofing manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles supported S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd in meeting the tight project deadline after their previous supplier let them down at the last minute.

In the episode, the team at DIY SOS and S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd supported a family in Freckleton, Preston, who were bringing home their teenage son Daniel after he was in hospital for nearly three years after life-saving brain surgery. After eight days of hard work, the property was transformed from a two-bed bungalow into a four-bedroom home to provide the family with more space.

Launched in 1999, DIY SOS features a team of experts who help families in need by calling on local trades and friends to support a house renovation.

After being approached by DIY SOS, to supply tiles for a new roof, Russell Roof Tiles contributed 1,400 tiles and fittings of its brand new Bute3®, free of charge. The revolutionary concrete roof tile, which combines three traditional plain titles with a standard interlocking format, was the perfect product due to its quick and easy installation process which helped the team finalise the home within the eight-day period despite previous complications. The roofing manufacturer spent five years designing, engineering and developing Bute3®, which has a 33 per cent faster installation rate compared to other small format, thinner leading-edge products.

“After being told that we would be the first contractor to use the Bute3® tile, we were a little apprehensive,” said Shaun Whelan at S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd. “However, after we had a lengthy chat with the Russell Roof Tiles team and saw the product first-hand, we were confident the roof was going to look great. We actually found the Bute3® tile system easy and very quick to install. “This was important, as time was of the essence, but the Bute3® tile covered a large area quickly.”

S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd is based in the North West region of England and have more than 25 years’ experience in the roofing industry.

“We are delighted to have been a part of such an incredible project which has made a real difference for the family involved,” said Gordon McKinnon, Sales Executive in the North West at Russell Roof Tiles. “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. “We would like to thank North West Roofing Supplies for its assistance throughout the process and supplying roofing batten free of charge to the project, and DIY SOS and S Whelan for placing their trust in us,” Gordon added.

The roof was also designed and installed in accordance with the correct specification provided by Russell Roof Tiles, meaning that it is covered by its 15-year RussSpec guarantee to give peace of mind to the homeowners.

As a leading independent UK manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, fittings and uPVC roofing accessories, Russell Roof Tiles provides complete pitched roofing solutions designed for modern construction demands.

Editorial insight

Product placements on high-profile television programmes can offer manufacturers valuable exposure, particularly when the project highlights the practical benefits of a new product. In this case, Russell Roof Tiles’ involvement in a time-sensitive home transformation for DIY SOS provided a real-world test for its latest Bute3® roof tile, demonstrating its installation speed and suitability for challenging deadlines.

While the project itself is a one-off community initiative, the collaboration with local contractors and suppliers showcases the role of manufacturers in supporting rapid-build requirements, a consideration that remains relevant for housebuilders and renovators facing time or resource constraints. For Russell Roof Tiles, participation in a nationally recognised programme may also help reinforce its brand reputation among trade professionals and end-users alike.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Human interest

Home Renovation’s Impact on Family Life After Medical Crisis

The transformation of a Freckleton family's home by DIY SOS, featuring Russell Roof Tiles' Bute3®, highlights the personal impact of accessible home renovations for families dealing with medical crises.

Target audience who would cover this Story potential 8/10 Industry trend

Concrete Roof Tiles: A Solution for Speedy Home Renovations

The use of Russell Roof Tiles' new Bute3® tile in a recent DIY SOS episode showcases the trend of innovative construction materials enabling faster project completion times.

Target audience who would cover this Story potential 7/10