By Tapco Roofing Products.

TapcoSlate provides a modern, high-performance solution that improves ventilation, weather resistance and long-term durability.

The Premier Inn Hinckley is a popular getaway. Overlooking the picturesque Trinity Marina and Ashby Canal, it’s close to historic battlefields, Drayton Manor Resort and the always popular Thomas the Tank Engine’s special theme park section.

When it came time for the hotel to replace its old Cambrian Slate roofing material, the management team turned to RML Roofing Contractor, which serves the whole of the UK. TapcoSlate in a Pewter Grey colour was chosen as the authentic-looking replacement for the hotel roof.

“The low gradient/pitch is one of the main reasons TapcoSlate was chosen for this project,” according to David Gillam, CEO of RML Roofing Contractor. “This product, combined with the high-performance membrane and treated timber battens, gives the hotel a new breathable roofing system that should serve them well for many decades to come.”

Project goal

According to David, his roofing company was appointed to deliver a comprehensive roof and external envelope refurbishment to the Premier Inn Hinckley. This covered approximately 1,900 m² of roof area. The hotel’s team was seeking a modern, high-performance solution for their roof that would improve ventilation, weather resistance and long-term durability across the building. TapcoSlate was the answer.

Authentically-shaped with textured surfaces and riven edges moulded from natural slates, TapcoSlate is almost indistinguishable from natural slate. It has an even more refined appearance. The composite product will not crack, break or delaminate.

The product formulation for TapcoSlate and its manufacturing processes provide durability, performance and longevity for many years. And, as both RML Roofing Contractor and Premier Inn Hinckley discovered, by providing a lightweight and easily installed product, installation costs are lower, with less waste!

Getting the job done

To complete the massive roof replacement, the skilled team at RML Roofing Contractor stripped off the existing Cambrian slate roof and then added in the new breathable roofing system, including the Pewter Grey TapcoSlate tiles. Several key aspects of the project included:

• Tiled air vents installed above every guest room to improve roof ventilation and reduce condensation risk
• Upper roof bays were stripped back and refurbished with a new breathable membrane and cladding
• All existing fascias, soffits and guttering were removed and replaced with new systems
• New rainwater goods were installed to correct falls, improving performance and delivering a clean, modern external finish
• Integrated insect mesh was installed to allow airflow while preventing pest ingress

Final results

Both the roofing contractors and management team at Premier Inn Hinckley are extremely pleased with the new roofing system and the TapcoSlate products. The dedicated team at RML Roofing Contractor was able to complete the project safely and efficiently, providing the hotel with a solution for long-term viable commercial use.

“Based on our experience with TapcoSlate on the Premier Inn project, we’re very likely to recommend this product to future customers,” says David. “This composite roofing product helped RML Roofing Contractor significantly improve the overall building performance, resilience and lifespan of the project. We’re proud of the work done on this robust, low-maintenance roofing project and look forward to using TapcoSlate products again on future projects.”

By Tapco Roofing Products. 

How one contractor delivered years of durability, performance and longevity with TapcoSlate.

When roofing contractor Barry Goodwillie was tasked with finding a roofing product for an addition to match up with existing Welsh Slate on a main home in Moneydie, he turned to TapcoSlate.

Authentically-shaped with textured surfaces and riven edges moulded from natural slates, TapcoSlate is almost undisguisable from natural slate.

“The old wooden shingles on the house extension were done after 20 years,” says Barry, director at BG Roofing, a company focusing on providing professional and affordable roofing services in Perth and Tayside. “The extension was not built to support the weight of real Welsh slate, but the lighterweight TapcoSlate is a wonderful solution. This is the first time I’ve used the TapcoSlate and I thought the quality was brilliant. I will definitely use it again on future projects.”

Natural-looking slate appearance

For this job, the homeowners were just as pleased with the outcome as was Barry. He explained: 

They liked how the Pewter Grey slates have a refined appearance, and were pleased we could find an alternative to traditional heavy slate. Most importantly, they were pleased that we still managed to make the TapcoSlate look the same as the rest of the house with its traditional Welsh Slate appearance.

Dependable durability for every job

The product formulation for TapcoSlate and its manufacturing processes will provide years of durability, performance and longevity for the house extension. The composite product comes in 7 colors and will not crack, break or delaminate.

TapcoSlate is made from recyclable virgin limestone and polypropylene. There are no recycled plastics in the products. Fully tested to BBA, UKTA and ETA standards, TapcoSlate has UKCA and CE marking, including fire rating, wind, driven snow and rain and water absorption. The product is also BRE tested for wind-driven rain and it’s found that TapcoSlate performs much stronger than all equivalent materials tested and at a lower pitch. Backed by a 40-year warranty, the roofing tiles cut simply with a fine-toothed saw or sharp utility blade.

“The TapcoSlate was easy to work with,” says Barry. “The pieces have pre-marked nailing and exposure guides and spacers. The project went quite well and I’d be happy to use them again!”

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online. 

On May 1st Tapco® Roofing Products will launch its Second Annual Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards Program. Roofing contractors in the United Kingdom are invited to submit their past projects using TapcoSlate® and DaVinci Select Shake products into the contest.

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online at https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/. Both re-roofing and new construction projects completed within the last six years may be submitted for consideration. There is no fee to enter.

“During our inaugural year in 2025 we identified four extraordinary roofing projects featuring superior craftsmanship,” says Michael Winter, general manager with Tapco® Roofing Products. “We’re seeking additional projects for this year’s competition that meet these high standards.

“Once we locate the winning projects, we’ll have professional photography taken of them to spotlight on our website and in our marketing efforts, and to share with the winners.”

In addition to the publicity and recognition, contest winners will receive £1000 credit on a future Tapco® roofing purchase, the ability to promote their winning project as a Tapco® Masterpiece Project, publicity on RoofersCoffeeShopUK and the creation of a dedicated project profile on the Tapco website. Winners will also receive a luncheon in their honor at their Tapco distributor location.

“We want to recognize the superior craftsmanship of those roofing contractors using our Tapco and DaVinci products to achieve outstanding roofing results and kerb appeal,” says Winter. “Whether it’s a conservatory, a hotel, a home project or any other beautiful use of our products that truly stands out, we want roofing contractors to be recognised for their efforts in the Second Annual Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program!”

Winners in the 2025 inaugural Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program include:

• Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. out of Upper Collwall, Malvern, for the restoration of the roof on the Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants using TapcoSlate® in Pewter Grey.
• H. I. Building Contractors, out of Horsham, West Sussex, for installation of a TapcoSlate® roof in Pewter Grey on a new build project in Coxwold.
• RF Roofing Ltd., out of Coldstream, Berwickshire, for installation of TapcoSlate® tiles in Charcoal Black alongside solar panels on a roof in Lanark in 2024.
• Visions of Oxford Ltd., Oxford, Oxfordshire, for a multi-year project involving a three-stage replacement/new build project transforming and expanding a small, older home into a spacious, larger house using TapcoSlate® tiles in Pewter Grey.

With its authentically shaped textured surfaces and riven edges moulded in each piece, TapcoSlate replicates real slate pieces. However, this durable product will not crack, break or delaminate like real slate. The lightweight, easy-to-install product provides a refined appearance with reduced jobsite waste, resulting in lower installation costs.

For those property owners seeking a real cedar shake look on their homes without the maintenance hassles, DaVinci Select Shake is the answer. Made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilisers along with a highly specialised fire retardant, these composite shakes have a BROOF(t4) Fire rating. The quality design provides an authentic appearance while the exceptional pieces stand up to Mother Nature in all types of weather. Plus, these man-made cedar tiles are backed by a 40-year warranty.

For more information and details on these products and the Second Annual Elite Roofing Awards Program in 2026, go to https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/ or call 01482 880478.

Tapco® Roofing Products bring architectural beauty and outstanding performance to the global roofing market.  

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome Tapco® Roofing Products into their community. 

With a history of innovation that stretches back to 1961 with their introduction of the first portable metal bending machine to the roofing market, Tapco Roofing Products truly stands as one of the premier providers of innovative roofing systems and accessory components in the industry.  Their products are engineered with both contractors and homeowners in mind, delivering both easy, efficient installation as well as long-lasting, maintenance-free durability. With six high volume plants, they manufacture millions of units per year that are then sold through more than “5,000 wholesale, specialty and retail channels worldwide.” 

Tapco Roofing Products focuses on crafting architectural roof tiles that emulate natural slate and cedar roofing without the high maintenance requirements and durability concerns of those materials. Their products are lightweight and install easily, speeding up jobsite installations, resulting in labour and time savings. Perfect for both new build and retrofit applications, the roofing products create visually stunning results for homes and commercial projects.  Their successful product lines include: 

• TapcoSlate®: Offering the beauty of slate with a lightweight touch, TapcoSlate adds the same splendour and durability of slate without the negatives – like cracking, delamination or weight concerns. Designed to be nearly indistinguishable from traditional slate thanks to authentically shaped textured surfaces and riven edges, TapcoSlate is the way to go for creating a traditional slate aesthetic with modern durability, performance and longevity. 
• DaVinci Select Shake: Made from a composite of virgin resins, DaVinci Select Shake is the maintenance-free future of cedar shake roofing in the UK. Unlike natural wood shake, this product comes with a BROOF(t4) Fire rating and an amazing 40-year warranty. Further, the composite nature of the DaVinci Select Shake roofing gives you next level control of colour, allowing you to create any aesthetic with ease.  

Originators of the Elite Awards Program, Tapco Roofing Products is part of the Westlake Royal Building Products™ family. Westlake Royal Building Products is a leader in the manufacturing of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including cladding and accessories, trim and mouldings, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living products. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the Tapco Roofing Products!

By Tapco Roofing Products.

With this Cowfold home's roof, Shane Condell and the H.I. Building Contractors LTD team out of Sussex knocked it out of the park. 

During its inaugural year of the Elite Roofing Awards Program, Tapco Roofing Products is honoring H. I. Building Products for their installation of a TapcoSlate Classic roof on a new build project. Located in Cowfold, the home was constructed in 2021. The TapcoSlate Classic roof, in Pewter Grey, was selected primarily for its impact resistance and natural beauty.

Shane Condell, owner of H.I. Building Contractors LTD out of West Sussex, shared thoughts on the project and the win: 

We’re honored to receive this award. This was a very special project. We took down an existing stable block that had been converted years ago. It was in a very poor state of repair. The owners wanted to create a large double garage, but also create additional accommodations for the family and possibly an Air B&B.

There were many challenges to the project, including a massive fir tree that the family didn’t want to lose. In the past the falling pinecones repeatedly broke the clay tiles as they fell on the roof. One of our priorities was to find an impact resistant roofing material to prevent this situation from happening with the new roof.

Homeowner’s approval

After doing his research, Shane located the TapcoSlate Classic product. The impact and fire resistant roofing material was the ideal solution for the project. Once he presented the product to the homeowners, they were immediately on board.

“The finished roof looked like real slate tiles,” says homeowner Martin Bugler. “We had the fir tree for several more years until it died. During that time we didn’t have any damage at all to the roof. The old-fashioned clay tiles would have been destroyed. The TapcoSlate Classic tiles were definitely a good investment for us.”

According to Shane, he’s returned to the project several times to do other work for the homeowners. There’s never been a callback on the roof, and he’s gained lots of attention from this award-winning project.

I use the Bugler home as an example of the type of work we carry out nearly all the time,” says Shane. “I think TapcoSlate Classic is a great investment due to its resilience and longevity. And I know these clients were over the moon with the final finished product and how the roof ties in with the overall look of the build!”

While the tree that started the search for a durable roof is no longer on their property, the Buglers are thankful they made the investment in the TapcoSlate Classic roof. “If we had to do it all over again, we’d still get a TapcoSlate Classic roof and we’d definitely hire H. I. Building Contractors,” says Martin. “They were both a good investment for us. The roof sets the tone for our home and Shane and his team turned our vision into reality.”

Got a project that stands out like this one? Consider entering it in the 2026 Tapco Elite Roofing Awards.

By Tapco Roofing Products. 

Since installing TapcoSlate on the Malvern Hills Hotel, Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. has worked on almost a dozen additional TapcoSlate projects in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas.

Re-roofing the historic Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants structure back in 2020 was not an easy job. The crew from Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. had to remove badly-deteriorating felt shingles while working in a busy public area. Keeping the site tidy and causing minimal disruption to the hotel’s business was a major challenge. For their efforts, and the beautiful outcome of the project, the contractor has earned a 2025 Elite Roofing Award from Tapco Roofing Products.

Historical setting

Located at the foot of British Camp, an Iron Age hill fort, Malvern Hills Hotel was constructed in 1853. It’s the oldest hotel in the Malvern district, and is a year-round destination for travelers. Over the years the historic structure has received various roofing fixes, some of the most recent from Dean Potts Roofing Ltd.

“We had completed numerous repairs on the hotel roof for many years,” says Dean, owner of Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. “However, when we got to 2020 we advised the owners that they had reached the point where a replacement was needed. The asphalt shingles over the plywood were leaking so much and were in such poor condition that they just weren’t worth fixing any longer.”

Modern slate for historic roof

That’s when Dean introduced TapcoSlate to the hotel’s owner. Made of recyclable virgin limestone and polypropylene, the authentic-looking slate product does not crack or split, and is backed by a 40-year warranty. Best of all for the hotel, it’s lightweight.

Matthew Cooke, proprietor of Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants elaborated: 

The lightweight feature meant that fits well with the joist supports that were already in place, which was a big bonus. TapcoSlate was also a perfect match for the Welsh slate that was on other parts of the building. We definitely believe TapcoSlate was a good investment for the hotel.

More than that, five years later, I would say that if we had to do it all over again, we would get the TapcoSlate roof again. And, we have no hesitation about continuing to work with Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. Their crew is considerate of our guests, clean up after themselves on a daily basis and meet their promised deadlines. We are pleased with the workers and with the results we always get working with this company.

Award-winning project

From Dean Potts’ perspective, he checks regularly on the project and is happy to report that the TapcoSlate roof on the hotel has been problem-free for the past five years. “The owners remain totally happy and the roof looks great,” says Dean. “We recommend that our new customers go look at the hotel before they make a final decision on investing in TapcoSlate. Having this example locally has been very beneficial for our business.”

Since installing TapcoSlate in the Pewter Grey color on the Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants, Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. has worked on almost a dozen additional TapcoSlate projects in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas.

“We recommend TapcoSlate because once installed on a boarded roof it becomes a very stable, efficient roof cover with an impressive looking finish,” says Dean. “The durability of the product when installed, combined with its longevity and warranty, make it possible for us to recommend this product to our customers with complete confidence.”

Has a Tapco Roofing Product helped you excel on a project like Dean? Enter it in the 2026 Elite Roofing Awards! 

By Tapco Roofing Products. 

Why this contractor recommends Tapco time and time again.

Another happy homeowner. Every year Brian Longville adds 70+ TapcoSlate roofs to conservatories on homes throughout Stourbridge and surrounding areas with the same results. Happy homeowners.

“Our customers always remark that the TapcoSlate tiles we use on our conservatory roof projects look amazing,” says Brian, the owner/proprietor of CRI West Midlands. “They tell us the TapcoSlate tiles completely transform the appearance of their conservatory."

He went on, "In most cases the homeowners are excited because a typical conservatory roof means they cannot use that room year round. When we change the roof, we make sure it’s a fully insulated roofing system using TapcoSlate tiles. This way the transformation is not just aesthetically pleasing, but the conservatory is more comfortable. It can be used in any kind of weather, 12 months a year!”

Dependable performance

One of the most recent conservatory installations undertaken by Brian is in the Coleshill area of Birmingham. The customer was exceptionally pleased with the appearance and benefits of the TapcoSlate roof installed in a Pewter Gray color.

As Brian explained to the homeowner, the product formulation for TapcoSlate and its manufacturing processes provide durability, performance and longevity for many years. Authentically-shaped with textured surfaces and riven edges moulded from natural slates, TapcoSlate is almost undisguisable from natural slate. It has an even more refined appearance. The composite product will not crack, break or delaminate.

“We always use TapcoSlate,” says Brian. “We tried other similar products and found the TapcoSlate is the most authentic with the best qualities, so now we stick with this product. We consider it to be the best available composite roofing item on the market. In addition, as installers we find them the easiest tiles to install. Overall, TapcoSlate is a winner for us and for our customers!”

By Tapco Roofing Products. 

Building long-term roofing success with Tapco tiles and solar solutions.

Helping homeowners Emma and Simon Candy make their dream of an energy efficient roof come true has turned into something extra special for roofing contractor Ricky Fletcher with RF Roofing LTD out of Coldstream. For his exceptional work on the project, he is receiving a 2025 Elite Roofing Award from Tapco Roofing Products.

Ricky has fitted more than 75,000 TapcoSlate Classic tiles into place during the past 11 years on at least 30 different projects. However, this was the first time he had ever used the composite slate product alongside solar panels. 

“The amount of solar panels and their positioning on the roof made this a particularly difficult job,” says Ricky. “To get the job started and ensure everything worked out properly I had to rely on all of my 30 years of roofing experience. The width of the TapcoSlate Classic tiles helped out quite a bit. Once the roof was set out properly then it became a fairly easy job to complete.”

Using solar panels

As they started their home preparations, Emma and Simon thought seriously about making their roof “work” hard for them long-term. Working with Eco Power Innovations, their solar system provider, they looked to get the best value solar yield from the roof.

“They managed to design a layout of 25 panels of 405W peak each,” says Simon. “So, our total installed system yields 10.1kWp. We have a 10kWh capacity battery to store surplus daytime energy for use during the evening and night. Since the panels came online in August of 2024, we’ve generated and fed back into the national power grid nearly 50% more energy than we consume.”

Architect's insights

Long before the solar panel and roofing was installed, Emma and Simon met with the team from Allan Corfield Architects (ACA) to gain assistance in creating their bespoke, contemporary home. Their desire was to balance energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal and respect for the rural context of their site.

According to Iga Panczyna, Associate and Senior Chartered Architect with ACA, the homeowners brought the TapcoSlate Classic product into the project after discovering it at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC). Following a review of the technical data, ACA was confident of its suitability for the project. Iga explained: 

The textured moulds and irregular edges of TapcoSlate Classic convincingly reflect the character of natural slate — an important factor in achieving planning approva. There are also practical advantages: the slates are significantly lighter than natural stone, reducing structural loads and easing handling on-site. From an environmental perspective, the slates are made from natural materials, designed for minimal installation waste and offer a long lifespan.

 Unlike some imitation products that struggle to capture the authenticity of natural finishes, TapcoSlate Classic impresses us with its realistic appearance. Its use on the Candy Project in the Charcoal Black color enhances the intended contemporary Scottish aesthetic complementing the rural setting while delivering a clean, modern edge.

 From the carefully considered roof design and renewable energy integration to the successful use of TapcoSlate Classic, the project demonstrates how client vision, sustainable design principles and modern materials can come together to create a home that is both functional and visually striking.

Homeowner's insights

Seeing the Tapco Roofing Products display at the NSBRC was a “real eye-opener” according to Emma Candy, “Both from a distance and being right up next to it you could not tell the tiles weren’t real slate. The product fit in well with our Design Brief in terms of impact and maintenance. Right from the start the goal for the roof was to maximise our solar panels. Next was ensuring the panels and roofing tiles fit seamlessly together to give us a weatherproof and low maintenance structure." 

She went on, "The TapcoSlate Classic product is well suited to support these goals, and Ricky made it happen. We know he and his crew put all their expertise on the line for us to make this a perfect roof. They very much deserve being recognized with this Elite Roofing Award!”

Have you gone above and beyond on a project using Tapco Roofing Products like Ricky did? Consider entering the 2026 Tapco Elite Awards! 

By Tapco Tools. 

How TapcoSlate Classic transformed a home and won the contractor an award.

A three-stage replacement/new-build project that started in 2018 and wrapped up in 2023 transformed the home of Adam Dixon-Chapman. The expansive Oxford project is so exceptional that it has earned its contractor, Visions of Oxford Ltd, a 2025 Elite Roofing Award from Tapco Roofing Products.

Homeowner's vision

TapcoSlate Classic tiles in Pewter Grey were added during the three unique phases of the project to create a clean, modern-looking home. The project transformed and expanded a weary-looking 1960s four-bedroom house into a spacious two-storey home whose exterior shines with grey stonework, stark white rendering and black accents.

“Over six years we knocked out walls, replaced windows, demolished an old garage and built a new one, extended outward in three directions and really changed the footprint of our home,” says Adam. “At various stages, we removed the old brownish concrete roof tiles that were covered in decades of moss and lichen, as well as a large area of flat ply and bitumen roof that was on its last legs.”

 The homeowner made the decision to invest in TapcoSlate Classic after learning about its assets from Clint Ross, owner of Visions of Oxford, Ltd. “This composite slate roofing is realistic-looking, lightweight and impervious to impact damage,” says Adam. “I had never even realized this was a possibility! What really convinced me was when I went to Clint’s house and saw he had actually installed it on his own home. That gave me more confidence that it was a product he truly believed in."

Roofer's commitment

Visions of Oxford has installed TapcoSlate Classic on more than 15 homes in the past decade. According to Clint, he relies on the product as a good investment for his customers because of the product’s appearance, low maintenance needs, long-term dependability and safety aspects.

“I first put TapcoSlate Classic on my new build house and garages in 2015 and we have never installed anything else since then,” says Clint. “I promote TapcoSlate Classic to anyone simply because it’s easy to handle and install, has hardly any wastage and you can walk on it. Plus, it’s a recyclable product and it’s absolutely beautiful on a project once its installed.”

Award-winning project

For the Dixon-Chapman project, Clint stresses that the durability of the product, especially during the different phases of the new build, was a critical aspect. He shared, “I explained to Adam that the TapcoSlate Classic tiles would be easier for the fire escape to get out of the upper windows to walk on (and to also clean the upper windows). These tiles can handle the weight of someone standing on them. The fireproof nature of the tiles, their versatility and expected longevity of the product really sold the homeowners.”

It’s been several years since the project work first started on Adam’s home. During that time Clint has had no call-backs on the roof. With the project now complete, there’s only praise from the homeowner for the Visions of Oxford crew, their work ethics and product selections.

Adam shared some thoughts: 

The team we worked with from Visions of Oxford were always diligent about cleaning up as they went through the project every day. They stayed on the planned schedule, kept me informed and involved and gave me options instead of excuses whenever possible. This company was considerate of my property and the ongoing evolution of the project.

As for the TapcoSlate Classic roof, I’m very pleased with the investment we made. It’s so hardy. I’ve loved not having to stress out about it being damaged when myself or other trades are clomping about on it. It’s basically guaranteed to be maintenance free for many years, so roof repairs will likely never cross my mind again.

For all the exceptional work they did on our project, I’m truly excited that Visions of Oxford has received the 2025 Elite Roofing Award. Really well deserved, and they are great brand ambassadors for Tapco Roofing Products.

If you have a project that stands out like this one, consider entering it into the 2026 Tapco Elite Roofing Awards.