Smithton has the highest concentration of end-of-life concrete tile in Inverness — large 1960s–70s estates where nail sickness is now almost universal. Re-roofing demand here is higher per street than anywhere else in the city.
Smithton was developed primarily between 1962 and 1975 as one of the largest housing programmes in the Inverness area, creating several large estates of semi-detached and terraced housing on the elevated plateau east of the city. These estates were roofed almost entirely in concrete interlocking tile — the standard volume housing specification of the era — and represent the single largest concentration of this age of tile in the city.
That tile is now 50–60 years old. The galvanised nails used to fix it have corroded through decades of Highland frost cycling, and nail sickness is effectively universal on the oldest Smithton properties. We survey these roofs regularly and the finding is consistent — tiles rocking across the majority of the roof surface, original bitumen felt permeable or failed, and a roof that is no longer functioning as a weather barrier under sustained rain.
Smithton is where we carry out the highest volume of full roof replacements of any single area in our coverage. The work is usually straightforward — strip to rafter, replace felt with breathable membrane, new battens, new concrete tile — but there is a volume of it. If you have a Smithton property from the 1960s–70s, a roof survey is strongly recommended even if you haven't yet had a leak. Many of these roofs are failing silently.
Era: 1960s–1970s large council estates
Roof type: Concrete interlocking tile — the largest single concentration of this era tile in Inverness.
Key streets: Smithton Road, Smithton Park, Nairn Road
Common issues: The most widespread nail sickness concentration in Inverness. Much of Smithton's concrete tile is now 50–60 years old and requires replacement rather than repair.
Slipped slates, frost-damaged ridges and failed flashings. Free quotes, no call-out fee.
Find out more →Full re-roofing for Smithton properties. Free survey, 10-year guarantee.
Find out more →EPDM and GRP flat roofing for extensions and garages in Smithton.
Find out more →Biocide treatment and zinc ridge strip. Highland damp accelerates moss.
Find out more →Frost-damaged pointing and lead flashing failure in Smithton.
Find out more →Smithton is where we carry out the highest volume of full roof replacements in our coverage area. The scale and consistency of the 1960s–70s housing means projects here are often similar in scope and we have the processes refined accordingly. Our survey for a Smithton property of this era is direct — we confirm nail sickness extent, assess felt condition and sarking where accessible, and provide a replacement recommendation with a fixed-price quote within 48 hours. We can typically start a Smithton re-roof within 10–15 working days of quote acceptance and complete a standard 3-bed semi in 4–5 days.
Because Smithton re-roofing volume is high, we carry Smithton-profile concrete tile stock and can often avoid the 2–3 week material lead time that affects less common tile profiles. We use Marley or Redland concrete interlocking tile on all Smithton projects — quality manufacturers with 30–40 year warranties. The cost difference between quality and budget concrete tile is modest; the Highland performance difference over 40 years is significant.
Need a roofer in Smithton? Call for a free quote — no call-out fee.
Call 01463 262835"1968 Smithton semi — tiles rocking everywhere. Full re-roof. New membrane, battens and tile. Excellent result. Wish we'd done it sooner."
"Free survey confirmed nail sickness across 90% of the roof. They were honest — no question, replacement was the right call. Done in 5 days."
"Emergency call — tiles had come off in the wind and we had a live leak. Response was fast considering how close they are to Smithton. Made safe same day, re-roofed the following week."
We cover every neighbourhood in Inverness and a 25-mile radius across the Highlands.
On the original 1960s–70s Smithton stock, nail sickness is typically universal — we find it on virtually every survey. The tiles have been through 50–60 freeze-thaw cycles and the original nails are no longer holding. If your Smithton property is from this era, we strongly recommend a survey.
A standard 3-bed Smithton semi costs £5,000–£8,000 in concrete tile. Some properties have multiple roof sections that increase cost. Free surveys. Call 01463 262835.
Almost always yes — the underlying structure is typically sound and a re-roof transforms the property's protection and value. The roofing cost is modest relative to the property value uplift.
Yes — Smithton is adjacent to our Inverness base. 5–10 minutes. 24/7 emergency cover. Call 01463 262835.
Yes — we carry out free nail sickness surveys on Smithton properties. Call 01463 262835 to arrange.
Modern concrete interlocking tile from a quality manufacturer — Marley, Redland or equivalent. The profile should match the original to avoid planning questions from neighbours. Cost difference between good and poor quality tile is small; performance difference over 40 years in Highland conditions is significant.
A standard 3-bed Smithton semi takes 4–5 days. We strip and re-cover in sections to keep the roof weathertight throughout the project.
April through September is the most reliable window — the frost season is reliably over by April and the Atlantic storm season has not yet begun. August is historically the driest month in Inverness. That said, Highland summer weather is not guaranteed and we build buffer days into all project schedules. For emergency repairs and minor work, we operate year-round in all Highland weather conditions. The only work we will not carry out in winter is GRP fibreglass flat roofing, which requires above-5°C temperatures to cure correctly.
A roof health check covers: ground-level inspection of ridge, hip and chimney using binoculars; close inspection of all accessible sections; loft inspection where access is available; assessment of flat roof sections, valley condition, lead flashings and guttering. You receive a written report grading each element as immediate action, action within 12 months, or monitor. There is no charge for the health check on properties where we have existing work or a quote in progress. Standalone health checks on new properties are £95, deducted from any work arising. Call 01463 262835 to book.
No call-out fee. No obligation. We survey the full roof and give you a written report — not a verbal estimate that changes on the day.
Fixed price before any work starts. Itemised by scope, materials and access. No hidden extras discovered mid-project.
Written workmanship guarantee on all projects. Highland conditions are demanding — our materials and methods are specified to perform here, not in milder parts of the UK.
Based in Inverness. The team that surveys your Smithton property is the team that does the work — not a subcontractor dispatched by a national company.
No call-out fee. No obligation. A straight answer from a local roofer.
01463 262835