Believe Housing, Quarrington Hill

This retrofit project in Quarrington Hill involved the installation of in-roof solar PV systems to existing social housing properties that had previously undergone re-roofing works under the Sandtoft wienerberger RoofSpec 15-year guarantee.

The solar PV products were installed by trained roofing operatives who had received on-site instruction from Sandtoft wienerberger technical representatives. This hands-on training ensured that the installation team was fully familiar with the system requirements and followed manufacturer guidelines precisely, supporting both the technical performance of the panels and the validity of the RoofSpec guarantee.

Installation was carried out in line with detailed PV layout drawings provided by Sandtoft wienerberger, ensuring correct positioning, alignment, and integration with the existing roof coverings. Each layout was tailored to the individual property, optimising energy generation according to orientation, pitch, and available space while maintaining a uniform visual appearance.

The panels themselves were lightweight and designed for ease of handling, allowing efficient installation with minimal disruption to residents. The same contractor who delivered the original re-roofing works also carried out the PV installation, ensuring continuity of workmanship and familiarity with the roof structure and materials.

Once installed and weathered into the roofline, specialist electrical contractors completed the system connections, linking the solar arrays to the homes’ electrical systems and fitting generation meters in accessible locations for tenant monitoring.

The overall approach reflected best practice in coordinated roofing and renewable integration — combining manufacturer-backed training, clear technical documentation, and consistent quality assurance to deliver a safe, efficient, and high-quality result.

Main Products: 

• RoofSpec 15-year Guarantee – Comprehensive specification performance guarantee covering the entire roof.
• Sandtoft Roof Tiles (Danum)
• In-roof Solar PV System – Including fittings, ridge and hip tiles, cloaked verge tiles, left-hand verge tiles, etc.
• Sandtoft Accessories – Ventilation tiles, dry valleys, and other roof components.
• Sandtoft Roof Systems – Profile Ridge, Roll Ridge, Roll Hip, Multiverge, and associated systems.
• Underlay – Vapour Permeable Membranes such as Sandtoft Classic or Super VPM, and Air Permeable Viking Air Membrane.
• Battens – Specified in accordance with BS 5534.
• Nails – Aluminium ring shank nails for tile and clip fixing (Sandtoft-specified).
• Clips/Hooks – Sandtoft-tested components conforming to BS 5534 wind uplift resistance standards.

All products were carefully selected to ensure long-term performance, visual cohesion, and full warranty protection, essential priorities for both the client and delivery team.

The solar installations were completed on properties that had already benefited from Sandtoft wienerberger re-roofing under the RoofSpec guarantee. Maintaining this warranty required that all new works, including solar PV, were fully compatible with the original specification.

By using an integrated system from the same manufacturer, the project team ensured that the RoofSpec guarantee remained valid across both the roofing and solar components, mitigating any risk of future liability disputes between manufacturers.

Aesthetics were also key: the low-profile solar panels provided a sleek, seamless appearance that complemented the existing roof design, maintaining visual uniformity across the estate. This was especially important in preserving the residential character and community identity of the area.

Choosing a coordinated, single-supplier system delivered consistency in performance, simplified installation, and long-term peace of mind for both client and residents. It also reflected a forward-thinking approach to sustainable building, supporting renewable energy adoption without compromising quality or appearance.

The project was completed on time, within budget, and to the full satisfaction of both the client and residents — with no negative feedback received post-completion.

Despite the added complexity of coordinating renewable upgrades across multiple occupied homes, the works were delivered efficiently thanks to proactive scheduling, collaboration with supply chain partners, and effective resident communication. The use of an integrated roofing and solar system streamlined the installation process, avoiding delays and ensuring warranty continuity.

Budget control was achieved through early engagement with subcontractors and proactive procurement, which helped maintain cost stability and prevent supply chain disruptions. Using a unified manufacturer system reduced risk, improved compatibility, and avoided post-installation disputes — all contributing to financial and operational efficiency.

From the client’s perspective, the scheme fully aligned with both technical expectations and sustainability goals. The inclusion of solar PV technology in previously re-roofed properties represented a strategic investment in long-term environmental performance.

Resident feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with tenants welcoming the opportunity to reduce electricity costs and praising the professionalism and minimal disruption during installation. Post-completion engagement confirmed that the project was well received and smoothly delivered.

Overall, the Durham – Believe Housing, Quarrington Hill project stands as a model of collaborative, sustainable refurbishment — uniting traditional roofing excellence with future-focused energy solutions. It demonstrates how coordinated system design, technical training, and quality assurance can deliver high-performing, tenant-focused results in a live residential environment.

• Location: Durham
• Client: Believe Housing
• Manufacturer: wienerberger
• Installed System: Full roof build-up including battens, clips, tiles, fittings, accessories, Solar PV
• Guarantee: 15-year RoofSpec+
• Key Outcome: EPC rating improvement, reduced bills, high tenant satisfaction.

Products Used

• Sandtoft In-roof solar, Roof Systems and Accessories
• Danum TLE Solution (Tile, Dry Verge etc.)