Envirotile Sustainable Roofing System Survives Devastating Tornado
5th February 2025
A tornado that ripped through Jersey during Storm Ciaran in November 2024 was likely the strongest in the British Isles for almost 70 years. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) said the wind vortex, which swept in around midnight on Wednesday 1 November, was “easily” the most powerful ever recorded on the Channel Islands.
The torrential rain and violent strong winds caused flooding to many areas including Jersey’s Hautlieu and Samarès schools that remained closed in the aftermath of Storm Ciarán. Hautlieu pupils worked remotely until repair works were completed on the roof which suffered “substantial damage”.
At St. Clements Sports Club, the athletics track pavilion had undergone a full new roof installation several months before the storm hit Jersey. Envirotile, the revolutionary, lightweight, interlocking roof tile system was specified for the single-storey sports club building.
The tornado caused widespread damage to many properties across the island, but the award-winning Envirotile sustained no roof damage to any part of the Pavilion.
Technical Product Manager, Kevan Williams from Roofing Distribution UK who supplied the roofing system and worked with the roofing contractor Absolute Roofing said: “Over 4,000 tiles were installed, including ridge and fittings and not a single Envirotile slate was disrupted or damaged by the storm”. With wind speeds of over 104mph, it really highlights the resilience and performance of the Envirotile system. With UK weather patterns changing due to climate change, alongside The Met Office regularly issuing weather warnings, Envirotile should be considered in areas of high wind and weather exposure where traditional roofs could be compromised.
A roof covered using Envirotile, won’t clatter in strong winds as they are made of recycled plastic, and it’s not going anywhere having been tested to wind speeds of 145 km/h on roof pitches as low as 12.5 degrees.
Envirotile has undertaken rigorous testing with many professional bodies to ensure that it can withstand the harshest conditions British weather can throw at it. It is backed by GreenSpec, the foremost ‘Green Building’ resource in the UK. GreenSpec promotes sustainable building products, materials and construction techniques and was launched in 2003 with government funding.
Its technical design helps promote better working conditions for roofers by minimising risk and conforming to the Health & Safety at Work Policy. Being only 20% of the weight of a concrete tile, Envirotile reduces carrying load weights, and the unique polymer material (made from 75% recycled product) means there is no dust during cutting. Envirotiles also assist with improved foot grip whilst traversing the covered tiled roof - and are virtually indestructible.
Each slate is mechanically fixed at 8 different places adding to its robust nature, it also provides a cleaner working environment and a quick and easy installation process.
Envirotile offers a unique design with superior performance
Envirotile has undertaken rigorous testing with many professional bodies so that we can ensure that it is British weather will throw at it.
The Athletics Track Pavilion at St. Clements Sports Club, Jersey