Re-roofing: a new roof, stripped back to the rafters
When a roof is beyond repair we strip it back to the rafters and build it again properly. Recent re-roofs include Redland 49 tiles in Orpington, Milton and Blackfen, and natural slate in Petts Wood.
What a Verge re-roof includes
Everything under the tiles is renewed, not just the tiles. Every re-roof we price includes:
- Scaffolding and safe access, with a skip or grab lorry for the old roof
- Stripping the old coverings, felt and battens back to the rafters
- Any rotten rafter ends, fascia boards or wall plates replaced while the roof is open
- New breathable roofing membrane and new treated battens gauged to the tile or slate
- New tiles or slates of your choice, nailed and clipped to the current standard
- Dry-fixed hip, ridge and verge systems, so there is no mortar to crack and fall out
- New lead to chimneys, abutments and valleys
- Gutters cleared, the site cleaned, and completion photographs
Choosing what goes on
Concrete interlocking tiles such as Redland 49s are the most common choice on houses across the South East: strong, quick to lay and good value. Mini Stonewold and other flat profile tiles give a cleaner, more modern line and suit loft conversions. Plain tiles and natural slate cost more and take longer to lay, and on period houses and in conservation areas they are usually the right answer. We go through the options at the quote visit and name the one you choose on the quote.
How a re-roof runs
The scaffold goes up first. We strip one section at a time and never leave more open than we can make watertight that evening, so the house is sheeted and dry every night. A typical semi takes about a week on site once the scaffold is up, weather allowing, and we give you a date range rather than a single day because nobody strips a roof in front of a storm.
You can stay in the house throughout. We keep the drive and garden clear and tidy every day, and the old roof goes straight into the skip rather than piling up.
Do you need a new roof yet?
A handful of slipped tiles, some moss, or one leak at a chimney is a repair, not a re-roof. The signs that a roof is genuinely finished are widespread: slates slipping all over because the nails have rusted through, tiles crumbling at the edges, battens too far gone to re-hang a tile, or a ridge line that has started to sag. If yours is not there yet, we will tell you and price the repair.
Questions
How long does a re-roof take?
About a week on a typical semi once the scaffold is up, longer for a large or complicated roof or natural slate. We give you a date range with the quote.
Do I have to move out?
No. The house is sheeted and watertight every night, and you can live in it as normal.
Can I keep my old tiles?
Sometimes, if they are sound and the reason for the re-roof is the battens and felt rather than the tiles. We will tell you honestly whether they are worth reusing.
How is a re-roof paid for?
Payment terms are agreed with you before we start and written on the quote.