Renovating your roof can really transform an older property, but it’s worth making sure you get advice and work from trustworthy sources, so we asked Karl Terry for some tips kentpegs.com
Check with your local conservation officer if Listed Building Consent is needed (it always will be for Grade 1 and 2* properties).
Only use an established company. A good starting point is The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, who have a register of vetted heritage approved contractors (see nfrc.co.uk). NFRC contractors can also self certify that all works comply with relevant building regulation through the Roofing Competent Person Scheme nfrccps.com
Seek references and follow them up. Your contractor should be able to provide details of current work they have completed.
Avoid loosely worded estimates, aim to get a fixed price quotation which details all the specifications and materials that will be used. This way you can budget and not be surprised with extras.
Make sure your roof is well insulated but also especially well ventilated. Too much insulation and not enough ventilation can cause condensation. Upgrading of insulation is a requirement of current building regulations when re-roofing.
On tiled roofs, remove moss. Excessive moisture and inadequate drying can cause problems (often on a north slope or shallow pitch). Poor quality tiles are more susceptible to frost damage in areas with moss growth.
Clean out your gutters, valleys and box gutters to avoid leaks.
Check lead flashings to walls and chimneys and, if needed, make sxure lead work meets LSTA specifications (see leadsheet.co.uk).
Check that the pointing of brickwork on chimneys and parapet walls is intact. Also check for loose mortar on ridge and hip tiles. If replacing on a listed building, lime mortar should be used.
Regular maintenance of replacing broken, slipped or missing tiles could prevent the need for a complete renewal. Always replace with top quality matching tiles.
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