What Happens During A Re-Roofing Project

Having your roof replaced is one of the most significant home improvement projects you can undertake, and for many homeowners it is also one of the least familiar.

Unlike a kitchen renovation or a bathroom refurbishment, most people only go through a re-roofing project once or twice in their lifetime, which means the process can feel uncertain and daunting if you do not know what to expect.

Here is a straightforward guide to what a typical re-roofing project involves from start to finish.

The Initial Survey & Quotation

Every re-roofing project begins with a thorough inspection of the existing roof.

A qualified roofing contractor will assess the current condition of the roof covering, the underlying roof structure, the battens, the felt or membrane beneath the tiles or slates, the guttering and any associated leadwork or flashings.

This inspection allows the contractor to identify any additional work that may be required beyond the straightforward replacement of the roof covering, and to provide an accurate, detailed quotation.

It is important to choose a contractor who takes the time to carry out a proper survey rather than simply pricing the job from the ground or from photographs.

A thorough survey at the outset prevents unexpected costs arising during the project and gives you confidence that the quotation reflects the full scope of what is needed.

Choosing Your Materials

Once you have agreed to proceed with the project, the next step is confirming the materials to be used.

For a slated roof, this means choosing between natural slate and artificial slate alternatives (and where natural slate is preferred, selecting the appropriate type - Cornish, Welsh, Brazilian or Spanish).

For a tiled roof, the choice of tile profile, colour and manufacturer needs to be agreed.

Your roofing contractor will be able to advise on the most appropriate materials for your property, taking into account the style and age of the building, any planning or conservation requirements and your budget.

Where reclaimed materials are available and appropriate, these can also be considered for properties where matching the original character of the roof is important.

Scaffolding /Site Preparation

Before any roof work can begin, scaffolding will need to be erected around the property to provide safe access for the roofing team and to protect the building and anyone on the ground from falling materials.

On most domestic properties, the scaffolding will surround the entire roof perimeter and will remain in place for the duration of the project.

Protective sheeting or debris netting is typically installed alongside the scaffolding to contain any materials dislodged during the strip-out phase and to protect windows, guttering and the surrounding garden from damage.

Stripping The Existing Roof

Once the scaffolding is in place, the roofing team will begin stripping the existing roof covering. All tiles or slates are removed, along with the existing battens and the underlay or felt beneath them.

This is the most disruptive phase of the project in terms of noise and activity, but it is typically completed relatively quickly.

During the strip-out, the condition of the roof structure itself is assessed in detail. Any rotten or damaged rafters, purlins or other structural timbers identified during this phase will need to be repaired or replaced before the new roof covering is installed.

Addressing any structural issues at this stage is far more practical and cost-effective than attempting to do so once the new roof is in place.

Installing The New Roof

With the roof stripped back to the structure and any necessary repairs completed, the installation of the new roof can begin.

New breathable membrane or felt is laid across the rafters, followed by new treated timber battens fixed at the correct spacing for the chosen tile or slate. The tiles or slates are then fixed from the eaves upward, course by course, to the ridge.

Flashings, valleys, ridge details and any leadwork are installed as the roofing progresses, making sure all junctions between the roof covering and other elements of the building (such as chimney stacks, dormer windows and parapet walls), are correctly weatherproofed.

New guttering and downpipes may also be installed at this stage if the existing ones are in poor condition or are being replaced as part of the project.

Finishing & Clearance

Once the new roof covering is complete, the roofing team will carry out a final inspection to check that all details are correctly finished and that the roof is watertight.

Any debris generated during the project will be cleared from the site, and the scaffolding will be removed once the contractor is satisfied that all work is complete.

A reputable roofing contractor will also provide you with documentation confirming the materials used and any guarantees that apply to the finished installation.