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Roofing

Advice regarding new roof - questions to ask

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.02 PM

My house is a Victorian terraced with a loft conversion and my clay roof tiles have deteriorated to such a degree that they need to be replaced. Before I get some roofers to come and quote for the job, it would be good to have a bit of advice so that I know the questions I need to ask. I figure I need to ask about the guarantee and building regs but is there anything ask I need to ask and does the fact I have a converted loft make any difference (such as needing to use a breathable membrane)? The one piece of advice I have received so far is that some of the waterproof membranes are so good that you can replace the felt and still use the original tiles (as the membrane will offer the waterproofing that the tiles are no longer capable of providing). Does this sound logically or should the tiles also be replaced? Many thanks for any advice! Brilliant, Ben thank you so much. May I ask you one further question, as the loft is converted, do I have to use 270mm loft insulation or if there is not space, can I use something not quite as deep?

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

Hi, I have in the past worked for a roofing company etc... And in the building trade for years. The long and short of it is the tiles should be replaced and logically in makes sense. Not only because the roofing membrane is primarily for the the roof to breathe (you will need this) but also the tiles will have to come off before the membrane is replaced anyway. So it makes sense in all directions to replace the tiles. You would be defeating the object otherwise :) . If a roofer suggests to just replace the membrane, then not only would I tell him to get out of your house, but I would be straight on the phone to all roofing government bodies and let them know of this rogue roofer. You need to ask the roofer first and foremost a fixed price is needed, including scaffold. Ask things like is extra air ventilation required? If second hand or new tiles would be best? Are the flashings in need of being replaced? Could you visit a similar job that they have undertaken in the past? A good roofer will show you options of tiles as well and any questions/concerns you have will be answered. They will also replace the roofing battens. In terms of insulation I am unsure as to what the current building regs are as they have been updated numerous times in the last few years regarding insulation but insulation board is probably your most likely insulation (kingspan or celotex). Try looking up both brands they might be able to guide you on this. Hope this helps Ben

Answered13 February 2014

ADR Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5

Boston

Without actually looking at the roof it is impossible to say whether the roof tiles are beyond saving, breathable membrane is now fitted as standard on most new roofs as is upgrading your loft insulation, installing felt support trays, asbestos free soffit boards, new battens, most under felt on a roof has a life span of 20-25years, breathable membrane 35+years most new roof tiles have a life span of 70+years, slate 100+ years, so logically it will depend on the condition of your roof tiles if they need replaced. There is a very successful market throughout the country in the resale of reclaimed slate and clay roof tiles, due to their high cost and long life span. My advice is post the job on the site and a few local roofers round to advise you. good luck Alex

Answered13 February 2014