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Roofing

Economical new roof for outbuilding

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.52 PM

Hi, In the garden next to our house (not attached) is a little stone outbuilding/small barn. The roof has been falling in all the time we have been here and we have never been able to use it. Timbers are rotten / collapsing and the tiles are falling in. We are looking for ideas and suggestions of ways to have a new roof put on that will be as economical as possible and make the building usable for storage or as a utility or perhaps greenhouse/ potting shed. There are no restrictions on materials we can use. Is it best to have the old tiles re-used or could we opt for a much lighter roof system? Would the lighter weight timbers make this much more affordable? Would welcome all advice, ideas and suggestions. Thank you!

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

If it were me, I'd re-timber the roof to make sure that all of the roofing timbers were good, then I'd use metal sheets for the roof itself. Depending on what you want to use the building for, it might be worth looking at having a translucent sheet somewhere as that lets a lot of light in. Tiles are very expensive if you don't have enough, slate even more so. There are bitumen sheets that you can use or even shed felt, but I don't recommend either if you are in an area that gets proper weather. You could sheet the roof with OSB sheets and then put a rubber cover on that, but I have found that the best bet is almost always metal sheets. You can get them in various colours and shapes to look like tiles or straight forward corrugated or box section. But metal wins for me everythime.
Answered20 June 2023
4

Anonymous user

To make the stone outbuilding usable and economical for storage or as a utility space, you have several options for a new roof. Reusing the old tiles may provide a traditional aesthetic, but keep in mind that they can be heavy and may require sturdier timbers. Alternatively, opting for a lighter roof system, such as metal roofing or lightweight synthetic materials, can be more cost-effective and easier to install. Lighter weight timbers can reduce costs, as they require less structural support. However, it's crucial to consult with a professional contractor or architect who can assess the building's structural integrity and provide specific recommendations based on your budget, local regulations, and desired functionality. They will be able to guide you on the most suitable materials and construction methods for your specific project.
Answered3 August 2023
0