Collaborative post
No roof lasts forever. Our harsh winter weather along with the wear and tear of age means that most need replacing after 20 to 25 years. However, before you go ahead and arrange to get your roof replaced, there are a few things to consider first. From essentials to optional extras, here’s what you should be thinking about before building a new roof.
Completely new roof, partial replacement or repair?
If your roof is more than a few decades old and has obvious structural issues such as a sagging ridge or has multiple problems such as broken tiles, tears in the felt and weathered flashing; then your best option is a new roof.
However, if your roof isn’t that old but has sprung a leak, it may just need a few repairs rather than a complete replacement. And if there’s just one section that seems to be causing problems, it may be possible to partially replace the roof, rather than the whole thing. Therefore, it’s important to weigh up your options, so you don’t waste money.
If you’re unsure of whether extensive repairs or partial replacement is a better option for your home, ask for a roof inspection to be carried out first. If both a repair and a replacement are viable options, you will need to consider which best suits your budget. But it’s also prudent to factor in other considerations such as energy efficiency, whether you plan to stay in the home long term and what the climate is like where you live. A new roof is likely to keep your home warmer, raise its value and be better at weathering storms.
What type of tiles?
One thing that can affect both the cost and therefore the budget you need is the materials involved in the building work. The average cost of a new roof is £5,000 to £6,000 but it can creep up to around £12,000, depending on the size and the type of materials used.
Typically, concrete tiles are the most affordable option, but these may not work for your home. You may live in a conservation area or have a listed building. So, you might need to replace like-for-like or fit in with the local building style. This may mean spending more on slate tiles, clay pantiles or even thatch.
But it’s not just the cost or local restrictions that matter, what you choose can affect the kerb appeal of your home. So, you need to think carefully about how your new tiles will look and whether they fit the style of your home, rather than simply going for the cheapest option.
Can you boost your energy efficiency?
There are other materials that can affect the cost of your new roof. For instance, you may need to upgrade your insulation in order to meet building regulations. This is usually required if you’re replacing more than 50% of your roof. But whatever the case, 25% of the home’s heat is lost through the roof, so it’s worth making sure it’s up to scratch.
Insulation can be added to the roof itself or to the joists in your loft. Adding insulation to the roof can help to keep the house cool during hot weather. It’s also a good step to take if you’re planning to convert your loft space.
You may also wish to add other energy efficiency measures such as solar panels or tiles. Even though this is an added expense, it’s worth considering the impact on your home and your day-to-day life. For instance, it’ll make older homes much warmer and cheaper to run. So, family life will be much more comfortable in the long run. It can also boost the value of your home, so if you’re considering selling it in the near future, it may be a good return on your investment.
Are there other improvements you can make?
Reroofing your home often encompasses more than just new tiles and battens. And while the scaffolding is up, it’s certainly worth getting other roof-level jobs done as it can save you time and money.
So, it’s wise to think about other issues that may need resolving. If you’re used to frequent wet weather where you live, it’s a good idea to take a look at the guttering. If they typically overflow during heavy showers, they may benefit from some attention. Ask yourself, do they function well enough? Do any sections need replacing? Are there enough downpipes?
Additionally, your home may need new fascias and soffits. Or perhaps your chimney could do with lining or repointing. You may even decide to get a new roof light or Velux window installed to help bring more natural light into the home.
It’s important to take the time to decide if there are jobs like these that you can get done at the same time as it will avoid disruption at a later date. It can also help you determine the best company to carry out the work. Some roofing and building firms can carry out all of these jobs, saving you from needing to hire and organise multiple trades.