Replacing a roof is an opportunity to look beyond the visible covering. The specification should consider the existing structure, the condition beneath the tiles or slates, insulation, ventilation and every important junction. A carefully defined scope connects the finished appearance with the practical details needed for the particular property.
Request a roof surveyThe right scope begins with the condition of your property.
Confirm the access, existing condition and any connected work during the assessment. Photographs can help start the conversation.
A wide view of the tiled roof, dormer and chimney. The surrounding building work is still in progress.
Explore the project photographsThe starting point is the property, the existing roof and the reason for the work. Dimensions, access, visible condition and the intended finish all inform the proposal. Some concealed details may remain uncertain until the covering is removed, and the quotation should identify how those findings will be handled.
The covering, underlay, battens, insulation and ventilation need to be considered as a roof system. Changing one element can affect the others. The proposed build-up should suit the roof and the selected products, with technical details resolved before installation rather than relying on a standard solution for every property.
Ridges, verges, valleys, abutments and penetrations deserve the same attention as the main roof surface. These details connect different parts of the building and determine how rainwater is managed. The specification should make clear which existing components are being renewed, retained or altered, including any associated leadwork and roofline work.
A useful quotation covers the work sequence, access, protection, waste, anticipated programme and exclusions. It should identify the relevant approval and certification arrangements for the project. At completion, the handover should distinguish workmanship terms from any manufacturer documentation and explain the maintenance considerations for the installed materials and details.
Before the start date, agree where access equipment, materials and waste will go, which doors or paths need to remain available, and how daily updates will be provided. Discuss roof-space belongings, noise, dust and protection of adjoining areas. The work plan should also explain how the opened roof will be managed between stages and what happens if the weather interrupts the programme.
A handover is more useful when it names the installed products and records the agreed scope, approved changes and important concealed details photographed during the work. Ask which certificates and manufacturer documents apply, who provides each guarantee and how a concern should be reported. Keep the care guidance with those records, particularly where future access, alterations or maintenance could affect the roof system.
Agree what is included, what remains uncertain and how any additional work will be authorised.
That depends on the structure's condition and suitability for the proposed covering and project. The assessment needs to consider more than the external appearance. Where specialist structural advice is needed, that should be identified before the specification is finalised or work proceeds.
A quotation should explain what has been inspected and which concealed conditions remain unknown. Opening the roof may reveal additional issues. The agreed process should require those findings to be explained and any necessary change to scope and cost to be approved before proceeding.
The programme depends on roof size and complexity, access, the specified materials and the work beneath the covering. Weather and concealed findings can also affect progress. A project-specific programme is more useful than a blanket promise, with updates when circumstances change during the work.
Sometimes. Reuse depends on their condition, suitability for the proposed roof and the quantity recoverable during careful removal. The proposal should explain how materials will be sorted, where retained pieces will be used and how any shortfall will be matched or replaced.
The sequence depends on the roof's shape, access, work beneath the covering and protection arrangements. Ask how much will be opened at each stage and how exposed areas will be protected. A temporary roof or other substantial protection should be identified explicitly if included.
Whether you have noticed a problem or are planning a larger change, begin with a few details about the property and the work you have in mind.
Tell us what is happening and how urgently you need help. An online enquiry does not confirm attendance or an emergency response.
