Timeline - Replacing your roof in 5 stages

Timeline: Replacing your roof in 5 easy stages.

Your roof takes all the wear and tear that our weather brings – heatwaves, rain, storms, snow, high winds – even tornados! Replacing your roof is something that you should hopefully only have to do once – so it’s important to get it right. From knowing when to begin the work, through to choosing a supplier, contractor and material, there are lots of things to consider. A new roof is a major investment, so it’s important to take time over your decisions and choose wisely. Here are five essential stages to making your investment work:

Stage 1 – The warning signs!
Always make a close inspection of your roof before deciding whether it needs replacing. Although there are many warning signs to look out for, some can be fixed independently without replacing the whole structure. Missing or loose slates are the most obvious sign that your roof needs work and it’s important to get them fixed quickly – loose slates can cause water damage to the interior of your home and are extremely dangerous if they fall. If too many slates are damaged, your roof will need replacing. The flashing where the roof joins an abutment or chimney should also be checked – it is very susceptible to corrosion which causes leaks, but can easily be replaced without getting an entire new roof. Finally, remember to check the ridges at the top of your roof – if these are in a poor state, it could affect the entire structure.

Stage 2 – Find a contractor
Roofing is a job best left to the professionals and there are lots of roofing contractors out there advertising their services. The best place to start is by getting referrals from friends and family – it’s always best to have first-hand experience of the company you’re intending to use. If you can’t get a recommendation, you should go for a contractor who has a good local reputation and whose work you may be able to go and see. Always get at least three professional quotes to compare and never just go with the cheapest – the best deal may not always be with the lowest price. Check things such as the guarantees and insurance packages that each contractor offers, and what is included in the price – materials, equipment hire and labour.

Stage 3 – Check the contractor is NFRC registered
It is worthwhile to check that the roofing specialist you choose is a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). This organisation has a strict vetting process for its members, so you know your contractor is reputable. Criteria includes proof that the builder has had sufficient roofing experience, quality checks on previous work, spot inspections on the technical competence and craft skills required in different types of roofing, and compliance with the NFRC Code of Practice and British and European Roofing Standards. The NFRC also requires its members to provide Public, Employer’s and Third Party Insurance cover and a valid Health and Safety Certificate. If your contractor is registered with the NFRC they will be able to provide a membership card and a document bearing the TrustMark standard.

Stage 4 – Choosing your roofing material – go green!
When you are replacing your roof, it’s easy to replace like for like as regards materials. However if you fancy a change, there are various options available – just remember to check with your local council first as they may deem some materials out of keeping with the local area. The basic roofing range on offer is slate, clay, concrete, tile-effect metal and the new ‘eco-friendly’ photovoltaic, but there are different styles within each material. Slate is the most expensive option, but is also the most durable and weatherproof. Clay tiles are more widely used in Britain, and come in a variety of shapes, colours and surface finishes. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colours and finishes, and is stronger and more durable than clay – metal roofing usually comes in tile-effect, so won’t detract from the overall appearance of your home. If you really want to push the boat out, and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, go for photovoltaic roofing which has solar capsules embedded in the tile. These capsules harness sunrays and provide energy for your home, without compromising on the performance of your roofing.

Stage 5 – Installation – look out for those hidden extras
When it comes to installing your new roof, it’s obviously a major undertaking. However the contractor should know the best ways to keep disruption to a minimum, and provided the weather is good, there should be no need to interrupt the work. A small and uncomplicated re-roofing can be finished in two or three days – a large and complex job could take over a week. Make sure you final check your bill – builders sometimes charge extra for re-fixing gutters, downpipes and air vents, as well as for cleaning up the area. Check your bill carefully for hidden costs and ensure that you only pay for what you were quoted. Any additional costs should always be approved by you before completion.

Once the basic structure of your new roof is in place, you can consider the finishing touches. There is a wide range of trims, flashings and border plates available to match any design of roof and any roofing material. Once these have been fitted, your new roof will be complete!

www.roofquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.