A new roof is a significant investment, and getting the specification right from the start saves money and trouble for decades. We install new pitched and flat roofs across Norwich.
A new roof is one of the most important structural investments a property owner makes. Whether you are replacing a roof that has reached the end of its life, re-roofing after storm damage, or building a new structure that needs a covering from the ground up, the choices you make at the specification stage will affect how the roof performs for the next thirty to fifty years. We carry out new roof installations across Norwich on houses, bungalows, extensions, garages, commercial units and outbuildings.
Repairs can only go so far. When a roof is patched repeatedly and problems keep returning, the underlying structure or the original materials have usually broken down to the point where further repair is uneconomical. Common signs that a full replacement is needed include widespread cracked or missing slates or tiles, sagging in the roof deck, persistent damp in the loft even after repairs, and mortar on ridges and hips that keeps failing season after season.
Older roofs often have plain clay tile or natural slate coverings. When these coverings reach sixty or more years of age, the material itself becomes brittle and porous. At that point, replacement with modern concrete interlocking tiles, reclaimed natural slate, or reconstituted slate is typically the more cost-effective path. We assess the existing roof structure, battens, felt underlay and flashings at survey stage so nothing is missed.
A properly installed pitched roof starts well below the tiles. The rafters and any damaged timbers are inspected and replaced where necessary. Breathable roofing membrane is laid across the rafters before tiling battens are fixed. The batten gauge - the spacing between each batten - is set precisely to the tile manufacturer's specification so every tile sits at the correct angle and the roof drains correctly.
Ridge tiles, hip tiles and valley trims are all critical junctions where water can enter if the detailing is wrong. Lead or high-quality code-lead alternative is used at chimney flashings, abutments and around any soil pipes or roof penetrations. On older properties, chimney stacks can need repointing or partial rebuilding at the same time as the roof, and we factor that into the survey rather than leaving it as a surprise.
Eaves and verge details matter too. Open eaves with old-style mortar bedding are a common weak point. Dry-fix verge and ridge systems can be fitted during a re-roof, which reduces reliance on mortar that cracks and falls away over time. These systems are now standard on new builds and perform better in the long run.
Flat roofs on extensions, dormers, bay tops and garages need a different approach. The two main systems we install are built-up felt roofing and EPDM rubber membrane. Each has its place depending on the roof area, falls, drainage arrangement and budget.
Built-up mineral felt roofing uses multiple bonded layers for redundancy. EPDM is a single-ply rubber membrane that handles movement well and can be a sound choice on roofs that see a lot of thermal expansion and contraction. Both systems require correctly formed falls toward outlets and proper detailing at upstands, parapet walls and any roof lights. A flat roof laid without adequate fall is the most common reason these roofs fail within a few years of installation.
The cost of a flat roof depends on the system chosen, access conditions and the complexity of the detailing. Larger areas and straightforward access generally bring the unit cost down.
There is no single correct roofing material for every building in Norwich. The right choice depends on the roof pitch, the age and character of the property, the weight the structure can bear, and budget. Here is a straightforward overview:
We discuss material options with you at the survey stage and explain the practical differences rather than steering you toward whatever is easiest for us to source at the time.
A new covering is only as good as the structure it sits on. Wood rot, woodworm damage and inadequate original sizing are all common findings. Any compromised rafters, purlins or ridge boards need addressing before new slates or tiles go on, otherwise the roof will move and cause premature failure of the new covering.
On new-build extensions and outbuildings, the timber work is typically constructed first and inspected before roofing begins. Correct rafter sizing for the span, proper collars or ceiling ties, and adequate fixing at wall plate level all matter. Where a structural engineer's specification exists, we work to it.
Any new roof installation requires safe working at height. Scaffolding is standard for most new pitched roof projects. The scaffold needs to be erected, inspected and dismantled by a competent contractor, and the cost should be factored into any quote you receive. Be cautious of quotes that seem unusually low because they have omitted scaffold costs - they tend to reappear as extras later.
On flat roof work at low level - such as a single-storey extension - scaffold may be replaced by edge protection or tower scaffolding depending on the drop and the configuration of the building. We confirm what is required at survey stage.
Before work begins, we agree the scope, materials and sequence with you. Stripping the existing roof covering generates a significant volume of waste - old tiles, battens, felt and timber offcuts. Waste skips or bulk bags are arranged in advance. If you have a driveway or restricted access, we plan around that rather than leaving it as an afterthought.
During a re-roof on an occupied house, the property is temporarily exposed while the old covering is stripped and the new underlay and battens are fixed. How quickly the covering goes on after stripping depends on the roof size, detail complexity and weather.
Once the roof covering is complete, lead and flashings are dressed and pointed. Guttering is re-fixed or replaced as needed. The site is cleared and any displaced debris is removed.
To give you an accurate price, we need to see the roof. A photo from the garden and a rough measurement are a start, but a proper survey means we can see the condition of the timbers, the existing underlay, the flashings and any areas of concern that a quote from the ground would miss. Call us to arrange a roof survey at a time that suits you.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
Storm damage, active leak, damaged ridge - we aim to be on-site within 24 hours.
A full roof replacement removes worn, damaged or failing roof coverings and replaces them with new tiles, slates or felt
Slipped tiles, cracked flashing or a persistent leak can cause serious damage quickly. We carry out roof repairs across
Flat roofing for homes and commercial buildings in Norwich and the surrounding area. We work with felt and EPDM rubber s
Rotting fascias, sagging soffits or leaking gutters can cause serious water damage to your home. We replace uPVC and tim
