Norwich Roofers installs new roofs for homeowners in Mattishall, specifying the right materials and system from the outset so the work is done once and done properly.
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A new roof is one of the largest single investments you will make in your home, so understanding what is involved before anyone starts is essential. The work covers stripping the old covering and battens, inspecting the timber structure beneath, replacing any damaged rafters or sarking felt, fitting new battens at the correct gauge, and then laying the new covering - whether that is concrete or clay tiles, natural slate, or a flat-roof system such as EPDM rubber or built-up felt. Guttering, fascias and soffits are often replaced at the same time because they are already exposed.
New roofs are needed on extensions, new builds, and properties where the existing covering has reached the end of its useful life and repeated repairs are no longer economical. On a pitched roof, clay and concrete tiles typically last 50 to 80 years; natural slate can last well over a century with the right fixing and underlay. Knowing what system is going on your home, and why, is the first question worth asking any contractor.
The material is only as good as the installation. A correctly laid roof with a mid-range tile will outlast a poorly laid roof with a premium slate. The biggest source of premature failure on new roofs is incorrect batten gauge, inadequate ventilation, or flashings that have not been properly dressed into abutments. These are not visible from the ground once the job is finished, which is precisely why the contractor selection process deserves serious attention.
Choosing solely on price is a risk. A quote that is noticeably cheaper than others either leaves something out, uses a lighter material, or relies on cutting time on the hidden details. A realistic price for stripping and re-roofing a typical three-bedroom detached home in Norfolk currently falls in the range of £8,000 to £18,000 depending on size, pitch, access, and material. Natural slate sits at the upper end; concrete tile at the lower.
Before you sign or pay a deposit, ask every contractor the same set of questions and compare the answers directly. Vague or evasive answers tell you as much as clear ones.
Ask at least three contractors for written, itemised quotes. A quote that simply says "supply and fit new roof - £X" cannot be compared to anything. An itemised quote will list scaffolding, strip and disposal, underlay, battens, tiles or slate (including the product name and weight per square metre), ridge tiles, hip tiles, flashings, guttering, and any timber repairs as a separate allowance.
If one quote is significantly lower, ask the contractor to explain what makes their price different. A genuine saving might come from buying materials in volume. A false saving usually comes from lighter underlay, fewer fixings, or skipping ventilation. Ask specifically what underlay they are specifying - a breathable membrane with a 25-year manufacturer rating is not the same as a basic polypropylene sheet.
Do not pay a large deposit before scaffolding goes up. A reasonable deposit to secure a start date might be 10 to 15 percent. The bulk of payment should follow the completed strip inspection, with the final payment on practical completion when you have walked around and inspected the work yourself.
A new roof requires proper scaffolding. Any contractor who proposes to do a full re-roof using only a ladder or mobile tower is not working safely, and the quality of work from an unsafe platform is also likely to suffer. Scaffolding should fully surround the area being worked on, include toe boards to prevent materials falling, and remain in place until the job is complete and signed off. Ask who erects and owns the scaffolding, and confirm it will not be taken down before the final inspection.
Flat roof replacements present different access considerations. For larger flat roofs, edge protection and fall-arrest systems are required. If a contractor is not able to describe the safety measures they will put in place, do not proceed.
For flat or low-pitch roofs on extensions and outbuildings, the main systems in use are EPDM rubber membrane and built-up felt. EPDM is a single-ply rubber membrane that is bonded or mechanically fixed to the deck. It is flexible, handles temperature change well, and a quality installation with proper detailing at upstands and outlets can last 20 to 30 years. Built-up felt uses multiple layers of bitumen-bonded felt, often with a mineral-surfaced cap sheet, and remains a cost-effective option for smaller areas. The choice depends on the roof area, the detail complexity, and budget.
For flat roof replacements, expect to discuss deck condition before any surface system is specified. A new membrane over a rotten or deflecting deck will fail regardless of the membrane quality. The deck inspection is part of a proper survey, not an optional extra.
If you have been considering a rooflight or skylight, a new roof is the right time to have one installed. The opening, kerb, and flashing work are all part of the same operation and cost far less than returning to a finished roof later. Discuss position, size, and the type of rooflight - fixed, centre-pivot, or top-hung - before work starts, so the structural opening can be planned into the strip phase.
We install new roofs for homeowners in Mattishall and across the Norwich area, covering pitched and flat roof systems on homes, extensions, and new builds. If you are at the stage of getting quotes, call us for a roof survey so you can compare our specification against others you receive.
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Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
